6th Policy Dialogue on Social Protection and Development

Social protection lies at the core of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and plays a vital role in eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities. However, accelerating the expansion of social protection coverage will require substantial resources. Taking place just months after the conclusion of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), the opening session will convene high-level policymakers and representatives of international organisations to present key outcomes from the conference and share concrete insights on the way forward.

Speakers:

·       Mr. Federico Bonaglia, Deputy Director, OECD Development Centre

·       Ms. Shahrashoub Razavi, Director, Social Protection Department, International Labour Organisation

·       Mr. Jamele Rigolini, Senior Advisor for Social Protection and Labor, World Bank

Social protection systems demand consistent and sustainable long-term financial commitments. In this context, the mobilisation of regular domestic and local resources – such as progressive taxation and social security contributions – is essential. Drawing on country experiences, this session will examine how social protection policymakers can engage effectively with their counterparts in budget and finance ministries to build a compelling case for investment in social protection. The session will highlight national experiences associated with expanding social protection coverage, related costing and to allocate fiscal resources in line with policy priorities.

Moderator: Mr. David Brück, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the OECD and Chair of the OECD Development Centre Governing Board

Speakers:

·       Mr. João Paulo Faria, Chief legal advisor and Head coordinator of the Fiscalization Network for the Single Registry and the Bolsa Família programme, Ministry of Social Development, Brazil

·       Mr. Lazarus Mwelwa, Assistant Director of the Budget Office, Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Zambia

·       Mr. Matar Sène, General Delegate for Social Protection and National Solidarity, Ministry of Community Development, Social and Territorial Equity, Senegal

·       Mr. Napoom Suwannapoom, Head of Actuarial Unit, Social Security Office, Thailand

Discussants:

·       Ms. Gioia de Melo, Tax Economist, Country Tax Policy Unit, OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration

·       Ms. Evelyn Astor, Director, Economic and Social Policy Department, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

In recent years, the aid landscape has undergone significant transformation, shaped by both long- and short-term drivers such as shifting priorities, tightening budgetary constraints, political changes, and the emergence of new actors. Ongoing uncertainty surrounding the medium- to long-term availability of multilateral and development aid financing – coupled with persistent criticisms regarding its effectiveness – has prompted a re-examination of the role of development cooperation. This session, convening representatives from both donor and recipient countries, will explore which aspects of social protection should be prioritised by development aid, the most effective modalities for its delivery, and how external support can contribute to strengthening national social protection systems, including their financing. Participants will reflect on the key factors that contribute to successful international cooperation in the field of social protection and consider innovative approaches that may enhance its impact in the future. 

Moderator: Mr. Carsten Staur, Chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee

Speakers:

·       Ms. Paula Nolan, Development Specialist, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland

·      Mr. Peter Ombasa, Senior Social Protection Specialist, National Social Protection Secretariat, Kenya

·      Mr. Stephen Omojong, Product Development Manager, National Social Security Fund, Uganda

Discussants:

·       Mr. Renato Domith Godinho, Executive Director, Support Mechanism of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty 

·     Umberto Cattaneo, Public Finance Specialist, Universal Social Protection Department, International Labour Organization (ILO)