Informality remains the predominant form of employment worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, shaping the livelihoods of billions of workers and their families. Yet it is often associated with heightened vulnerability and limited protection against economic, social and environmental shocks. Global megatrends, including demographic shifts, technological change and climate risks further compound these challenges. Strengthening the resilience and livelihoods of informal workers is critical to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and requires robust evidence, sustained monitoring and coherent policy action.
Drawing on updated data from the Key Indicators of Informality based on Individuals and their Households (KIIbIH), this new report of the OECD Development Centre spotlights the policy instruments that can address informality and mitigate the adverse effects of global change on informal workers and their households. It underscores the importance of a renewed social contract, locally driven approaches and greater policy coherence in building more inclusive and resilient economies.
Following a presentation of the report’s key findings, panelists will explore how evidence may be turned into effective policies to address the effects of informality on people and their livelihoods.