Universal Social Protection
Universal Social Protection in a Changing World: Advancing Social Development and Decent Work Geneva, 4 November 2026, 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. CET, Room VII, ILO HQ and online,
The Institute for Public Diplomacy invites its members to express their interest in participating in the international conference “Universal Social Protection in a Changing World: Advancing Social Development and Decent Work,” taking place on 4 November 2026 at ILO Headquarters in Geneva and online.
Conference agenda:
Social protection had moved from the margins of the development agenda to a position of much greater prominence. Once considered as something governments could afford only when they had reached a certain level of development, social protection has increasingly come to be recognized as a precondition for economic and social development, one of the four pillars of decent work, and a critical stabilizer in times of crisis.
At a time of persistent and, in many contexts, rising inequalities, it is also fundamental to advancing social justice and ensuring that the benefits and costs of economic and social transformations are shared more equitably.
Today, in an era of multiple and overlapping crises, the importance of social protection is more widely recognized than ever. It is seen as essential in enabling societies to navigate profound transformations — whether driven by climate change, demographic shifts, digitalization and AI, food price volatility or conflict. In the context of rapidly changing labour markets, and persistent and widening inequalities, strengthening social protection systems is key to promoting decent work, reinforcing social cohesion and reinvigorating social contracts. At the same time, growing geopolitical tensions, the erosion of multilateral cooperation and reduced fiscal space due to competing claims on public budgets, growing debt distress and declining ODA constitute a significant threat to the social dimension of development and the sustainability of social protection systems.
Why does this matter for labour diplomacy?
Labour diplomacy extends beyond traditional industrial relations and collective bargaining. It also concerns the representation of workers, working families and broader societal interests in international decision-making processes.
Universal social protection raises important questions:
How can workers and vulnerable communities be protected amid technological and economic transformations?
What role should civil society and academia play in shaping global social development policies?
The conference will examine the challenges and opportunities facing universal social protection, including growing inequalities, constrained public financing, declining official development assistance and the changing geopolitical environment. It will also consider how international commitments can be translated into effective national policies.
For the Institute, this discussion is particularly relevant to advancing labour diplomacy as a form of civil society engagement in global governance, ensuring that the interests of working people and communities are meaningfully represented in international policy processes.
Conference details
📍 Venue: Room VII, ILO Headquarters, Geneva
📅 Date: 4 November 2026
🕤 Time: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CET
🌐 Participation: In person and online
🗣️ Interpretation: French and Spanish available
Institute members are invited to attend and engage in this important international discussion. Participation offers an opportunity to follow emerging policy debates, exchange perspectives with international stakeholders and contribute to a broader understanding of the role of social protection in advancing decent work and social justice.
Let us strengthen the voice of civil society in shaping the future of social development and the world of work.
