Universal social protection for better health, improved resilience and poverty reduction

Background

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), together with the European Commission and the Government of Qatar, will convene a Solution Session at the Second World Summit for Social Development. The event forms part of a broader series of Solution Sessions aimed at to deepen the understanding of how to design universal social protection systems that maximize social development outcomes.

The event will highlight innovative country approaches in tackling poverty by strengthening social protection and health systems in a synergetic manner — despite fiscal challenges and the looming climate crisis. Building on key global reports, namely the ILO World Social Protection Report 2024-26, the WHO World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity, 2025, the event will present evidence on effective policy measures to prevent and reduce poverty, expand the dividends of universal social protection policies and to enhance their adaptative and mitigative potential.

The discussion will explore the following questions:

• With the overarching goal of poverty eradication, how can universal social protection (USP) and universal health coverage (UHC) as twin goals be achieved, and what are the difficulties encountered on this path?
• How have countries built integrated policy approaches that go beyond sectoral silos to deliver results with a focus on populations that are most in need and at risk of poverty? How can joined-up social policies ensure that those with greater need for health and income security have access to affordable and quality healthcare?
• How can countries encourage adequate and equitable financing to mobilize maximum available resources, such as through social security contributions, progressive taxation based on the principle of solidarity, and keeping in mind that social investment has long-term economic and employment gains when well designed?

Speakers

• H.E. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour, Qatar
• Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, European Commission
• Khrystyna Hayovyshyn, Chair of the 64th session of CSocD, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN
• Francisca Gallegos Undersecretary of Social Development, Chile
• Angela C. Kawandami - Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Zambia
• Elly Rosita, President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSBSI)
• Tahi Malik Javaid, President, Employers' Federation of Pakistan
• Gita Sen, Professor Emeritus at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, India
• Dr Rayana Bou Haka, Representative and Head of Mission, WHO Qatar Office

Moderator

• Shahra Razavi, Director, Universal Social Protection Department, ILO

WSSD Background Paper: Universal social protection for better health, improved resilience and poverty reduction