New York (ILO News) – The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be the most serious global public health and socio-economic crisis to face the world in the past century, threatening the long-term livelihoods and wellbeing of millions. Secretary-General António Guterres convened a high-level meeting on jobs and social protection for poverty eradication under the aegis of the Financing for Development in the Era of COVID19 and Beyond Initiative (FfDI), supported by the ILO, during the United Nations General Assembly 76th session on September 28. Speakers expressed commitments to set the world on course toward inclusive recovery and prosperity. The UN Secretary-General delivered opening remarks highlighting the need to invest in a job-rich, socially inclusive and green recovery from COVID-19.

To break cycles of deprivation, we must invest in decent jobs & #ClimateAction, underpinned by robust social protection systems.

Our new initiative with @ILO aims to help create 400 million jobs & extend social protection to 4 billion people by 2030. https://t.co/4P6t56KQdl pic.twitter.com/PKmnB4KO5R

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 28, 2021

The Secretary- General’ launched a new policy brief “Investing in Jobs and Social Protection for Poverty Eradication and a Sustainable Recovery” in which he announced the creation of The Global Accelerator for Jobs and Social Protection. The policy brief set the stage for the high-level meeting as Heads of States and Governments, leaders from the private sector, trade unions and civil society made commitments to support enhanced action for decent jobs, just transition and social protection.
Jamaican Prime Minister Mr. Andrew Holness as co-convener of the Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond Initiative (FfDI), gave an opening statement, followed by Mr. Guy Ryder, Director-General, International Labour Organization who set the stage for the panel discussion.

The world was not prepared for #COVID19. It must be ready to deliver a recovery that benefits all.

This means injecting the necessary finance to support all countries.

The @UN & @ILO Global Accelerator for Jobs & Social Protection is designed to do that: https://t.co/H3UeUrsxkh

— Guy Ryder (@GuyRyder) September 28, 2021

Heads of State and Government highlighted their support for the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection and made commitments to achieve universal social protection. The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other international institutions echoed the Secretary-General’s call to action. They also highlighted their work in support of low-income economies. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) was a key topic as panelists highlighted the need to invest in developing economies to fight against the impacts of the pandemic and most notably re-channel SDRs to low-and-middle income countries. Several speakers emphasized the importance of fair vaccine distribution as a prerequisite for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Learn more about the high-level meeting and The Global Accelerator for Jobs and Social Protection at Financing for the Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond Initiative (FFDI)