The role of social protection in the fight against hunger and poverty
The 5th Policy Dialogue on Social Protection and Development, held at the OECD in Paris, brought together policymakers, researchers, and international professionals to discuss the role of social protection in combating poverty and hunger. The dialogue explored how social protection programs can improve child nutrition, support family farmers, and reduce the risks of environmental shocks for vulnerable populations.
Participants, including Renato Godinho, interim coordinator of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, discussed evidence around social programs dedicated to improving the nutrition and food security of children, poor households, and smallholder farmers. Renato Godinho also made a presentation about the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, highlighting its objectives, governance, and operations.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty and hunger are unlikely to be met by 2030. Some 575 million people will still be living in extreme poverty, and only about one-third of countries will meet the target to halve national poverty levels. Global hunger has returned to 2005 levels, with over 600 million people likely to face hunger in 2030.
Social protection will be key to changing this trajectory. Investing in social protection programmes can help reduce poverty and improve health, education, and nutrition outcomes. It can also support people in vulnerable groups who face additional challenges due to intensifying extreme weather events.
The Dialogue summary and key messages document highlighted the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty as one of the Global Initiatives that support social protection systems as key tools to eradicate hunger and poverty. The Alliance will act as a neutral broker in a fragmented social protection landscape, creating conditions for countries to effectively implement their own programs.
Download the summary and key messages document here:
Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
The initiative aims to eradicate hunger and poverty by 2030, reduce inequalities, and contribute to revitalized global partnerships for sustainable development. It prioritizes inclusive and just transitions, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The Alliance operates through three main pillars – national, financial, and knowledge – designed to mobilize and coordinate resources for evidence-based policies adapted to the realities of each member country. Although the G20 was the launchpad for the initiative, the Alliance will function as an independent global platform, with the ongoing support and possible impetus of future G20 presidencies.
