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Jeffrey D. Sachs, Gilbert F. Houngbo, Shahra Razavi, Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Céline Peyron Bista, Christina Behrendt, Clara Van Panhuys, David Stewart, Dominique Libault, Guy Ryder, Helmut Schwarzer, Ian Orton, Kroum Markov, Loveleen De, Lou Tessier, Maribel Ortiz, Marie-Christina Dankmeyer, Moussa Oumarou, Patience Matandiko, Raúl Ruggia Frick, Samia Kazi Aoul, Simeon Bond, and Valérie Schmitt

Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security (Art. 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), regardless of where they live or who they are, simply because they are human beings. Yet, only 46.9 per cent of the global population are effectively covered by at least one social protection benefit, while the remaining 53.1 per cent are left entirely unprotected. This means that despite the progress made in many countries of expanding provisions, 4.1 billion people must still fend for themselves when their health, incomes or jobs are at risk, instead of all people standing together in solidarity and collectively ensuring that no one is unprotected. Even fewer people enjoy comprehensive protection against the whole range of risks and challenges which may occur over the life cycle, such as maternity, raising children, sickness, unemployment and disability benefits, old-age pensions as well as social health protection. Such comprehensive protection is needed for a dignified life, through entitlements solidly anchored in national law, providing people with peace of mind secure in the knowledge they can access adequate benefits and services if and when they need them.

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Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security (Art. 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), regardless of where they live or who they are, simply because they are human beings. Yet, only 46.9 per cent of the global population are effectively covered by at least one social protection benefit, while the remaining 53.1 per cent are left entirely unprotected. This means that despite the progress made in many countries of expanding provisions, 4.1 billion people must still fend for themselves when their health, incomes or jobs are at risk, instead of all people standing together in solidarity and collectively ensuring that no one is unprotected. Even fewer people enjoy comprehensive protection against the whole range of risks and challenges which may occur over the life cycle, such as maternity, raising children, sickness, unemployment and disability benefits, old-age pensions as well as social health protection. Such comprehensive protection is needed for a dignified life, through entitlements solidly anchored in national law, providing people with peace of mind secure in the knowledge they can access adequate benefits and services if and when they need them.

In addition to being a human right, social security is a socio-economic necessity. It prevents or at least alleviates poverty and reduces vulnerability, social exclusion and inequality. From an economic standpoint, a healthier and better-educated workforce is more productive, supporting inclusive and sustainable growth. Social protection stimulates aggregate demand during economic recessions, thereby acting as an economic stabilizer, and facilitates and smoothens structural transformations, for instance from carbon-intensive to carbon-free sectors, by ensuring that workers have adequate support during these transitions.

This MOOC provides an introduction to social protection, its main concepts, needs for social protection and coverage over the life cycle, the basics of the design and implementation of social protection systems, including floors, and the central role of social protection in confronting the major challenges that the world is facing.

The MOOC enables learners to understand the key social protection concepts and the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to social protection. It also provides participants with critical insights into policy options and social protection strategies in the context of decent work and general socio-economic development.

This course provides a useful resource for policy makers, social partners, civil society organizations, development actors, university students and others who may or may not be directly involved in social protection issues but who work or are likely to work in a related field such as development cooperation, public finances, economic and social development, rural development, environmental issues, etc.

This MOOC has been produced by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the French National Social Security School ( l’Ecole nationale supérieure de Sécurité sociale or EN3S). It builds on ILO knowledge and field experience on the development of universal social protection systems based on the application of international social security standards, particularly the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102), and the Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202).

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • By the end of this course, participants will understand:
  • What the human right to social security entails and the state of social protection coverage around the world;
  • The concept of universal social protection and how countries ensure that everyone have access to health care and income guarantee over the life cycle;
  • How countries design, implement and manage their social protection systems; and
  • The role of social protection to face the current challenges of a world in transformation.

Syllabus

Introduction: Universal social protection at the crossroads
A brief introduction and rationale for the course.
Module 1: Social protection: A human right, but not a reality yet all over the world
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Discusses on what the right to social security entails and why no society or economy can expect to prosper without social protection.
Chapter 1. Social protection: A human right, socio-economic necessity and cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Chapter 2. Social protection around the world: Who is covered against what, how and where?
Module 2: Universal social protection over the life cycle
Explains the concept of universal social protection and examines the protection over the complete life cycle.
Chapter 1. Building comprehensive social protection systems with a solid social protection floor.
Chapter 2. Social health protection and access to health care without hardship for all.
Chapter 3. Social protection for families.
Chapter 4. Social protection and risks during the working life.
Chapter 5. Social protection during old age.
Chapter 6. Long-term care.
Module 3: From social protection policies to solid and inclusive social protection systems.
Focuses on the process of building and maintaining inclusive and solid universal social protection systems.
Chapter 1. A shared vision to build social protection systems.
Chapter 2. Ensuring gender-responsiveness and disability-inclusiveness.
Chapter 3. Financing social protection.
Chapter 4. Coordination within and beyond social protection systems.
Chapter 5. Good governance of social protection systems.
Module 4: Social protection in a changing world
Analyses social protection in the light of the major forces that have been reconfiguring the world.
Chapter 1. Making work decent.
Chapter 2. Social protection across countries.
Chapter 3. Social protection and climate change.
Chapter 4. Social protection at the crossroads: Shaping the future of social protection.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
A great pick for students looking to build a more just society that leaves no one behind
A well-structured course that builds a strong foundation for everyone regardless of their knowledge level of social protection
Taught by top minds in the social protection field: Guy Ryder, Gilbert Houngbo, and Maribel Ortiz
Geared toward policy makers, social partners, and civil society organizations, and provides useful information for those in development cooperation, public finances, economic and social development, and rural development
Covers the latest developments in social protection through the lens of major forces reconfiguring the world, including making work decent, social protection across countries, social protection and climate change

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Making Universal Social Protection a Reality with these activities:
Read about human rights
Get a strong foundation by familiarizing yourself with the concept and types of human rights.
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  • Read about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
  • Learn about the history and development of human rights.
  • Understand the different categories of human rights, such as civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
Review Concepts of Social Justice and Human Rights
Refreshing your understanding of social justice and human rights will strengthen the foundation for your learning in this course.
Browse courses on Social Justice
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  • Review the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
  • Read articles and books on social justice and human rights.
Analyze social protection policies
Develop an analytical understanding of different social protection policies.
Browse courses on Social Security
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  • Identify the different components of a social protection policy.
  • Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different social protection policies.
  • Compare and contrast different social protection policies.
Six other activities
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Review 'Social Security: A Human Right' by Colin G. Williams
Reviewing this book will provide an overview of the historical development and philosophical underpinnings of social security as a fundamental human right.
View Real World Research on Amazon
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  • Read the introduction and first two chapters, which provide a general overview of social security and its historical development.
  • Review the chapters on the different components of social security, such as healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pensions.
  • Consider the author's arguments for why social security should be considered a human right.
Practice Applying the Social Protection and Human Rights Indicators (SPHRIs)
Practicing the application of SPHRIs will enhance your ability to assess and monitor the effectiveness of social protection systems.
Browse courses on Human Rights
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  • Review the SPHRI methodology and indicators.
  • Apply the SPHRIs to analyze a specific social protection program or policy.
  • Interpret the results and identify areas for improvement.
Volunteer at a social service organization
Gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of social protection by volunteering.
Browse courses on Welfare
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  • Identify a social service organization that aligns with your interests.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteering opportunities.
  • Complete the necessary training and background checks required by the organization.
  • Participate in volunteer activities that align with the organization's mission.
Design a Universal Social Protection System for a Developing Country
This project will provide practical experience in designing and implementing a comprehensive social protection system tailored to the specific needs of a developing country.
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  • Research the current social protection landscape in the chosen country, identifying gaps and challenges.
  • Design a comprehensive social protection system that addresses the identified gaps and challenges.
  • Develop a plan for implementing the designed system, including funding strategies and stakeholder engagement.
Volunteer with a Social Protection Organization
Volunteering with a social protection organization will provide you with practical experience, enhance your understanding of real-world challenges, and contribute to the improvement of social protection systems.
Browse courses on Volunteering
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  • Research different social protection organizations.
  • Identify opportunities to volunteer your time and skills.
  • Commit to a volunteering role and actively engage in the organization's activities.
Develop a Social Policy Brief on Expanding Access to Social Protection
Creating a policy brief will enable you to synthesize your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in expanding access to social protection and communicate your recommendations effectively.
Browse courses on Social Policy
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  • Research the current state of social protection and the gaps in coverage.
  • Identify potential policy options for expanding access to social protection.
  • Analyze the potential impact and feasibility of each policy option.
  • Develop a policy brief that outlines your recommendations for expanding access to social protection.

Career center

Learners who complete Making Universal Social Protection a Reality will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Health Manager
A Health Manager oversees health systems to ensure that patients receive quality healthcare. In this role, you might manage a team that provides social health protection. Digging into this course may help you tangibly build skillsets in universal healthcare. These skills and the knowledge you gain from this course could serve as a strong foundation for your career in health management.
Government Relations Manager
Government Relations Managers advocate on behalf of companies or organizations to government entities. You might work on policies that impact social protection programs. This course may help you build a foundation in the importance of social protection and give you a decent concept of how these programs are structured.
Social Worker
Social Workers advocate for and provide support for people in need. In this role, you might work with clients who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, or other social problems. This course may help you develop a deeper understanding of the challenges that people face and how social protection programs can help.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. In this role, you might work on policies related to social protection, such as health care, education, or housing. This course may help you develop the skills you need to analyze the impact of social protection policies.
Economist
Economists study how economies work and how to improve them. In this role, you might research the impact of social protection programs on economic growth and development. This course may help you better understand the economic case for social protection.
Researcher
Researchers conduct research on social protection issues. In this role, you might work for a university, a think tank, or a government agency. This course may help you develop the skills you need to conduct research on social protection issues.
Program Manager
Program Managers oversee the implementation of social protection programs. In this role, you might work for a government agency or a non-profit organization. This course may help you develop the skills you need to manage social protection programs effectively.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects. In this role, you might work on projects related to social protection, such as building a new hospital or implementing a new social protection program. This course may help you develop the skills you need to manage social protection projects successfully.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice to governments, businesses, and other organizations on social protection issues. In this role, you might work on projects related to designing, implementing, or evaluating social protection programs. This course may help you develop the skills you need to be a successful consultant in the field of social protection.
International Development Specialist
International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. In this role, you might work on projects related to social protection, such as providing access to healthcare or education. This course may help you understand social protection is vital in developing countries.
Lawyer
Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations. In this role, you might work on cases related to social protection, such as representing clients who are denied access to healthcare or education. This course may help you develop a better understanding of the legal framework for social protection.
Human Rights Specialist
Human Rights Specialists work to protect and promote human rights. In this role, you might work on issues related to social protection, such as ensuring that everyone has access to healthcare or education. This course may help you better understand the human rights dimension of social protection.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. In this role, you might teach courses on social protection or related topics. This course may help you develop the skills you need to be an effective teacher in this field.
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and report on news stories. In this role, you might cover stories related to social protection, such as the impact of a new social protection program or the challenges facing people who are denied access to healthcare or education. This course may help you develop a better understanding of social protection issues and how to report on them effectively.
Social Protection Officer
Social Protection Officers work to develop and implement social protection programs. In this role, you might work for a government agency or a non-profit organization. This course may help you build a foundation in the principles and practices of social protection.

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Making Universal Social Protection a Reality.
Presents the principles and practices for building inclusive and effective social protection systems, with a focus on the Global South. It covers the key elements of social protection systems, including social assistance, social insurance, and labor market interventions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the human right to social security, its legal basis, and its implications for policy and practice.
Examines the role of social protection in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing poverty, inequality, and vulnerability.
Provides a practical guide to designing and implementing social protection programs in developing countries, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.
Examines the role of social protection in reducing poverty and inequality, with a focus on developing countries.
Examines the relationship between social protection and labor markets, with a focus on the impact of social protection on employment, wages, and productivity.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economic aspects of social protection, including the costs, benefits, and trade-offs.
Examines the relationship between social protection and inequality, with a focus on the impact of social protection on income distribution.
Examines the relationship between social protection and gender equality, with a focus on the impact of social protection on women's empowerment and economic security.
Examines the relationship between social protection and climate change, with a focus on the impact of climate change on social protection systems and the role of social protection in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
Examines the relationship between social protection and the informal economy, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities of extending social protection to informal workers.
Examines the future of social protection, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities facing social protection systems in the 21st century.
Provides a philosophical and theoretical perspective on social protection, with a focus on the concepts of justice, equality, and human rights.

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