Financial institutions, markets and globalization

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The globalization of international trade, investments and financial markets has had profound implications for national economies, labour markets and employment, as well as social protection systems. High rates of economic growth in some countries have benefited some, yet poverty and inequality still remain high in many parts of the world, and many people are left unprotected against economic volatilities and new global challenges. In this context social protection systems play a vital role in mitigating the impact of the structural transformation on people’s lives.

Photo credit: “Old man and the market” by Satyadeep Karnati (CCBY 2.0 via Flickr)

Resources

A Case for Institutional Demand as Effective Social Protection: supporting smallholders through procurement and food assistance programmes

This paper focuses on the rationale for state-based market interventions to support smallholder production along with some case studies that follow the evolution and impact of what we call “institutional demand” policies. Institutional demand is an intervention that aims to improve regional markets by establishing coordinated purchases for regional distribution, primarily through local and regional […]

World Economic Situation and Prospects

The World Economic Situation and Prospects report is the UN’s flagship publication on expected trends in the global economy.

Integrated Social Policy Report V: Towards a New Welfare Mix? Rethinking the Role of the State, the Market and Civil Society in the Provision of Social Protection and Social Services

Welfare systems in Arab countries are at their limits. Stretched by substantial population growth over the past years, the Governments are increasingly unable to integrate all people from all ages, all regions and all income groups into the labour market and into social protection schemes. After initial years of development progress, the accessibility and quality […]

Integrated Social Policy Report IV: Labour Markets and Labour Market Policy in the ESCWA Region

Whatever one thinks of as factors of growth and development, the human factor – human intelligence and creativity – is the most important source. Abundance of capital and natural resources certainly helps, but it still takes people to turn such resources into their most productive use. Markets do not automatically generate efficient allocation of resources. […]

Social protection floor for a fair and inclusive globalization

This report, prepared under the guidance of Ms Michelle Bachelet and members of the Advisory Group, shows that the extension of social protection, drawing on social protection floors, can play a pivotal role in relieving people of poverty and deprivation. It can in addition help people adapt their skills to overcome the constraints that block […]

Financing social protection

Designing social protection systems that are effective and equitable as well as fiscally, financially and economically efficient has been a challenge for many countries. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the many financing options available while also provides a thorough analysis of their advantages and disadvantages and their financial and economic implications. The most […]

Fiscal Space for Social Protection: Options to Expand Social Investments in 187 Countries

It is often argued that social protection is not affordable or that government expenditure cuts are inevitable during adjustment periods. But there are alternatives, even in the poorest countries. This working paper offers an array of options that can be explored to expand fiscal space and generate resources for social investments. These include: (i) re-allocating […]

Social Protection and Human Rights