Event Employment and Social Policy 2026 Universal Social Protection in a Changing World: Advancing Social Development and Decent Work 04.11.2026 International Labour Organization (ILO), Geneva How can universal social protection advance in an era of crises and tight financing? Join us at the USP2030 Conference on Universal Social Protection taking place on 4 November 2026 at the ILO, Geneva, and online. The event is open to the public. Image: Creator: USP2030 Social protection is a prerequisite for inclusive economic and social development and a crucial stabiliser in times of crisis. It enables people and societies to manage risks across the life cycle and respond to transformations driven by climate change, demographics, digitalisation, food-price volatility and conflict. Yet universal coverage faces mounting needs, constrained public financing and unfavourably changed geopolitical conditions. On 4 November, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Bank and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Geneva Office will convene the USP2030 Conference at the ILO in Geneva. The discussions will address key questions, including: What space is there to advance universal social protection in the current political landscape? How can countries formulate and implement national social protection policies as a foundation for social inclusion, economic prosperity, decent work and social justice through social dialogue and democratic participation? The event is open to the public and can be attended in person at the ILO headquarter in Geneva or remotely. Registration will open soon.
