Shahra Razavi

Stories

The world crosses 50%: half of humanity now has social safety nets

As of May 2026: Leading ILO research on social protection and inequality

For the first time in history, more than half the world's population has access to some form of social protection. The figure hit 52.4% in 2024—up from 42.8% when the UN adopted the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. That's 4.7 billion people now covered by pensions, disability benefits, healthcare, or cash transfers that help them survive economic shocks and escape poverty.

Updated May 19

Notable Quotes

Social protection policies must place gender equality centre-stage if they are to work in favour of women. For too long, gender meant maternity benefits and social assistance programmes.

from The world crosses 50%: half of humanity now has social safety nets · Updated May 19

Reducing income inequalities cannot be left to social protection systems alone. It requires a wide range of integrated public policies.

from The world crosses 50%: half of humanity now has social safety nets · Updated May 19