Do cash transfers drive inflation? Is social protection a cost to the economy, or an investment in its future? And who should these systems ultimately serve? In this second and final episode on social protection myths and misperceptions, we turn to the economic and systemic dimensions — how social protection interacts with markets, fiscal policy, and national development.Drawing on global evidence and practice, we examine whether cash transfers distort prices, how they influence local economies, and what the data tell us about affordability and return on investment. We also explore the broader role of social protection beyond poverty reduction: as a foundation for inclusive and resilient societies.While not all answers are clear-cut, the discussion highlights how context, programme design, and policy choices shape outcomes, and why understanding these nuances is critical for effective, sustainable systems. Meet our guests: Davide Rasella, ICREA Research Professor and Head of the Global Health Impact Assessment and Evaluation Group, ISGlobal and ISC.Dennis Egger, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Oxford.Laura Carvalho, Associate Professor of Economics, University of São Paulo.For our Quick Wins segment, we spoke with Konstantinos Papadakis, Principal Social Affairs Officer at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, who shared insights on the outcomes of Second World Summit for Social Development.   Resources: Podcast | Ep.54 | Social Protection Myths and Misperceptions Part 1 Publication | Do cash transfers cause inflation? Publication | The multiplier effects of government expenditures on social protection Publication | Social protection systems, redistribution and growth in Latin America Publication | Impact of social protection on child malnutrition and mortality across 46 LMICs: a longitudinal study over two decades with insights from the COVID-19 pandemic Publication | Effects of conditional cash transfers on tuberculosis incidence and mortality according to race, ethnicity and socioeconomic factors in the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort Publication | Effect of a conditional cash transfer programme on AIDS incidence, hospitalisations, and mortality in Brazil: a longitudinal ecological study Publication | Evaluation and Forecasting Analysis of the Association of Conditional Cash Transfer With Child Mortality in Latin America, 2000-2030

This episode introduces listeners to the origins and essence of the TRANSFORM initiative—an innovative, leading capacity-building program designed to strengthen social protection systems in Africa. It explores what sets TRANSFORM apart from other training programs and how it was designed as a uniquely African initiative, tailored to the continent’s context and adaptable to the needs of its countries and communities.  The episode is the first of a three-part TRANSFORM Podcast Series, which will present the initiative's achievements 10 years since its inception through conversations with guests from the continent. The series explores the impact of TRANSFORM on the social protection in the region, showcasing achievements in building culture and its integration into institutions.  Meet our guests for episode 1:  Emmy Tony Ameny, Assistant Commissioner of Programmes, Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda   Kate Blaine, Instructional Designer and Facilitator, Learn to Lead  Vincent van Halsema, Global Social Protection Advisor, WFP, and former TRANSFORM Hub Coordinator  For our testimonial segment, we welcome Aly Cisse, Social Protection and Labour Migration Specialist and a TRANSFORM Master Trainer from Senegal.     To learn more and explore how TRANSFORM can be tailored to your own context and how you can get involved with the initiative, go to https://transformsp.org and contact transform_socialprotection@ilo.org.

Thirty years after the landmark World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, the world reconvenes in Doha for the second edition of the Summit — a defining moment to assess global progress in poverty eradication, employment, and social inclusion. As nations prepare to renew their commitments to the Copenhagen Declaration, the Summit offers a crucial opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of social protection in advancing the social development agenda.  In this episode, we look back at the forces that shaped the first Summit and explore how the Copenhagen Declaration helped elevate social protection in global discourse. We trace the evolution of social development and consider what progress has been made, what gaps remain, and how today’s challenges, from conflict and fiscal pressures to climate and geopolitical change, are redefining the global agenda. We also examine the potential impact of the upcoming Summit for universal social protection, sustainable financing, and multilateral cooperation in an era of mounting headwinds.  Meet our guests:  Ms. Iffath Sharif, Global Director for Social Protection and Labour, World Bank  Ms. Shahra Razavi, Director of the Social Protection Department, International Labour Organization (ILO)  For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Marta Pedrajas, Deputy Assistant Director for Multilateral Development Policies at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, to delve into a special side event at the WSSD 2025: the First Leaders’ Meeting of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty She also explores what this new global initiative to eradicate poverty and hunger could mean in practice.  References:  Publication | Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development  Publication | World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal social protection for climate action and just transition  Publication | Sevilla Commitment: Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development  Publication | Elements paper for the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development  Event |  First Leaders’ Meeting of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty  Event | Universal Social Protection for Equitable Growth and Equitable Societies 

In this bonus episode, we explore the critical role of social protection in Gaza. Our guest expert unpacks how humanitarian community has found creative ways to deliver and scale up cash assistance through particular digital systems amid extreme adversity. How can social protection systems adapt in the face of prolonged instability? How can data be better managed in crisis situations? Where do fundings for these programmes come from? Tune in for a vital conversation on the ongoing humanitarian support and the resilience of systems supporting people in Gaza.   Meet our guests: Carla Lacerda, Social Protection Cash and Voucher Thematic Working Group, STAAR Facility   Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on September 22, 2025. While we recognize that there have been further developments in Gaza since then, the discussions in this episode remain relevant and important to highlight.  

Is social protection just a handout? Does it discourage work? Or are the systems plagued by fraud? In this episode, we unpack some of the biggest myths surrounding social protection systems and explore the real data behind the rhetoric. Despite the strong evidence base available and data which overwhelmingly proves the strengths of social protection in combating poverty and vulnerability, social protection practitioners are often faced by questions or doubts about mechanisms which have been, at some level, settled by evidence, practice and experience. Whether you're a sceptic or a supporter, this conversation might challenge your assumptions and bring greater clarity to the debate. Meet our guests: Rema Hanna, Jeffrey Cheah Professor of Southeast-Asia Studies, Harvard Kennedy School Tia Palermo, President at Policy Research Solutions (PRESTO) On this episode we do not have a Quick Wins guest, as there will be a Bonus episode coming out mid-October. But our host, Jo, has highlighted a couple of resources (shared below) from Rema and Tia for you to enjoy in the meantime. References: Publication | Dispelling myths on gender and cash transfers: Evidence Summary Publication | Social Protection: Policymaker Beliefs and Empirical Evidence Additional references: Publication | Conditional, unconditional and everything in between: a systematic review of the effects of cash transfer programmes on schooling outcomes. Publication | The effects of cash transfers on adult labor market outcomes Publication | Debunking the stereotype of the lazy welfare recipient: Evidence from cash transfer programs Publication | Theoretical underpinnings and meta-analysis of the effects of cash transfers on intimate partner violence in low-and middle-income countries Publication | The impact of cash transfers: a review of the evidence from low-and middle-income countries Publication | A mixed-method review of cash transfers and intimate partner violence in low- and middle-income countries Publication | Myth-busting? Confronting six common perceptions about unconditional cash transfers as a poverty reduction strategy in Africa Publication | The Effectiveness of Cash and Cash Plus Interventions on Livelihoods Outcomes: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis Publication | Social safety nets, women’s economic achievements and agency: A systematic review and meta-analysis Publication | Do cash transfers alleviate common mental disorders in low-and middle-income countries? A systematic review and meta-analysis    

This year, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of the socialprotection.org platform—a milestone that offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on how far social protection has come over the past decade, and where it is headed next.   Since 2015, when social protection was anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals (mainly under SDG 1 as a pillar of poverty reduction), the field has expanded and evolved in response to new global challenges. In this episode, we look back at key turning points: from the unprecedented expansion of programmes during COVID-19, to the growing recognition of social protection as a driver of women’s empowerment, and its emerging role in climate adaptation, mitigation, and crisis response.   But we don’t stop there. We also look ahead, asking what the next years may hold for social protection in the face of constrained financing, political pushback on climate and gender agendas, and shifting global priorities.   Meet our guests: Fabio Veras Soares, Researcher at the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG) Edward Archibald, Senior Technical Advisor at STAAR (Social Protection, Technical Assistance, Advice and Resources) Zehra Rizvi, Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF   For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Mariana Balboni, Coordinator of the socialprotection.org platform. Having been part of the platform’s story almost from the very beginning, Mariana reflects on its major achievements of the past 10 years in building and growing this global knowledge-sharing community. She also looks ahead to the next decade sharing the platform’s priorities for supporting the global community of practice, elaborating on how socialprotection.org will continue to evolve to meet emerging challenges in  the field, and her hopes for what the platform can achieve in the years to come.

In face of the climate emergency, integrating social protection into countries’ nationally determined contributions (NDCs) is essential for supporting vulnerable communities, advancing low-carbon transitions, and unlocking climate finance to expand adaptive social protection systems. With many countries set to update these critical climate instruments under the scope of the Paris Agreement, this is a critical moment to explore the topic.  In this episode, we examine how social protection is being woven into national climate policies, with a spotlight on Cambodia’s pioneering approach—not only mentioning social protection but recognising it as a distinct sector in its new NDC 3.0. We delve deeper to discuss what it takes to bridge climate action and social protection, from building resilience and inclusive adaptation, to unlocking climate finance and coordinating across ministries.  Meet our guest:   Dr. Matthew Walsham, Social Protection Specialist (Climate), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).  Mr. Sophornreaksmey Sreng, Deputy Secretary General, General Secretariat for the National Social Protection Council, Kingdom of Cambodia.  For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Sayanti Sengupta, Technical Advisor for Social Protection & Climate at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, expanding on concrete steps countries can take to advance the critical agenda of integrating social protection into NDCs.   References:  Publication | Integration social protection in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)  Publication | Weathering the storm: poverty, climate change and social protection: Report of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights  Database |  Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Registry | UNFCCC 

As the world prepares for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), the need to rethink how we fund social protection has never been more urgent. Debt burdens, shrinking official development assistance (ODA), and growing global inequalities are squeezing fiscal space, especially for low- and middle-income countries, putting the goal of Universal Social Protection by 2030 increasingly out of reach. In this episode, we explore the bold reforms needed to unlock sustainable financing for social protection and a just transition. In the first part, we discuss how the global financial architecture must evolve to meet the needs of low- and lower-middle income countries—and how innovative tools like special drawing rights (SDRs) could offer solutions. Then, we reflect on what financing for social protection should look like in today’s crisis-prone world, unpacking the political choices behind budget constraints, the role of domestic resource mobilization, and how international solidarity can help turn political commitments into meaningful and measurable outcomes. Meet our guests: Hassatou Diop N’Sele, Vice President for Finance and CFO, African Development Bank Group Celine Julia Felix, Social Protection Specialist for Social Protection System Strengthening, UNICEF Lena Simet, Senior Researcher and Advocate, Human Rights Watch For Quick Wins, Jamele Rigolini, Senior Advisor for Social Protection and Labor at the World Bank, joins us to discuss the State of Social Protection Report 2025 and why expanding not just coverage, but adequacy is key in today’s uncertain world. Resources: Event | 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) Publication | African Union Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want Publication | A Call for Action on Financing Social Protection Publication | State of Social Protection Report 2025: The 2-Billion-Person Challenge Publication | World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal social protection for climate action and a just transition  

Health is a human right, as well as a cornerstone of social protection systems. Yet globally, millions remain excluded from essential care, with financial hardship and systemic gaps still standing in the way of universal health coverage. In this episode, numbered as the 50th of the Social Protection Podcast, we take a close look at Zambia’s National Health Insurance Scheme as a case study for how countries are working to expand social health protection, and what the social protection and health sectors can learn from each other to achieve the shared goal of universal coverage. Meet our guests:  Herryman Moono, Director of Research, Planning & Strategy at the National Health Insurance Management Authority of Zambia  Lou Tessier, Health Protection Specialist at the International Labour Organization (ILO) For our Quick Wins segment, we speak with Peter Ombasa, Senior Social Protection Specialist and Assistant Director of Children's Services of the Government of Kenya, about the USP2030 Joint Statement: Key messages on Social Protection for the World Social Summit 2025. Resources: Blog post | Social Protection for Health and Wellbeing Publication | Towards Universal Health Coverage: Social Health Protection Principles Publication | World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal social protection for climate action and a just transition Publication | Financing gap for universal social protection: Global, regional and national estimates and strategies for creating fiscal space Publication | Universal social security is feasible in low-income countries: a critical review of the ILO’s calculations on the cost of bridging the gap Podcast | Think Change episode 70: how can development financing be reformed? The road to Seville

In conflict settings, ensuring that social protection is responsive, durable, and conflict-sensitive is critical, yet often underexplored. In this episode, we delve into the intersections between humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, and peacebuilding – the so-called "Triple Nexus" – and how social protection fits within it. We examine how social protection actors, humanitarian agencies and peacebuilding specialists can work together to strengthen resilience, foster stability, and avoid exacerbating conflict. Our guests explore lessons from contexts like Ethiopia and Ukraine, the complexities of targeting and accountability, and the political dimensions of social protection in fragile and conflict-affected settings. This marks the third and final episode of the "Social Protection in Conflict and Protracted Crisis" series, produced by socialprotection.org, organised by STAAR Facility and BASIC Research and in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, which has funded the series and provided invaluable support in shaping the episodes and connecting us with guests. Meet our guests: Ric Goodman – Director, Social Protection and Resilience, DAI Global UK Rachel Goldwyn – Senior Conflict Sensitivity and Social Safeguards Advisor, WFP Sudan Lukáš Voborský – Team Leader, Technical Assistance Facility of the PeReHID Initiative For our Quick Wins segment, we welcome Hassan-Alattar Satti, independent researcher and consultant, who shares key resources on maintaining social protection in conflict settings, focusing on lessons from Sudan. Resources: Publication | Maintaining and strengthening social assistance systems in conflict settings: Sudan case study Publication | Effective Social Protection in Conflict: Findings from Sudan Blog | Towards a conflict-sensitive role for grassroot organisations in social protection in Sudan

The need for greater ‘localisation’ of humanitarian and social assistance is clear in conflict and protracted crisis settings. The increasing difficulty for international organisations to operate is a key driver of localisation, as is the recognition of the essential role local actors (including government and civil society) play in improving the relevance, legitimacy, sustainability and effectiveness of aid. For social protection programs, the role of government as a local actor may be particularly complex or contested in these settings. This episode will explore the progress and challenges of this shift towards localisation, and how local organisations in Yemen and Southeast Asia have stepped up where international or government systems are weak. Meet our guests: Abeer Al-Absi, Independent Consultant, STAAR Facility and BASIC Research Aung Naing, Research Consultant   For our Quick Wins segment, we welcome Courtenay Cabot Venton, where she talks about the study ‘Passing the Buck: The Economics of Localizing International Assistance’ with the Share Trust and the Warande Advisory Centre.   Resources: Humanitarian Activism, Social Protection, and Emergent Citizenship in Myanmar Sustaining Yemeni Capacities for Social Assistance

In times of conflict and protracted crises, social protection systems are often strained, yet they remain vital in supporting the most vulnerable populations. In this episode, we examine how gender-responsive social protection can mitigate the impact of crises on women, children, and other marginalised groups. This episode examines the specific vulnerabilities of women and marginalised groups in these settings, the ways social protection programs are adapting to complex and evolving challenges, and key lessons for sustaining and expanding social protection in fragile contexts. We also explore the case of Lebanon, a country facing a multifaceted socio-economic crisis, compounded by political instability, refugee influx, and conflict. This marks the first episode of our new three-part series on "Social Protection in Conflict and Protracted Crisis", produced by socialprotection.org in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, which has funded the series and provided invaluable support in shaping the episodes and connecting us with guests. Meet our guests: Rachel Sabates-Wheeler – Professorial Research Fellow & Director of the Centre for Social Protection at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) Rima Al-Mokdad – Technical Specialist on Social Protection, Data & Research at UN Women in Lebanon For our Quick Wins segment, we welcome Buumba Chityaba, a Human Rights Governance Specialist, to discuss the key takeaways from the recent Roadmap for the Use of Social Protection to Tackle Child Marriage in Zambia report.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and social protection systems are no exception. From improving targeting and service delivery to enabling predictive interventions, AI has the potential to make social protection and humanitarian programs smarter and more responsive. But with these opportunities come significant challenges: data privacy concerns, biases in algorithms, and the risk of reducing human oversight in critical decision-making processes. In this episode, we explore how AI is being integrated into social protection systems globally, aiming to address pressing questions such as: How can AI enhance social protection without compromising fairness and accountability? What safeguards are needed to ensure that data remains secure and ethical principles are upheld? Meet our guest: Thomas Byrnes, Humanitarian & Social Protection Consultant, Founder and Director of MarketImpact For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Ralf Radermacher, Head of Programme, Social Protection, at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, sharing some key takeaways from the ‘AI for Social Protection’ workshop, which took place from 19–21 November 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. Resources: Publication | Harnessing the Transformative Potential of Generative AI for Humanitarian Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance Opportunities, Risks, Barriers, and Recommendations Publication | How AI is Transforming Humanitarian Aid: Insights for Market-Based Professionals Publication | Novissi Togo: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Deliver Shock-Responsive Social Protection

Join us for the 2024 Year in Review episode of the Social Protection Podcast! In this year’s special (and final) episode, we delved into pivotal discussions and transformative insights that shaped the evolving landscape of social protection. From the growing recognition of social protection’s role in responding to climate change, to exploring gender-responsive approaches, and rethinking program designs in the face of crises, this episode revisits the most influential ideas and critical debates of the year.  Reflecting on conversations with eminent thinkers, we reflect on the progress, challenges, and innovative practices that have defined the field of social protection in 2024. Meet our guest: Dr Keetie Roelen, Senior Research Fellow in Poverty and Social Protection at The Open University. For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Patricia Velloso, Knowledge Management Officer at UNICEF, and Marina Brunale, Growth and Engagement Officer at the Global Landscapes Forum, to reflect on the trajectory of the Social Protection Podcast, as well as the year that has passed. Resources: Publcation | World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal social protection for climate action and a just transition Publcation | The Untapped Potential of Global Climate Funds for Investing in Social Protection Publication | World Survey on the Role of Women in Development 2024 Publication | Gender-Responsive Age-Sensitive Social Protection: A conceptual framework Publication | IDS Bulletin: Reimagining Social Protection Publication | Thinking afresh: Closing the global funding gap to realise universal social protection Publication | Anti/Postwork Feminist Politics and a Case for Basic Income Event Recording | For a just transition in adaptation: The role of social protection in the Global Goal on Adaptation Event Recording | Safeguarding Human Development: Mobilizing Climate Finance for Social Protection Referenced Episodes: Ep. 4 | Bolsa Familia | Flagship Special Episode Ep. 30 | Impacts of Social Protection Ep. 36 | Gender-Transformative Social Protection Emerging Trends in the Indo-Pacific Series Ep. 03 | The Future of Climate Change and Social Protection Responses Ep. 41 | The Evolution of Universal Basic Income: From Pilots to Policy Bonus ep. | Partnerships for Social Protection: bridging divides, driving change Ep. 43 | World Social Protection Report 2024-26 Ep. 44 | Social Registries and Beyond

Data and information systems are fundamental building blocks of social protection programmes. They all need a process and a mechanism for collecting, storing and processing data. However, developing these registries presents enormous challenges. Especially in finding ways for these to become truly dynamic, so that social protection systems can respond effectively to peoples’ changing circumstances, such as in the face of shocks. This is perhaps one of the greatest hurdles facing the sector. In this episode, we’ll cut through the terminology and periodic controversy to talk about how these information systems work, and how to make them work better.   Meet our guests: Rodrigo Assumpção, President of DataPrev (Brazil) Valentina Barca, Independent Social Protection Expert For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Gabrielle Smith, Independent consultant and member of the STAAR Facility.   Episode resources: Publication | Implementation Guide – Good Practices For Ensuring Data Protection And Privacy In Social Protection Systems Publication | Passing the Buck: The Economics of Localizing International Aid

The World Social Protection Report is the ILO's flagship publication, offering an in-depth look at the state of social protection globally. The 2024-26 edition focuses on universal social protection as a key factor for just transitions and climate action. In this episode, we dive into the latest findings, exploring both the progress made and the gaps that remain. Our conversation covers how countries are working towards expanding social protection to address climate adaptation and mitigation. We'll examine Brazil’s and Gambia’s evolving policy landscape, and their ambitions for building and expanding social protection systems.    Meet our guests:  Christina Behrendt, Head of the Social Policy Unit, ILO Universal Social Protection Department  Momodou K. Dibba, National Coordinator, National Social Protection Secretariat in the Office of the Vice President, the Gambia  Débora Freire, Deputy Secretary for Fiscal Policy, Ministry of Finance, Brazil  For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Naila Kabeer, Professor of Gender and Development at the Department of International Development, LSE.    Episode resources:  Publication | World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal social protection for climate action and a just transition   Publication | World survey on the role of women in development 2024 - summary of key issues that will be covered in the report 

In the dynamic landscape of social protection, partnerships and collaborations serve as vital pillars of strength, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. September marks the ninth anniversary of socialprotection.org. This year, we are celebrating partnerships for social protection throughout the month by highlighting the significance of alliances in amplifying social impact and ensuring inclusivity through key partnerships, instruments, and interagency mechanisms such as the Social Protection Inter-Agency Cooperation Board (SPIAC-B), the Global Partnership for Universal Social Protection (USP 2030), the G20, and the socialprotection.org platform itself. In this bonus episode, we invited representatives from the ILO and the World Bank, who co-chair SPIAC-B and USP 2030, to discuss the importance of partnerships in navigating diverse perspectives and policies within global social protection. They speak candidly about the sometimes heated policy differences and debates within the sector and the importance of collaboration in bridging these divides and driving the progressive expansion of social protection worldwide. It's a wide-ranging conversation about how far the sector has come and the significant challenges it will need to grapple with in the future.   Meet our guests: Shahra Razavi, Director of the Universal Social Protection Department, International Labour Organization (ILO) Iffath Sharif, Global Director for Social Protection and Jobs, World Bank Group  Episode Resources: Publication | Social Protection in the Developing World Publication | Report of the Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights 2019

In this episode, we delve into the world of social protection with one of its foremost experts, Professor Armando Barrientos, Emeritus Professor of Poverty and Social Justice at the Global Development Institute, University of Manchester. We discuss his groundbreaking new book, Social Protection in Latin America, and explore the argument that social protection systems or institutions are not just safety nets but also mechanisms of stratification. We also talked about what that means, why it matters, and how it shapes the lives of millions across the region. Finally, we also examine the crucial role of politics in shaping social protection and debate whether Latin America should aspire to the European model of a welfare state. From the Latin American innovative approaches to their global influence and the future of social protection, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of social justice and public policy.   Episode resources: Book | Social Protection in Latin America. Causality, Stratification and Outcomes Task Force | Global Alliance against Poverty and Hunger Publication | The relationship between cash-based interventions and violence: A systematic review and evidence map

Across the world, interest for universal social protection mechanisms has skyrocketed, in particular following the pandemic and its transversal effects on the poor, vulnerable and not so vulnerable populations. Social assistance mechanisms such as child benefits or elderly pensions have already had a history of encompassing the entire group with universal mechanisms in some countries; however, universal basic income (UBI) schemes are still in the stage of theoretical and policy discussion, without having been set up. In this context, Brazil is an interesting case: in 2004, Brazil adopted a law that establishes a “Renda Básica de Cidadania” (Basic citizenship income). That effort was pushed by its rapporteur, Mr. Eduardo Matarazzo Suplicy, who was a senator at the time and a vigorous UBI advocate to this day. In this podcast episode, we will talk about how the Basic citizenship income came to be, the possible advantages of adopting an UBI, the main challenges and what lessons have been learned with the recent discussions on the theme. For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Jurgen de Wispelaere, discussing his recently launched publication at the International Social Security Review, a Specia Issue called ‘Emergency basic income: Distraction or opportunity’. Meet our guests: Eduardo Suplicy, State Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo Jurgen De Wispelaere, IPR Policy Fellow, Institute for Policy Research, University of Bath   Episode Resources: Publication: Special Issue: Themed double issue: Emergency basic income: Distraction or opportunity

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global effort across a wide range of areas in which countries are working to achieve the targets set out by the international community. Social Protection can play a role in contributing to most of the SDGs. To ensure objectives are reached, building and using evidence as well as applying the necessary analytical tools are important to discuss. In this episode we examine if investments in social protection could help accelerate progress towards the SDGs. We talk about the role of research, evaluation, and advocacy in driving change for policies and programmes towards achieving this ambitious agenda. Meet our guests: Tayllor Spadafora, Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa regional office. Michala Assankpon, Regional Evaluation Officer at the WFP regional bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean. For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Laurel Patterson, Director for the SDG Integration at UNDP.   Episode Resources: Publication | Regional Evaluation of WFP’S contribution to Shock-Responsive Social Protection in Latin America and the Caribbean (2015–2022) Publication | WFP Evaluation – Summary of Evidence. Social Protection.   Publication | Impact Evaluation Report External Evaluation of the Mchinji Social Cash Transfer Pilot Publication | Ghana LEAP 1000 Programme: Endline Evaluation Report Programme Profile| A Cash Plus Model for Safe Transitions to a Healthy and Productive Adulthood Website | SDG Push