On 14 July 2026, LDC Watch and SAAPE, alongside the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) and other international partners, co-organized a High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2026 side event titled “Universal Social Protection Floors (USPF) as a Framework for a Sustainable Future.”The event brought together representatives from the United Nations, civil society organizations, academia, and grassroots communities to explore how Universal Social Protection Floors can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reducing inequalities, strengthening climate resilience, and advancing sustainable development. Discussions focused on implementing the Doha Declaration at the national level, financing social protection amid debt and austerity, the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), climate adaptation, and the role of civil society in promoting accountability and policy reform.
The event highlighted the importance of universal social protection as a fundamental tool for addressing poverty, vulnerability, and growing inequalities across the Global South. The event provided a platform for sharing experiences and lessons from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, while amplifying grassroots perspectives on the transformative impact of social protection. Speakers from international organizations, civil society networks, UN agencies, and community representatives emphasized the need for stronger political commitment and sustainable financing mechanisms to guarantee social protection for all. The discussion reinforced the role of social protection systems in building inclusive and resilient societies capable of responding to economic, social, and climate-related challenges.