The past decade has been a success for social protection, with coverage expanding to 4.7 billion people across low- and middle-income countries. The expansion of social protection is great news for the world's poorest. Yet, across low- and middle-income countries, 2 billion people remain uncovered or inadequately covered by social protection. Furthermore, many of the 4.4 billion people in low- and middle-income countries who benefit from social protection may not receive the type and intensity of support they need in a world in transition. The report documents advances and challenges to strengthen social protection and labor systems across low- and middle-income countries, and discusses avenues to gradually close the coverage gap for the world's poorest. The path of reforms will depend on country context, capacity and fiscal space.

In low-income countries, the report argues for a gradual expansion of social protection, prioritizing the coverage of poor and vulnerable populations through social assistance and economic inclusion programs. In middle-income countries, the report calls for strengthening social protection and labor systems, expanding and integrating the offer of services, and increasing reliance on contributory social insurance. The rising frequency of shocks and crises - including climate-related - also calls for major investments in social protection and labor systems' adaptability and preparedness. To achieve more and better social protection, investments in delivery systems (such as social registries, case management, payment and monitoring systems) will be essential, as they support more effective and better tailored social policies, more progressive fiscal policies, and greater shock responsiveness. The time for boosting ambition is now. Growing headwinds of change demand both increased investment and a fundamental shift in approach - from short-term reactions to proactive, long-term adaptation, and from siloed actions to integrated agendas.