This week, Development Pathways successfully helped UNICEF India pitch an inclusive approach to policy choices for social protection at a G20 ‘idea bank’ session in Bhopal. Following the event, investing in universal child benefits is now included in the Bhopal Declaration’s recommendations to G20.
Senior Associate Alexandra Barrantes featured on the Investing in Children panel with UNICEF, where together they put forward the case for universal child benefits.
Alexandra outlined that the ‘Wellness and Oneness’ framework set through the Indian G20 presidency clearly aligns with human rights and value-based social protection.
The Development Pathways’ Senior Associate called for a new social protection paradigm, in line with the new economic model proposed for G20. She explained to participants the importance of shifting towards a universal, inclusive lifecycle system of social protection – in particular, when it comes to children. This is because such a system is based on equity, non-discrimination and dignity principles, and gives all children a good start in life, as well as ensuring investment into the future at the same time. Inclusive and universal social protection is also the most shock-responsive approach and is feasible from a fiscal space perspective, Alexandra explained.
The event, on 16th and 17th January, was run by Think20 (T20), an official Engagement Group of the G20. India has the G20 presidency this year, and T20, through events such as the one in Bhopal, helps to gather, synthesise and present ideas to G20 working groups, ministerial meetings, and leaders’ summit to help the G20 deliver concrete policy measures.