Unlocking the full potential of digitalization for social protection
Most of the world’s population does not have access to adequate social protection. As part of the global USP2030 partnership, the DCI works towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1.3, which envisions providing social protection coverage to all.
Countries worldwide have invested in social protection systems to support individuals and households throughout their lives, including during times of crisis. Increasingly, digital solutions are being integrated into the management and delivery of these programs, offering the potential to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness. However, the transformative benefits of digitalization are still not fully realized.
Digitalizing social protection systems
The absence of fully digital systems affects potential beneficiaries’ access to services. Without streamlined digital processes, people may face lengthy waiting times to collect physical documents, which then need to be submitted in person to multiple locations. Many eligible beneficiaries lack the time or resources to navigate these cumbersome procedures. Others remain unaware of their entitlements due to inadequate digital outreach and information-sharing mechanisms.
Creating interoperable digital ecosystems
Many digital solutions lack the ability to integrate seamlessly with other relevant platforms, such as identification systems, civil registration systems, payment platforms, or integrated beneficiary registries. These limitations in system compatibility make the delivery of social protection programs slower and less efficient, increasing the risks of errors, fraud, and wasted public resources.
To unlock the full potential of digitalization in social protection, these systemic challenges must be addressed. By creating interoperable digital ecosystems and fostering user-centric designs, governments can ensure that social protection programs are not only more efficient but also more accessible and equitable for those in need.
What could interoperability in social protection look like?
