Pillar 1
The Flagship Programme supports 50 countries through a step-by-step approach which is flexible enough to respond to country situations and needs for support; this step-by step approach is not necessarily chronological and linear, as several steps may be carried out in parallel.
Click on a country to get up to date information on the social protection situation, government priorities, and previous and current ILO support.
STEP 1
Adopting a national social protection strategy
Through relevant monitoring, diagnostic studies and a participatory assessment-based national dialogue (ABND), the ILO supports the development of a long-term vision for social protection. This process involves a whole-of-government approach, including social security institutions, and a broad national dialogue with workers and employers’ representatives and other stakeholders, supported by relevant United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, IFIs and other development partners. It uses ILO social security standards, in particular Recommendation No. 201
Country example: Timor-Leste
The Council of Ministers officially adopted the National Social Protection Strategy in November 2021. The ILO supported its development through the ACTION/Portugal programme.
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Designing and reforming schemes
Based on the priorities established in the national social protection strategy or specific demand from ILO constituents, the ILO supports the design and reform of social protection schemes or programmes. This includes formulating policy options; conducting costing and actuarial studies; assessments of sources of financing; mobilization and use of additional international financial sources, design of the institutional set-up; and drafting or amendment of social security laws and regulations.
Country example: Togo
The National Assembly adopted the law on universal health insurance in October 2021, extending legal coverage to over 3 million people. The ILO supported its development with funding from the European Union.
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Improving operations
Once the law is passed, the ILO supports the implementation of social protection schemes and programmes or improves their operations, administrative and financial governance. This step aims to strengthen administrative and delivery capacities, including management information systems (MISs) and one-stopshops for beneficiary registration and payment of benefits, as well as complaints and appeals mechanisms. It also improves coordination across the schemes and institutions involved in policy design, financing and delivery of social protection. It strengthens the tripartite governance of the scheme and ensures the participation of those concerned at the national, regional and local levels.
Country example: Cabo Verde
The ILO supported strengthening the capacity of the National Institute of Social Security, with a focus on financial management and recovery of contributions.
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