The launch of a new paper from Development Pathways and Act Church of Sweden explored how universal social security can be both affordable and achievable for low- and middle-income countries. Building on previous research, the paper presents an alternative approach to estimating costs grounded in real-world benefit levels rather than poverty lines.

The launch also featured a new interactive costing tool, developed to help users explore the financial feasibility of expanding social security coverage under different scenarios. Together, the study and tool offer a pragmatic, rights-based vision: investing in universal social security as a pathway to stronger social contracts and sustainable development.

Speakers:

• Stephen Kidd, CEO & Principal Social Security Specialist, Development Pathways
• Dhanisha Raj, Social Protection Officer, Development Pathways
• Luiz Vieira, Coordinator, Bretton Woods Project
• Firas Zakraoui, Programme Director, Al Bawsala

Moderator: Gunnel Axelsson Nycander, Policy Advisor, Act Church of Sweden