The European project “Digital Standards for Social Protection” is launched

• The project is implemented by German (GIZ), French (Expertise France), and Spanish (FIIAPP) cooperation, with the participation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Bank.

The Digital Standards for Social Protection program was presented within the framework of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. During the session, Martin Seychell, Deputy Director General of the Directorate General for International Partnerships of the European Commission, announced the co-financing of 18 million euros by the European Commission to support the Digital Convergence Initiative (DCI) and strengthen the digital transformation and interoperability of social protection systems at global, regional, and national levels.

This program, co-financed by the EU and aligned with the 2030 Agenda and Universal Social Protection 2030 (UPS 2030), works to strengthen the outcomes of the DCI towards the digital transformation of social protection systems, aiming to improve accessibility so that anyone in need of social protection can access it.

Thanks to interoperability, it will be possible to improve the efficiency and coverage of social protection systems, creating an ecosystem of innovation in the provision of social services and reducing costs and time for both public administrations and users of social benefits, among other benefits.

Likewise, by focusing on digital transformation, the program also promotes the EU’s Green Deal investment agenda, representing sustainable and trustworthy connections that work for people and the planet.

This initiative exemplifies how international cooperation, mutual learning, and joint development of solutions – in line with SDG 17 – can contribute to achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). It will also serve the United Nations initiative “Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions,” by making digital expertise available to implementing countries.