LSE-IMF joint workshop social protection in a changing world

This is a summary report of 'Social Protection in a Changing World' - a workshop jointly sponsored by the LSE and IMF and held at the London School of Economics in November 2018. As part of its strategic focus, the LSE is putting a high priority on research related to the contours of new welfare provision. At the same time, the IMF is re-assessing the nature and extent of its engagement on social spending policies. In Spring 2019, the IMF will present a paper setting out a new strategic framework for engaging on these issues with its member countries to its Executive Board. This is being guided by a growing awareness that social spending is important for inclusive and sustainable economic growth and financial stability, the key focus of the IMF. Reflecting this convergence of interests, LSE and IMF jointly sponsored a workshop on 'Social Protection in a Changing World'. The workshop convened leading academics working in the field together with representatives from the IMF and the World Bank. The agenda for the day included discussions on emerging challenges, the role and design of social assistance and social insurance, the balance between universalism and targeting, and financing social protection.