Who is spending what on the Sustainable Development Goals
Social protection spending
This analysis is based on the latest trends analysis of GSW data in the GSW 2015 report
MDG target 1.A is to halve the proportion of people whose income is less than $1.25 a day. This target was met in 2010, lifting half a billion people out of poverty in the process. However, concerns remain about the fact that many countries, especially in Africa, did not meet the target.
All government spending which boosts economic development for the poor and promotes inclusive and employment-intensive growth can help meet this goal. However, GSW data focuses on the direct government interventions that have been most effective in reducing poverty and providing employment, known as ‘social protection’ spending.
What does the latest GSW data on social protection show?
- Only Timor Leste meets any of the international finance targets on social protection.
- Across all countries the average spending is less than 1% of GDP – though most countries have increased spending in recent years
- Higher spending will be vital to target zero extreme poverty, full employment and decent work, and reduced inequality: even a cash transfer programme would cost US$65-90 billion extra a year.
- It will also be vital to invest in capacity to disaggregate social protection spending by target and beneficiary.