WATCH: The GI Bill proves social safety nets work – Iowa Starting Line

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Jul 1, 2025 - 05:30
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WATCH: The GI Bill proves social safety nets work – Iowa Starting Line

Report on Social Safety Nets and Their Role in Sustainable Development

Introduction

This report highlights the importance of social safety nets within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Social safety nets are critical mechanisms designed to provide support to vulnerable populations, thereby promoting social inclusion, reducing poverty, and fostering economic stability.

Key Points on Social Safety Nets

  1. Definition and Purpose: Social safety nets are programs and policies aimed at protecting individuals and families from economic shocks and social risks.
  2. Relevance to SDGs: These safety nets directly contribute to several SDGs, including:
    • SDG 1: No Poverty – by providing financial assistance and support to those in need.
    • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by ensuring access to healthcare and social services.
    • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – by targeting marginalized and disadvantaged groups.
    • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by stabilizing incomes and enabling participation in the economy.
  3. Current Awareness and Engagement: There is a need to increase public awareness and appreciation for social safety nets to enhance community support and policy development.

Additional Resources

  • For further insights, the latest episode of Cornhole Champions can be viewed here.

Author Information

The report is authored by Amie Rivers, Starting Line’s community editor and labor reporter. Amie Rivers has a background in award-winning journalism and is actively engaged in community communication through various media.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

  1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article’s focus on social safety nets directly relates to reducing poverty by providing financial and social support to vulnerable populations.
  2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Social safety nets contribute to health and well-being by ensuring access to essential services and reducing economic barriers to health care.
  3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article’s emphasis on labor reporting and community issues connects to promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work opportunities.
  4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Social safety nets are a tool to reduce inequalities within and among countries by supporting marginalized groups.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

  1. SDG 1 – No Poverty
    • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and achieve substantial coverage of the poor and vulnerable.
  2. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
    • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.
  3. SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
    • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities.
  4. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
    • Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

  1. Indicator for Target 1.3: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, including social safety nets.
  2. Indicator for Target 3.8: Coverage of essential health services and proportion of population with large household expenditures on health as a share of total household expenditure or income.
  3. Indicator for Target 8.5: Employment-to-population ratio, proportion of informal employment, and labor productivity.
  4. Indicator for Target 10.4: Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40% of the population and social protection coverage rates.

4. Summary Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 1: No Poverty Target 1.3: Implement social protection systems and achieve substantial coverage of the poor and vulnerable. Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage including financial risk protection. Coverage of essential health services; proportion of population with high health expenditures.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all. Employment-to-population ratio; proportion of informal employment; labor productivity.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Target 10.4: Adopt social protection policies to achieve greater equality. Growth rates of household expenditure/income for bottom 40%; social protection coverage rates.

Source: iowastartingline.com