Over the next five years, the Chair will focus on how social welfare can be leveraged to advance social and economic inclusion amid digital and energy transitions in South Africa and the Global South. Particular attention will be given to youth, precarious workers, and grant beneficiaries鈥攇roups that make up a significant share of the population and are disproportionately women. Building on existing research expertise and networks, this agenda is organised around three key areas: 1) Social Welfare in an era of Digital Transitions; 2) the Social Development Approach to energy transitions; and 3) social development innovations that drive the social & economic inclusion of excluded groups
Social Welfare in an era of Digital Transitions
This workstream examines how digital transitions are reshaping work and social welfare, and explores whether digital innovations can improve inclusion and strengthen social welfare outcomes.
The Social Development Approach to the energy transition
This workstream focuses on using the Social Development Approach to support vulnerable communities affected by climate change and ensure fair, inclusive energy transitions.
Social development innovations that drive social and economic inclusion
Despite expanded social protection, many people remain excluded from economic opportunities, and this workstream explores new ways to strengthen social and economic inclusion, particularly in South Africa and Africa, where evidence is limited.