COVID-19 has led to an unprecedented global response through expanded social safety nets, as countries struggle to mitigate the health and economic risks related to the virus and accompanying lockdowns. Gains made in the fight against poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition in the last decade are threatened, requiring a vigorous policy response. Social safety nets hold promise to minimize further harm, particularly among vulnerable populations. But the expansion of safety nets during the pandemic faces significant challenges. This seminar presents evidence on how social safety nets have been used to respond to COVID-19, how well this response has addressed food security and nutrition, and opportunities and challenges going forward. Speakers will provide a global overview, and profile the experience and research evidence from Bangladesh and Ethiopia. These two countries have welcomed IFPRI and partners to carry out research aimed at improving the effectiveness of their extensive social safety net systems.

Opening Remarks

• Frank Place, Director, CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions and Markets

Presenters

• Akhter Ahmed, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI (Presentation)
• Ugo Gentilini, Senior Economist, Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice, World Bank Group (Presentation) 
• Jessica Leight, Research Fellow, IFPRI (Presentation)
• Tigist Mamo, SPIR Health and Nutrition Technical Lead, World Vision (Presentation)
• Mamunur Rashid, Programme & Policy Officer, World Food Programme -Bangladesh (Presentation)

Moderator

• Daniel Gilligan, Deputy Director, Poverty, Health, and Nutrition Division, IFPRI

A blog will be available in the days following the event.