Uploaded May 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
The 20th century social contract has broken down and cannot sustain the transformative vision of the 2030 Agenda. The breakdown of the social contract manifests itself in multiple global crises and the deep divisions in our societies.
For the 21st century, UNRISD believes, the contract is in need of a fundamental overhaul:
1. It must ensure human rights for all—importantly, this means bringing in those not fully benefitting from previous social contracts, such as women, informal workers and migrants.
2. It must ensure larger freedom for all in a fast-changing world, including security and protection as new challenges emerge.
3. It must spur the transformation of economies and societies to halt climate change and environmental destruction.
→ Read more unrisd.org/ib11
The 20th century social contract has broken down and cannot sustain the transformative vision of the 2030 Agenda. The breakdown of the social contract manifests itself in multiple global crises and the deep divisions in our societies.
For the 21st century, UNRISD believes, the contract is in need of a fundamental overhaul:
1. It must ensure human rights for all—importantly, this means bringing in those not fully benefitting from previous social contracts, such as women, informal workers and migrants.
2. It must ensure larger freedom for all in a fast-changing world, including security and protection as new challenges emerge.
3. It must spur the transformation of economies and societies to halt climate change and environmental destruction.
→ Read more unrisd.org/ib11
