Pathfinder countries

Pathfinder countries have considerable potential to amplify investments in jobs and social protection and have expressed a commitment to do so. The Global Accelerator’s implementation strategy will be developed through a process of co-creation with governments, social partners, UN agencies, IFIs, and other key stakeholders to build a tailor-made approach adapted to each country’s specific context and circumstances, including those in fragile and post-conflict settings. 

Countries aiming to officially become part of the Global Accelerator must secure political support at the highest level, establish a cross-ministerial coordination mechanism, and start the design and development of the national implementation roadmap. The national roadmaps will set the direction and define the entry points for the implementation of the Global Accelerator in the country.  

The process could be initiated by the UN Resident Coordinator, members of UNCTs, or directly by the government. In all cases, the process will be led by governments at the national level in close collaboration with the UN.

Expansion of social protection and job creation urges an integrated and collaborative approach that starts with strong political commitment.  

Becoming a pathfinder country requires committing to:  

• Secure political support at the highest level. This process can be made through an official letter sent to the UN Secretary-General, The UN Resident Coordinator, or through another form of political commitment. 
•  Create a dedicated inter-ministerial national governance structure (either by building on existing structures or establishing new ones) for the Accelerator, involving social partners, civil society, IFIs, and development partners. 
• If not in place, formulate and adopt integrated strategies and policies on social protection and employment, and/or have started their implementation through tripartite social dialogue.  
• Increase domestic resources available for social protection and jobs, with a record of extending social protection coverage; allocate significant official development assistance to the objectives of the Global Accelerator, either through the thematic window of the Joint SDG Fund or other funding mechanisms 
• Advocate for stronger multilateral cooperation, notably with international financial institutions, to implement the ambitions of the Global Accelerator. 
• Develop national policies and integrated strategies for just transitions, leading to the creation of green jobs through social dialogue including policies for employment creation, and social protection. 

Access to specialized UN expertise: Pathfinder countries will have access to a dedicated global, regional and national hub of experts, specialized in the field of social protection, decent job creation, financing, and just transitions.  

Development of integrated financing strategies: The Global Accelerator will support the development of coordinated streams of funding and financing (official development assistance; public resources; loans from MDBs, PDBs; investments from the private sector).  

Access to new funding opportunities: The Global Accelerator will be supported by new funding streams which will provide development cooperation support to implement the national roadmaps and play a catalytic role in the effectiveness of the relevant national financing strategies.  

Guidance, tools and capacity development support for integrated strategies: The mutually reinforcing effects and virtuous cycle of integrated job creation and social protection strategies is at the heart of the Accelerator’s approach.  

Participating in high-level global dialogue at Head of State level: Pathfinder countries will have the opportunity to use high-level UN platforms to showcase their progress to meet the ambitious goals of the Global Accelerator, which is one of the 12 UN high-impact initiatives.  

Knowledge sharing: Knowledge sharing will play a key part in showcasing different country experiences and results. Pathfinder countries will benefit from the lessons learned and case examples about policies that can integrate employment and social protection, facilitate just transitions and increase domestic resources.