The fight against poverty and inequality is both a social and economic imperative. Reducing these disparities is not only a matter of social justice but also a smart investment. Social protection and safety nets are essential to prevent individuals and households from falling into a cycle of permanent poverty, which heightens the risk of poverty being passed down through generations and increases the economic burden on the state and taxpayers. Social protection ensures that vulnerable populations have the basic conditions to live and thrive, enabling today’s children to become tomorrow’s productive workers, fully capable of realising their potential.