Track 2.1: Building Ladders: Can we deliver social mobility at scale?

Key issues that have hindered progress in achieving social mobility was the focus of discussion among panellists, who offered innovative solutions. 

Hossain Zillur Rahman opened by emphasising that poverty and exclusion are multidimensional problems requiring holistic solutions. He stressed the importance of person-centric interventions, noting individuals must be empowered to take charge of their own destinies. The approach by his organisation, BRAC, is to use a "social ladder" model where social mobility is not a one-step intervention but involves a gradation of milestones. Scaling such programmes requires careful planning, he said, as demonstrated by BRAC's successful partnerships with governments across multiple countries.

Cazadira Fediva Tamzil shared insights from Indonesia, focusing on the need for tailored interventions, particularly for underserved populations like junior high school graduates, who often enter informal and unbanked sectors. She discussed Pijar Foundation’s micro-credential education programmes that enable people to acquire various transferrable skills while working, and their efforts to integrate smaller businesses into national supply chains at scale. 

Jack Growden discussed the urgent need to address the global digital divide, particularly in regions like Papua New Guinea, where many young people have never used a computer. He stressed that digital access is a prerequisite for social mobility, arguing that without it, large segments of the population will be left behind in the modern economy. 

Ramya Rajagopalan emphasised the importance of working with governments and using the power of demonstration to scale initiatives. She cited successful cases in India that have expanded nationally, where small pilot projects have been able to leapfrog and make data and transparency possible. Rajagopalan also noted the critical role of frontline workers in treating citizens with dignity, particularly when engaging marginalised populations. She advocated for a participatory approach that encourages communities to become more engaged with their governments, ensuring that solutions are effective for the populations they are meant to serve. 

The panel also discussed how to measure the quality of impact. Rahman pointed out that impact can take unexpected forms and should be viewed broadly. For example, BRAC’s microfinance initiatives led to an unforeseen outcome – rural women running for local government positions. Growden echoed this sentiment, noting that the true impact of social mobility programmes often becomes evident only after implementation, as beneficiaries create their own pathways to success. 

In conclusion, the panel agreed that achieving social mobility at scale requires systemic change, strong government partnerships, and a focus on tailoring interventions to meet local needs. Compassion, collaboration, and a long-term view were highlighted as essential components for driving meaningful and sustainable impact.