The Global Accelerator and the M-GA have launched their third funding round for 2026, introducing two complementary calls for proposals with a combined funding envelope of up to USD 21 million. The new funding opportunities are being implemented in partnership with the Joint SDG Fund and the World Bank Social Protection Response Umbrella Trust Fund (UTF) to support employment creation, universal social protection, and inclusive economic development.
The first funding call, organized through the Joint SDG Fund, focuses on supporting pathfinder countries that previously received seed funding to design national roadmaps under the Global Accelerator initiative. The funding aims to help these countries transition into High Impact Track joint programmes that can deliver large-scale implementation and measurable development outcomes.
In 2024, eight pathfinder countries — Cabo Verde, Colombia, Nepal, Paraguay, the Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, and Viet Nam — received initial funding to support the participatory development of their national Global Accelerator roadmaps. With these roadmaps now formally endorsed by governments, the countries are moving into the implementation phase with the goal of advancing decent work opportunities and expanding universal social protection systems.
The funding round seeks to translate political commitments into practical action by strengthening coordination among ministries of finance, labour, and other key stakeholders. It also aims to integrate employment and social protection priorities into national budgets, investment strategies, and broader fiscal and economic planning frameworks.
A key requirement for participating countries is demonstrating a credible pathway toward achieving a financial leverage ratio of at least 1:6 through mobilization of public, private, or blended finance. According to the organizers, this approach is intended to help joint programmes catalyse larger investments in employment and social protection systems while supporting implementation of commitments made during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and the Second World Summit on Social Development.
The funding initiative specifically aims to support countries in expanding social protection coverage by at least two percentage points annually over the coming years. Eligible countries may access up to USD 1.8 million during the first implementation phase covering 2026 and 2027, with the possibility of additional funding in a second phase based on achieved results.
The second funding call is being implemented through the World Bank Social Protection Response Umbrella Trust Fund. This component provides grant funding to support joint activities between the World Bank and participating United Nations agencies in selected countries and regions.
The World Bank-supported funding round focuses on two thematic priorities: fragility, conflict and forced displacement, and climate change. Approximately 10 to 12 joint UN–World Bank programmes are expected to receive support under this initiative, with up to USD 750,000 available for each programme.
Unlike the first call, the second funding stream is open to a shortlist of both pathfinder and non-pathfinder countries, broadening the scope of participation and collaboration across regions facing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
The 2026 funding round has been made possible through support from the Joint SDG Fund and the Government of Germany through the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development. The initiative is also supported by the Ministry of Employment and Labour of the Republic of Korea.
The Global Accelerator initiative aims to strengthen investments in jobs and social protection systems while supporting just transitions, resilience, and inclusive economic growth across participating countries.
