WIL focuses on four thematic research axes:

1. Social Protection and Safety Nets:

WIL supports governments and organizations in the domain of social protection and safety nets by:

• Designing social protection programs to reduce vulnerability and promote resilience
• Designing Grievance and Redress Systems and Call Centre for national governments with a focus on social protection and labour market activation
• Providing advice on the effectiveness of cash transfer schemes and pension systems

2. Economic Development Policies:

WIL enhances inclusive economic development through:

• Advising on the design and implementation of policies aimed at poverty reduction and reducing inequality
• Offering technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and sharing tools and frameworks to improve policy design and implementation

3. Food Security and Nutrition:

WIL addresses food security and nutrition challenges by:

• Supporting the development of policies that achieve comprehensive food security
• Researching the determinants of food security and their implications for development

4. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion: 

WIL promotes equitable outcomes through:

• Developing gender-sensitive policies and strategies
• Developing disability-sensitive policies and strategies
• Addressing barriers to inclusion for marginalized and vulnerable populations
• Researching the social impacts of policies to ensure fairness and inclusion