This document summarizes key points from a conference presentation on new directions in social policy, particularly those emerging from the global South. It makes three main points: 1. Poverty reduction is better achieved through comprehensive social policies that aim for universal coverage rather than policies narrowly targeted at the poor. Successful examples like Nordic countries and East Asia had social policies that benefited middle income groups to fund services. 2. Currently, emerging economies are pursuing new social policies like cash transfers, employment programs, and universal healthcare to address modern risks from globalization, changing work, and climate change. 3. These new policies reflect a "quiet revolution" where countries are adapting institutions and social contracts to proactively deal with