Experts from across Asia have met to share best practices and expertise on how to effectively strengthen unemployment protection schemes across the region.
The schemes were discussed at a regional meeting co-hosted recently by Indonesia's Social Security Agency on Employment (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial Ketenagakerjaan/BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Representatives from 15 Asian countries met to share insights on the effectiveness and emerging challenges of unemployment protection in the region at a meeting titled "Asia Expert Roundtable on Unemployment Protection 2024", held on 9 - 10 October in Jakarta.
Supported by the Government of Japan, the meeting brought together 150 participants, including representatives of workers, employers, and governments. They shared practical experiences and knowledge and took the opportunity to strengthen networks of expertise in the region.
We find ourselves at a critical juncture in the history of social protection and jobs in our region Simrin C. Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste
"This regional event plays an important and timely role, bringing together social protection specialists from across Asia to share expertise and best practices so that we can make tangible progress along the road to putting in place effective and sustainable unemployment protection schemes across Asia," she said.
President Director of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Anggoro Eko Cahyo, welcomed the international forum and hoped that it would produce various recommendations for improving the quality of such vital programmes to protect many vulnerable workers in the region.
It is an honour for Indonesia, especially BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, to host this international forum. There are many experiences and positive things that all of us in Asia can gain to improve the quality of unemployment protection schemes and their implementation Anggoro Eko Cahyo, President Director of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan
During the event the participants heard how unemployment protection systems have proven to be crucial tools in preventing poverty, building resilience, and acting as powerful economic and social stabilizers during times of crisis.
Discussions touched on how integrated systems of unemployment benefits and employment promotion measures would help those adversely impacted by technological innovations and climate change, by facilitating structural changes and just transitions of businesses and jobs in all sectors.
Sessions also focused on how unemployment insurance coverage could be effectively extended to workers in temporary employment such as those working on fixed-term or task-based contracts, as well as seasonal or casual work, including day labour.
