In the face of widening inequalities in income and wealth, the number of people in vulnerable situations is expected to rise in Asia and the Pacific. Addressing these challenges requires a focus not just on reducing poverty, but also facilitating transformative change to make our communities more resilient in the face of simultaneous, intersecting crises - climate change, the cost-of-living crisis, population decline and more. It is within this context that the conversation about social protection becomes critical.
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is set to convene senior government officials, top experts and key stakeholders to explore building inclusive and comprehensive social protection systems that are future proof in view of key megatrends including demographic trends, climate change and digitalization.
The Eighth Session of the ESCAP Committee on Social Development will take place from 8 to 10 October at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. The forum will also discuss social and economic challenges and opportunities associated with slower population growth as well as strengthening disability-inclusive development and disability rights.
A key highlight will be the launch of the flagship ESCAP publication Protecting our future today: Social Protection in Asia and the Pacific, which offers an approach to solving recent socio-economic challenges in the region through foresight and urgent action.
