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Millions of people in the Asia-Pacific region remain vulnerable to environmental, social and economic risks.

A seminar on Social Protection in the Asia Pacific Region from the Perspectives of Workers, the Youth and the Aged”, was held on May 3 under the framework of the 44th ADB annual meeting.

According to the organizing board, an open social welfare programme will assist poor and vulnerable people, help break the cycle of poverty and hunger, and improve the quality of economic growth in the region.

Participants reviewed social welfare programmes to ensure that all people benefit, the rights of children and their families are promoted and income security and care are provided for the aged.

Despite remarkable achievements, economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region is uneven with millions remaining vulnerable to economic, social, and environmental risks. The ageing population, urbanization, and disintegration of families have contributed to increasing social risks and inequalities. The global economic crisis coupled with rising prices of food and fuel further highlights the need to protect poor and disadvantaged people from unemployment, diseases and natural disasters.

Vice President Ursula Schaefer said hundreds of millions of people in the Asia-Pacific are facing difficulties or suffering from economic and natural crises and epidemics.

Unemployment and a lack of jobs for young people has become an urgent problem. Therefore, providing equal employment opportunities and ensuring social welfare can help reduce pressure on human resources and contribute to comprehensive growth.

Participants at the seminar also warned that many Asian countries should improve pension systems and deal more effectively with the needs of those who do not receive social insurance.

Nigel Chapman, Managing Director of Plan International, said children and youths have few chances to access education and medical services.  

In addition to helping governments review their social welfare programmes, the ADB is currently conducting a landmark study of social welfare systems to provide valuable input into national and regional deliberations on reforming the labour market, social insurance and social assistance.

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