1. Introduction
ESCAP had developed a microsimulation model, the SPOT Simulator, that enabled users to examine the impact of different design features of non-contributory schemes on poverty, consumption, inequality and cost. Drawing on Household Income and Expenditure Surveys, the Simulator calculated the impact of providing non-contributory child, disability and old age benefits on development outcomes at the household and population level. Presented in a user-friendly manner, it aimed to make data around social protection policy options more accessible for policy makers.
The SPOT Simulator was a tool to support countries in building stronger, more inclusive and comprehensive social protection systems in Asia and the Pacific. The half-day Workshop introduced the SPOT Simulator and enhanced understanding of its functions and relevance to supporting policy making on social protection.
2. Objectives
Through the Workshop on the ESCAP SPOT Social Protection Simulator, participants would:
- Understand the SPOT Simulator design parameters of social protection schemes and tailor parameter settings
- Identify impact of universal social protection benefits hade on poverty, consumption, and inequality, consumption and coverage
- Estimate costs of social protection schemes as proportion of GDP and government revenue
- Provide input on how Simulator could be improved to best serve individual country requirements
- Provide feedback on the ways to enhance its visibility and use by Governments
3. Participants
Participants were key stakeholders in relevant line ministries and development partners working on social protection.
4. Format
The Workshop involved interactive group exercises. Participants were kindly requested to bring their own laptops to access the online tool during the Workshop.