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.

 

NOTE TO EDITOR

Media representatives are invited to cover the event in-person or follow the proceedings online. Advance copies of the Social Protection report and expert interviews are available upon request.

What: Eighth session of the ESCAP Committee on Social Development

When: 8 – 10 October 2024

Where: United Nations Conference Centre, Ratchadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok

Register for media accreditation (in-person attendees): https://indico.un.org/e/CSD8 

Livestream for online attendees: https://www.youtube.com/unescap and https://webtv.un.org/   

For more information and the full timetable of events: https://www.unescap.org/events/2024/committee-social-development-eighth-session

Key speakers:  

• Armida Salsiah Alisjahban, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
• H.E. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand
• H.E. Maliki Achmad, Deputy Minister, Ministry of National Development Planning of Indonesia
• Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Senior Adviser, Khazanah Research Institute