Social Outlook 2024

Protecting our Future Today:
Social Protection in Asia and the Pacific

Social protection is a powerful policy tool to prevent and reduce poverty, inequality, social exclusion and insecurity emanating from risks and shocks, including those related to life cycle contingencies. But what is the status of social protection systems across Asia and the Pacific? Are they equipped to withstand and turn the megatrends of climate change, demographic shifts including population ageing and digitalization into opportunities? What should governments do to future-proof social protection systems?

The latest edition of the Social Outlook 2024: Protecting Our Future Today - Social Protection in Asia and the Pacific provides a blueprint on how we can improve social protection systems across the region. Leveraging strategic foresight methodology, the Report offers policy recommendations to meet changing conditions and argues that the price of inaction today far exceeds the cost of requisite action.

Storyline of 2024

Topic 1
Sustainable development at risk

Cascading risks threaten inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.

Topic 2
Crossroads of risk: The climate change megatrend

Children, women, older persons and persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by climate change.

Topic 3
Crossroads of risk: The demographic megatrend

Countries getting old before they get rich, with less time to adjust policies.

Topic 4
Crossroads of risk: The digital technology megatrend

Social protection systems will need to navigate negative and positive transformations to harness the power of technology.

Topic 5
Inaction is costly, investment pays dividends

Inaction on social protection is costly, threatening millions with poverty, yet investment pays dividends and is within reach.  

Topic 6
Forecasting a secure future

Using foresight and backcasting methodologies to plan social development.

Topic 7
Steady progress but coverage and adequacy low

A life-cycle approach to social protection aims for comprehensive protection.

Topic 8
Making social protection ready for the future, now

Governments in Asia and the Pacific could consider the following recommendations.

Storyline

Media

Articles, videos, news and press releases
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2024 Op-ed
Poverty is rising and inequality widening in Asia and the Pacific: New UN Report Reveals

Tribune International 16 October 2024

2024 Op-ed
Protection in the megatrend age

Bangkok Post 16 October 2024

2024 Op-ed
Social Protection Needed to Support Ageing Populations in APAC

MNation 16 October 2024

2024 Op-ed
Social protection spending vital to mitigate effects of climate, demographic shocks in Asia & the Pacific

Down to Earth 16 October 2024

Data and Research

Data and analysis, background research, regional and country insights
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2022 Background Paper
The impact of ageing on accessibility, affordability and availability of healthcare services in Asia and the Pacific

ESCAP Working Paper 28 June 2022

2022 Background Paper
Active labour market policies in Asia and the Pacific : a review of the literature

ESCAP Working Paper 22 June 2022