Representatives from various sectoral bodies in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) met virtually Thursday for a high-level roundtable to discuss accelerated actions to leverage social protection to address the COVID-19 pandemic and officially launch the ASEAN Guidelines on Disaster Responsive Social Protection to Increase Resilience.
The ASEAN region is facing a socio-economic crisis due to COVID-19. Average GDP growth in 2020 has been estimated at just 0.1 percent, compared to a pre-pandemic forecast of 4.5 percent.
The pandemic threatens food security and livelihoods of 218 million informal workers, who constitute 67 percent of the total employment in ASEAN, and many other vulnerable children, older persons, people with disabilities, women and youth. Protecting these most vulnerable individuals calls for social protection to go beyond poverty reduction objectives. Existing social protection beneficiaries who are the poor and most vulnerable, need additional assistance, as they are usually the hardest hit.
Developed by three ASEAN sectors, namely disaster management, social welfare and development and health, with support from the United Nations, the European Union, Asian Development Bank and the Government of Canada, the Guidelines reflect ASEAN’s strong commitment for a multi-sectoral, integrated approach in building resilience.
“More than ever, as we live through this global pandemic, there is an urgent need for social protection systems and a multi-sectoral approach,” said Jong-Jin Kim, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. “COVID-19 has delivered a devastating blow to the world economy, many ASEAN countries are also hit by drought, floods and cyclones, while Fall armyworm and the impacts of African swine fever continue to pose a menace to food security and livelihoods. The United Nations family, together with other development partners is delighted to provide support to ASEAN in this endeavour,” said Kim on behalf of the UN System.
“The development and implementation of the Guidelines will ultimately accelerate coherent actions across sectors, including the implementation of the AADMER Work Programme, the ASEAN Declaration and Regional Implementation Framework on Social Protection, as well as the ASEAN Post-2015 Health Agenda and other regional frameworks,” said Kung Phoak, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
