The Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), in partnership with regional civil society organisations, spearheaded a high-level dialogue on the urgent need for Universal Social Protection (USP) Floors during a side event of the 11th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD). Held virtually on February 21, 2024, the session titled “Advocating Universal Social Protection Floors for Asian Countries” spotlighted the region’s pressing challenges of poverty, inequality, climate risk and public debt.

The event brought together voices from grassroots movements, labour unions, development networks and think tanks representing India, Nepal, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Singapore, Japan and international platforms like the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF).

Key Highlights:

Social Protection – a Right, Not a Privilege
Speakers underlined that universal, rights-based social protection is central to realising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1.3 on implementing national social protection systems for all. The discussions were grounded in ILO Recommendation 202, advocating income security for children, elderly, persons with disabilities and informal workers—who make up 68% of Asia-Pacific’s 1.3 billion workforce.

Realities from the Ground: Who Gets Left Behind?
Reports from country representatives revealed deep exclusions faced by informal workers, Dalit communities, and indigenous peoples—groups still largely uncovered by existing schemes despite government claims of wide coverage.

Financing is Possible, Political Will is Needed
Experts, referencing ILO and IMF analyses, underscored that financing USP Floors is achievable via progressive taxation, debt cancellation and reallocation of military spending to social welfare.

Climate Change and Debt – Major Barriers to Social Protection
The panel stressed that the dual crises of climate change and growing national debts are straining governments’ abilities to fund social security systems. Natural disasters and fiscal tightening are pushing millions further into poverty across countries like Nepal, Pakistan and the Philippines.

Need for Regional Coordination and Government Accountability
Speakers called for establishing regional frameworks and accountability mechanisms to assist governments in planning, financing, and monitoring USP Floors—linking to global processes such as the UN SDGs and GCSPF-led initiatives.

Voices from the Region:

• Sylvia Beales Gelber (GCSPF) outlined the global gaps in social protection delivery.
• Ranjan Panda (India) warned of climate change impacts on food and livelihood security.
• Beckie Malay (Philippines) discussed potential pathways for adopting USP in the Philippines.
• Saroj Pokhrel (Nepal) exposed how debt servicing limits public investment.
• Beena Pallical (Asia Dalit Rights Forum) highlighted exclusion of Dalits from welfare schemes.
• Prof. Rajendra Pratap Gupta (Health Parliament, TBC) commented on universal health coverage needs in Asia.

The session was moderated by Arjun Bhattarai (NGO Federation of Nepal, GCAP Global Council) with closing remarks by Sin Putheary (Cooperation Committee of Cambodia), urging government action on social protection floors.

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