Social protection vital instrument to safeguard vulnerable communities

Asia-Pacific Social Protection (APSP) Week 2023 is being held at the ADB headquarters in Manila, Philippines

The three-day conference is participated by a large number of representatives from international organisations and various government representatives from the Asia and Pacific region including Sri Lanka

The dire need for having strong social protection systems in developing countries in Asia-pacific region- specially after the Covid 19 pandemic followed by Russia-Ukraine war- was highlighted at the Asia-Pacific Social Protection (APSP) Week 2023 which is organised by Asian Development Bank (ADB) at the ADB headquarters in Manila, Philippines on September 26 (Tuesday). 
“The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped our world, exposing the vulnerabilities in social protection ecosystems. It has forced us to re-evaluate the fundamental role social protection plays in the lives of citizens,” said Fatima Yasmin ADB’s Vice President for Social Sector and Themes, when giving a start to the APSP 2023.

“Social protection formed a critical pillar of the global response to the pandemic. We have learned many lessons including, importantly, that those who were well-prepared, fared better,” she added. 
“But, COVID-19 is not the only challenge we face. The world has faced a series of crises, from geopolitical events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine to disruptions in global supply chains, rising fuel and commodity prices, and the escalating frequency of climate related disasters. Through it all, social protection has emerged as a vital instrument, safeguarding our most vulnerable populations,” MsYasmin stressed. 
The three-day conference is participated by a large number of representatives from international organisations and various government representatives from the Asia and Pacific region including Sri Lanka. They will revolve around a program designed to share expertise and best practice from within and outside the Asia and Pacific region on a broad range of topics such as social protection policy, systems strengthening, financing, data and evidence, climate change and just transition, food security, new forms of work, economic inclusion, digital technology, health protection, and humanitarian-development nexus.

On the timely theme ‘Social Protection in a Changing World’ APSP 2023 is hosted by ADB’s Human and Social Development Sector Office.  The regional event that brings together global and country social protection experts and practitioners, including decision-makers from developing Asia and Pacific countries, to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to the role of social protection in post-COVID recovery and response to new and emerging crises, systems strengthening, and resilience building.  
Representing Sri Lanka, State Minister of Health SeethaArambepola will sit as panelist on today’s (27) discussion on “Social Health Protection: Extending Coverage and Improving Access in Asia and the Pacific”. 
Also representing Sri Lanka Resident Mission, South Asia Department, ADB, Senior Social Development Officer (Gender) H. D. Sudarshana A. Jayasundara will be one of the panelists for the discussion on ‘Social Protection for Economics Inclusion: Stories from Piloting and Scaling up the Graduation Approach.

Among the other representatives from Sri Lanka included Ms. Hema Perera Additional Secretary and Ms. Sudarshani Kahatapitiya, Director Planning from the Ministry of Women, Children Affairs and Social Empowerment, Ms. K. A. P. Damayanthi, Deputy Director, Department of National Planning, Ministry of Finance,  M. K. R. U. Krishantha Director, Livelihood Development,
Department of Samurdhi Developmentand Asanka Maithrirathna, Director planning, State Ministry of Health.