By Katinka Weinberger and Srinivas Tata, ESCAP
The Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development has long been a cornerstone for global collaboration on social development, placing people at the heart of progress. The declaration emphasized the need to prioritize poverty eradication, full employment, and social inclusion – goals that remain as urgent today as they were when the declaration was adopted in 1995.
The upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development is an opportunity to provide renewed momentum to advance social development. To do so, the outcomes of the Summit must address both the remaining challenges for inclusive social development as well as those that have newly emerged.
Rising challenges: Poverty and inequality in Asia and the Pacific
Countries in Asia and the Pacific are facing a concerning trend. For the first time in decades, poverty and inequality are on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the ongoing cost of living crisis, pushed an additional estimated 42 million people in the region into extreme poverty in 2022 – a sharp increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. Income inequality has similarly surged, with over half of the countries in the region where data are available experiencing growing disparities during the pandemic, and reversing gains made in the previous two decades.
Figure 1. Income and wealth inequality (Gini coefficient) by ESCAP subregions
Source: ESCAP (2024), Protecting our Future Today: Social Protection in Asia and the Pacific
The critical role of social protection in the face of climate change
Efforts to strengthen social protection systems have seen gradual progress, particularly in expanding coverage for key life contingencies. Between 2016 and 2023, the region made notable strides in improving social protection systems, and 55% of the population in Asia and the Pacific now has some form of social protection coverage. However, significant barriers remain, especially for informal workers who make up around two-thirds of the employed in the region – a staggering 1.3 billion people. Informality continues to perpetuate vulnerability, denying workers access to basic social protection and trapping them in cycles of low productivity and poverty. This issue is particularly pronounced in South and South-East Asia, among women, and among agricultural workers.
The urgency of building robust social protection systems is amplified by the rising threat of climate-related hazards in the region. The impacts of climate change pose a growing risk, with more frequent and intense natural disasters projected to hit the region in the coming decades. Without strong social protection, people – particularly those already exposed to social and economic vulnerabilities – are at greater risk of falling deeper into poverty and hardship.
Figure 2. Share of population covered by at least one social protection benefit and the projected level of climate change-induced risk by mid-century in a pessimistic climate and socioeconomic scenario
Source: ESCAP (2024), Protecting our Future Today: Social Protection in Asia and the Pacific
Currently, many countries in Asia and the Pacific offer social protection coverage to less than half of their populations, with some of the countries most exposed to climate risks having the lowest levels of coverage. This leaves large numbers of people in Asia and the Pacific vulnerable to both climate-related and life cycle risks.
Demographic shifts and the need for intergenerational solidarity
About 4.8 billion people, or 58% of the global population, reside in Asia and the Pacific. The population is projected to peak in 2051 and decline to 4.4 billion by 2100. The region is also experiencing rapid aging, with the number of older people set to nearly double by 2050. This demographic shift presents a unique set of challenges, including declining productivity, rising healthcare needs, and increased care demands.
The answer to these challenges lies in fostering intergenerational solidarity. This concept, which encompasses the relationships between generations across various spheres such as caregiving, economic activity, and climate change responses, will be key to ensuring a balanced, sustainable future.
Gender inequality: Addressing the persistent divide
Despite significant advancements in some areas, a stark gender gap persists in labor force participation across Asia and the Pacific. In 2024, there was still a 30% difference in the participation rates of men and women – a gap that has remained unchanged since 1995. This disparity is largely driven by the disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic work that women and girls bear – often spending two to five times more hours on such tasks than men, and limiting girls’ and women’s opportunities for education, employment, income, and career progression.
Moving forward: A people-centered approach to development
As we look ahead, the questions we need answers to are clear. How can governments shift their focus from pure economic growth to prioritize social and environmental well-being? What concrete actions can be taken to ensure that social protection systems are robust enough to provide security amidst climate change and economic disruption? As populations age, how can intergenerational solidarity be strengthened while addressing pension shortfalls? How can gender-responsive policies address care demands and promote equality? What steps can governments take to ensure inclusive development and reduce poverty and inequality? And what is the role of the multilateral system in supporting governments and other stakeholders?
Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort. Governments and social partners must work together to tackle structural barriers and ensure that development is not only sustainable but also inclusive. The effective use of regional platforms and multilateral collaboration is an important step towards identifying impactful solutions. The road ahead demands bold action, shared responsibility, and a renewed commitment to social development that leaves no one behind.
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Katinka Weinberger is Chief of the Sustainable Socioeconomic Transformations Section, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Srinivas Tata is Director of Social Development Division, ESCAP.
