By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – Srinivas Tata, Director of the Social Development Division at the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific on Wednesday underscored the moment’s significance.
He said “This is about putting social development back at the centre,”. “Social justice is the goal – social protection is one of the means to get there.”
Mr. Tata noted Asia and the Pacific has lifted millions out of poverty over recent decades but inequality remains high, populations are rapidly aging, and climate change is deepening vulnerabilities.
ESCAP works with governments to identify who is being left behind and how to reach them to help address these pressures. Its Social Protection Toolbox includes a simulation tool to show the returns of expanding social protection.
“It demonstrates that social protection is not a cost…it is an investment.”
ESCAP highlighted regional policy tools, the UN human rights office emphasized the universal principles underpinning social protection efforts.
Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the Summit is “a golden opportunity to revisit the vision of Copenhagen,” noting that poverty eradication, decent work and social inclusion are “completely anchored in human rights.”
She highlighted close partnership with other UN agencies, in particular the International Labour Organization and “incredible success stories” where schemes are anchored in law and target the most vulnerable.
Nada Al-Nashif stressed the need to shift into action: “We have momentum now to turn all our plans, our aspirations into action. We know how it works, and we have the solutions.”
