Saturday, April 12, 2025

National strategies, financing key to ensure access to skills, jobs, and social protection

Kathmandu, Apr. 8

The Asia-Pacific Global Accelerator Policy Forum has underscored urgent need for scaling up national strategies and financing to ensure access to skills, decent jobs, and universal social protection across the Asia-Pacific region.

Co-hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Cambodia, the two-day event brought together governments, UN partners, employers, and trade unions in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, to discuss solutions for improving employment opportunities and strengthening social protection systems.

Over the course of two days, the forum will focus on aligning social protection with green and digital transitions, developing sustainable financing models, and implementing skills and employment policies to promote economic growth and equity, the ILO informed in a statement.

Delegates from countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Viet Nam will share innovative approaches as 'Pathfinder' nations piloting new strategies.

Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economy and Finance, highlighted the forum’s significance amid global uncertainties, stressing the importance of continued cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mia Seppo, Assistant Director-General at the ILO, emphasised that meeting the ambitions of the Global Accelerator requires bold, integrated policies backed by substantial investment.

The forum also featured contributions from workers' representatives like Elly Rosita Silaban, President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions, and business leaders such as Tahir Javaid Malik of the Employers Federation of Pakistan. Both stressed the need for social dialogue and investment in skills as key drivers of sustainable development.

The event is expected to produce an outcome report with actionable steps to further advance jobs and social protection across the region, said the ILO.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 April 2025.      

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