Diverse Paths: The Dynamic Evolution of Social Protection in Asia Pacific

Social protection systems in developing Asia Pacific have transformed over the past two decades,expanding in range of programs,public spending,and coverage. However,building robust and inclusive systems remains incomplete,and in sub-regions,it is nascent. This report charts the transformation and highlights the diversity of country situations, suggesting directions for deepening social protection reforms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: World Bank Publications

Over the past two decades, social protection systems in much of developing Asia Pacific have undergone a profound transformation. This transformation has been driven by a range of factors, including rising country income levels, increased exposure to macroeconomic and climatic shocks, demographic and structural change, and changing expectations of the state from citizens. As a result, social protection systems in many parts of Asia Pacific have expanded in terms of the range of programs they offer, the level of public spending they allocate, and the population they cover.

However, despite these significant advancements, the building of robust and inclusive social protection systems remains incomplete, and in sub-regions of Asia Pacific, it is still at best nascent. This report aims to chart the transformation of social protection systems in the East Asia and Pacific and much of South Asia region in the areas of social assistance, social insurance, employment programs, and delivery systems. It highlights the major diversity of social protection systems across the region, as well as the remaining challenges of consolidating, expanding, and, in some cases, building them.

Furthermore, the report suggests directions for deepening social protection reforms that reflect the diversity of country situations. Social assistance programs, which provide direct support to individuals and families in need, have been a key component of social protection systems in many parts of the region. These programs include cash transfers, food subsidies, and housing assistance, among others. In many countries, these programs have been expanded to cover a larger portion of the population, particularly those who are most vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion.

Social insurance programs, on the other hand, have also played an important role in social protection systems. These programs provide coverage for specific risks, such as illness, disability, and old age. In many countries, social insurance programs have been expanded to cover a larger portion of the population, particularly those who are employed in the informal sector or who are self-employed.

Employment programs have also been a key component of social protection systems in many parts of the region. These programs aim to provide job opportunities and support to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed. In many countries, employment programs have been expanded to include training and education programs, as well as job placement services.

Delivery systems, which refer to the mechanisms through which social protection programs are administered and delivered, have also undergone significant transformation in many parts of the region. In many countries, social protection programs have been decentralized to local governments, which have been given greater responsibility for the design and implementation of social protection programs. This has led to greater accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the population.

Despite these advancements, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed in order to consolidate, expand, and build robust and inclusive social protection systems in the region. One of the key challenges is the need to increase public spending on social protection programs. Many countries in the region face fiscal constraints, which make it difficult to allocate sufficient resources to social protection programs. This can lead to inadequate coverage and quality of social protection programs, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.

Another challenge is the need to address the diversity of country situations. Social protection systems need to be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each country. This requires a nuanced understanding of the social, economic, and political context of each country, as well as a willingness to adapt social protection programs to meet the unique needs of the population.

Furthermore, there is a need to improve the quality and efficiency of social protection programs. This includes improving the design and implementation of social protection programs, as well as improving the delivery of social protection services. This can be achieved through the use of technology, as well as through the training and development of social protection workers.

In conclusion, social protection systems in much of developing Asia Pacific have undergone a profound transformation over the past two decades. While there have been significant advancements in terms of the range of programs, level of public spending, and coverage of population, the building of robust and inclusive social protection systems remains incomplete. This report highlights the major diversity of social protection systems across the region, as well as the remaining challenges of consolidating, expanding, and, in some cases, building them. In order to address these challenges, it is important to increase public spending on social protection programs, address the diversity of country situations, improve the quality and efficiency of social protection programs, and promote greater social inclusion and equity.

Weight: 333g
ISBN-13: 9781464815423