ASEC OPEN SPACE ON SOCIAL INCLUSION AND SOCIAL PROTECTION 19 May 2021

At the 2021 Asia Europe People Forum (AEPF), ASEC hosted an Open space conversation on social inclusion and social protection. About 90 people participated in this global conversation, which was held online on March 19, 2021. There were nine key speakers and three moderators.

Notes on Social Inclusion and Social Protection

Social inclusion is the process of improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity to take part in society.

Social inclusion programs and policies are designed to address the underlying drivers of exclusion, including prejudices, legal and policy frameworks.

One of the major strategies of social inclusion is the setting up of institutions which deliver services that ensure access of those most at risk to the opportunities and resources (finance, input supply, markets, technology, knowledge, skills, etc.) necessary to participate fully in economic, social, cultural and political life. (UNDP)

Social Protection is another major strategy for achieving social inclusion. Social protection measures aim to provide benefits to guarantee income security and access to essential health care, such as insurance, disability benefits, old-age pensions, cash and in-kind transfers, and other contributory and tax-financed schemes.