Summary (English)

ESCAP provides a platform for Governments, academia and civil society partners to exchange ideas, discuss and reach agreement on policies and programmes to reduce vulnerabilities and build resilience in Asia and the Pacific in the face of shocks to the economic, social and natural environment. ESCAP works towards:

• Promoting research on social protection and translating their findings into policy recommendations, which are then communicated to policy makers;
• Providing technical assistance to member States in the implementation of these recommendations and facilitating cooperation, in particular South-to-South;
• Advocating a shift in thinking on social protection, from supporting individuals or communities to empowering them in order for them to develop their capability to cope with risks;

Such a comprehensive approach based on human rights is crucial for building resilient communities, able to reduce their own vulnerabilities.