Government officials and experts have gathered in Addis Ababa to strengthen social protection systems that reach underserved populations and respond effectively to economic pressures, climate-related disasters and conflict.
The interregional workshop, taking place at the United Nations Conference Centre from 7 to 9 October, is co-organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and African Union Commission. The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) provides technical support.
Speaking at the opening, Zuzana Schwidrowski, Director of ECA’s Socio-Economic Development Division, emphasized that social protection is essential to meeting basic needs, managing risks and building sustainable livelihoods. “Social protection must help people move forward—and protect them from being pushed back,” she said, highlighting the importance of linking support to employment, skills development and entrepreneurship while extending coverage to informal and self-employed workers.
