Inauguration of webinar series “Discussion on Social Security in Southeast Asia – Challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the path towards social security transformation”

On the afternoon of October 4, 2021, the webinar series “Discussion on Social Security in Southeast Asia – Challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the path towards Social Security Transformation” took place with the first session on “Challenges posed by Covid-19 poses and requirements for adaptation”.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Ms. Kim Thu Ha, Executive Director of Center for Development and Integration (CDI) commented: “In Southeast Asia, countries are combating high rates of Covid-19 cases due to the Delta variant. When the crisi is still raging on and the social security system begin to expose its loopholes and weaknesses, it is important to synthesize policies and experiences in addressing the problem. It’s time Southeast Asian countries need collective actions and discussions on social security system – a life saver for the poor and vulnerable”.  

Speaker Van Thu Ha from the Asia Monitor Resource Center (AMRC) outlined key findings from AMRC that supported studies on the impact of Covid-19 and COVID-19 response measures in 5 countries in Southeast Asia.

Next, speakers from Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, and Cambodia updated on the current impacts of Covid-19 and new response measures introduced in Southeast Asian countries recently.

In tomorrow’s afternoon, October 5, the workshop will focus on the financial aspect of social security in response to Covid-19 in Southeast Asia. On the last day, October 6, the workshop will provide information on current world discussions and national initiatives towards social security transformation.

Series of 3 webinars on Social Security in Southeast Asia is organized by Asian Social Security Network (AROSP), Federation of Indonesian People’s Movements (KPRI) and Asia Monitor Resource Center (AMRC), with the support of the Center for Development and Integration (CDI Vietnam) to share existing social protection measures in response to Covid-19 and discuss on the need for changes in the social security system in Southeast Asia.

Attending the seminar series were social security experts, national and international organizations, social organizations, networks, research institutions and interested individuals in Southeast Asian countries. 

CDI Vietnam.