This policy paper serves as a reference for ASEAN Member States in the review the ASEAN Declaration of Strengthening Social Protection and its Regional Framework and Action Plan. It is intended as a practical tool for identifying strategic priorities for a renewed commitment to universal social protection. The paper offers insights and recommendations to ensure revised frameworks address to current realities and align with the ASEAN’s long-term vision of cohesive, prosperous and people-centered community.

This paper was jointly written by Aura Sevilla, Eline Andries, Mariana Anton and Van Thi Thu Ha. It was developed as part of a collaborative effort supported by Oxfam’s Social Protection Program in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, with funding from the Belgium Director-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD). The authors acknowledge the contributions of partner organizations involved in the development of this paper, including Asia Monitor Resource Center (AMRC), International Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW-AP), Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific (PANAP), StreetNet International, Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO), whose insights and collaboration were essential to the process. We also extend our appreciation to Aneja Taneja and Shubert Ciencia for their editorial support in shaping and refining the paper. It is part of a series of papers written to inform public debate on development and humanitarian policy issues.

Disclaimer: This publication was produced with the support from the Belgium Development Cooperation. The opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the Belgian Government and they do not bind the latter under any circumstances.

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