HLPF Side Event - Social Protection for a Just Transition in Asia and the Pacific: Challenges and Opportunities

Background 

As the Asia-Pacific region accelerates its transition to green and blue economies, the promise of millions of new jobs is accompanied by significant disruptions to existing livelihoods. This calls for a just transition of workers; that is, as fair and inclusive as possible, creating opportunities for decent work and leaving no one behind. The 2025 SDG Partnership report ‘Delivering a Just Transition: Advancing Decent Work, Gender Equality, and Social Protection’ highlights the key role that social protection plays in supporting this transformation and safeguarding the most vulnerable.

About the event

The side event will highlight country-level responses to the challenges and opportunities arising from the green and blue transitions. It will explore how governments and partners are driving social protection policies that safeguard workers, promote gender equality, and build resilience among vulnerable populations. The session will also provide a platform for dialogue on innovative approaches, financing mechanisms, and partnerships that can support a just transition across the region.

The 60-minute session, held in hybrid format (UNDP New York and Zoom), will be co-hosted by ESCAP, ADB, UNDP, and the Government of Indonesia. It will feature opening remarks from the principals of the 3 partner organizations and the Government of Indonesia, a panel discussion with experts from the region, and an open discussion where the audience can share their ideas or address questions to our speakers. 

                                                                     Programme

Introduction 

• Moderator: Yoko Watanabe, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, ADB

Opening remarks:

• Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
• Fatima Yasmin, Vice-President Sectors and Themes,  Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• Kanni Wignaraja, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific (UNDP)
• Pungkas Bahjuri Ali, Senior Advisor to the Minister on Social Welfare and Poverty Reduction, Head of SDGs National Secretariat, Indonesia. 

2025 SDG Partnership Report video   

Panel discussion: 

• Shea Gopaul, Permanent Representative to the United Nations for International Organization of Employers
• Lawrence Pero Duguman, First Assistant Secretary, Policy and Budget Division Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Papua New Guinea
• Thomas Taylor, Policy Advisor, International Trade Union Confederation
• Carlos Carrión-Crespo, Senior Multilateral Relations Officer, International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for the United Nations in New York

Q&As

• Moderator will take questions from the audience 

Closing:

• Moderator will conclude the event