A regional meeting focused on the need for integrated approaches to unemployment protection, combining benefits with employment promotion measures. Participants discussed the importance of extending coverage to vulnerable workers and addressing the challenges posed by technological advancements and climate change.
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| Experts from across Asia convened to discuss strategies for strengthening unemployment protection in the region, emphasizing the importance of extending coverage to vulnerable workers and addressing the challenges posed by technological advancements and climate change. Image Courtesy: ILO/ Ippei Tsuruga |
Jakarta, Indonesia – October 9, 2024:
A pivotal gathering of experts from across Asia convened in Jakarta to address the pressing issue of unemployment protection. The "Asia Expert Roundtable on Unemployment Protection 2024," co-hosted by Indonesia's Social Security Agency and the International Labour Organization, provided a platform for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and exploring innovative solutions to safeguard workers' livelihoods.
Representatives from 15 Asian countries participated in the two-day event, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. The discussions centered on the critical role of unemployment protection in fostering economic resilience, preventing poverty, and ensuring social justice. Participants acknowledged the increasing complexities of the labor market, driven by technological advancements, climate change, and globalization, and emphasized the need for adaptable and effective unemployment protection systems.
One of the key themes explored was the importance of extending unemployment insurance coverage to vulnerable workers, including those in temporary, seasonal, and casual employment. Recognizing the precarious nature of these jobs, experts discussed strategies to ensure that workers in these sectors have access to adequate protection during periods of unemployment.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the need for integrated approaches that combine unemployment benefits with employment promotion measures. Participants emphasized the importance of facilitating structural changes and just transitions to help workers adapt to evolving economic conditions. By providing support for job search, skills training, and entrepreneurship, unemployment protection systems can play a crucial role in helping workers find new opportunities and regain their economic footing.
The event also addressed the challenges posed by technological advancements and climate change. Experts discussed the potential impact of automation and artificial intelligence on employment and the need for policies that support workers affected by these disruptions. Additionally, they explored the implications of climate change for labor markets and the importance of developing sustainable employment opportunities in sectors that are resilient to climate impacts.
The "Asia Expert Roundtable on Unemployment Protection 2024" concluded with a commitment from participants to continue working together to strengthen unemployment protection systems in the region. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, experts hope to foster a more equitable and resilient labor market that benefits workers and businesses alike.