IFSW addressing the UN ESCAP’s Committee for Social Development
20 October 2020
FULL SPEECH
Video Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2KRju08U28 01:56:00
Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for this opportunity.
I represent the International Federation of Social Workers, which is the global
professional body for social workers. With over 141 member countries representing
over 3 million social workers globally, we are on the front lines of human rights andsocial protection with a shared commitment to human rights, self-determination andsocial justice.
We commend the UN, ESCAP and the Committee for recognising social protection as
one of the core strategies for addressing inequality and also achieving the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals.
As social workers we are committed to working with the United Nations to ensure thatevery individual, group and community has the supports they need to meet their fullpotential.
I would like two address two key issues, first the need for all governments in the region
to assure people have access to competent social protection systems and second, theimportant role of social workers in relation to the Action Plan.
For social workers, social security is an essential human right enshrined in theUniversal Declaration and UN member states have an obligation to provide anadequatelevelofwell-beingand
socialsupportforall.
The region is dealing with a once in a generation pandemic and the worsening impactsof climate change. Prior to Covid-19, the region’s investment in social protection wasalready lower than the global average, resulting in 60 per cent of the population
remaining vulnerable.
Covid-19 has only worsened this situation and that is why the Action Plan is soimportant.
Governments must invest in social protection, as a comprehensive system contributes
to the reduction of poverty, reduces inequalities, contributes to social cohesion, andlays the base for a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable future.
For social workers, social protection systems must be understood as instruments forsocial transformation, democracy and creating socially and environmentally justsocieties.
Social workers are essential workers and it is the key profession associated with theimplementation of social protection systems. Every day across the Asia Pacific region
there are hundreds of thousands of social workers working to assure that everyone’s
basic human rights are protected.

As social workers we are important partners for the successful implementation of the
proposed Action Plan.
Social workers bring their direct practice skills and knowledge to work with people whoare marginalised and excluded and advocate for inclusive and supportive societies that
address structural, social and cultural barriers.
We see the daily and devastating realities of support systems that discriminate andblame people for circumstances that are completely outside of their control.
Social protection systems will only be effective if they are guided by collaboration andcooperation, and grounded in structural and systemic reforms.
Therefore, we commend the Committee for the Action Plan and as social workers werenew our call for all countries in the region to commit to greater collaboration, andimmediate and significant action to assure that no one is left behind.
Thank you