Nepal Hosts International Conference on Social Protection, Focuses on Human Capital Development and Poverty Reduction

The conference, titled "Resilient and Inclusive Social Protection: Investing in Human Capital Development," aims to promote critical discussions on how social protection can reduce poverty, enhance resilience, and invest in future generations.

The Government of Nepal’s National Planning Commission, in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Bank, is holding the second International Conference on Social Protection in Kathmandu over two days. The conference, titled "Resilient and Inclusive Social Protection: Investing in Human Capital Development," aims to promote critical discussions on how social protection can reduce poverty, enhance resilience, and invest in future generations.

The event was inaugurated by the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Mr. Bishnu Paudel, who highlighted Nepal’s commitment to building a more inclusive social protection system. "This conference comes at a crucial time as Nepal is investing in its human capital,” said Minister Paudel. “We are committed to creating a system that addresses the needs of all, particularly children and future generations."

Nepal is undergoing rapid economic and demographic changes, with approximately 20% of the population still living below the poverty line. Although the country’s Constitution guarantees social security for vulnerable groups, much of its social protection investments have focused on the elderly, with limited attention to children and other marginalized populations.

Prof. Dr. Shivaraj Adhikari, Vice Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, emphasized the need for greater investment in human capital through the Sixteenth Plan. He stressed the role of social protection in building human capital as both a development tool and a goal for the country’s progress.

Despite growing investment in social protection, its impact on poverty reduction and resilience-building has been limited. Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia, highlighted the importance of early investment in children through initiatives like universal child grants, which can help break intergenerational cycles of poverty. “We are reaffirming our commitment to Nepal’s children and young people, and challenging ourselves to create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive," he said.

The conference also reflects on the progress made since the 2019 International Conference on Social Protection, which promoted expanding child grants, integrating registries, and adopting a cash-plus approach to support both formal and informal sectors.

World Bank Operations Manager for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Ms. Preeti Arora, underscored the critical need for adaptive social protection systems in the face of global challenges such as economic crises, conflicts, and climate change. She emphasized the role of social protection in helping vulnerable populations, including women, youth, and children, invest in essential services like education and healthcare.

The conference brings together senior government officials, experts from UNICEF and the World Bank, global social protection specialists, and key stakeholders. Dr. Michael Samson, Director of the Economic Policy Research Institute, delivered the keynote address on the global perspective of investing in social protection for human capital, inclusion, and resilience.

This year’s conference aims to further Nepal’s progress toward achieving SDG Target 1.3, which calls for implementing nationally appropriate social protection systems for all.

 

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