The Financing Social Protection Training organized by the WIEGO Social Protection Programme in collaboration with HomeNet SEA in Bangkok on 2–3 November 2025 served as an important space for representatives of workers organizations from various Asian countries to strengthen their advocacy capacity on social protection issues. The training highlighted one of the most widely debated global topics: how to finance an inclusive and sustainable social protection system for all workers, including those in the informal sector—one of the groups most vulnerable to today’s economic and social shocks.

The activity brought together participants from diverse networks under the Asian Roundtable on Social Protection (AROSP), including trade unions, informal workers’ organizations, NGOs, regional coalitions, and youth organizations.

In this training, IYCW ASPAC was represented by Rony Robiansyah, the Regional Coordinator. His presence reaffirmed YCW commitment to ensuring that the perspectives of young workers remain an essential part of the social protection discourse, especially amid ongoing changes in the world of work.

The training was attended by participants from various types of organizations actively advocating for the expansion of social protection in the region, including trade unions, informal workers’ organizations, social justice NGOs, regional networks and coalitions, as well as youth and community organizations. This diversity enriched the dialogue and broadened cross-sector understanding of social protection financing needs in each country.

Key Learnings from the Training

Over the course of two days, participants gained knowledge and practical skills relevant to strengthening their advocacy roles. The main learning points included:

1.  In-Depth Understanding of Social Protection Systems
Participants learned about social protection concepts within the life-cycle approach, as well as the policy, program, and implementation components. This helped identify opportunities to improve systems so that they become more inclusive for all workers, especially those in the informal sector.

2.     Public Finance and National Budget Analysis
The training introduced the basics of public finance and budget analysis methods, enabling participating organizations to assess government priorities and identify openings for advocating increased social protection funding.

3.     Cost Estimation and Financing Gaps
By using costing tools, participants learned to calculate the financial requirements of social protection programs and identify gaps that need to be addressed. These skills are essential for developing realistic and evidence-based policy recommendations.

4.     Strategies for Creating Fiscal Space
Participants explored various options for creating fiscal space, including progressive taxation, budget reallocation, climate-related financing opportunities, and the use of regional frameworks. This demonstrated that expanding social protection remains possible even when countries face fiscal constraints.

5.     Strengthening Economic Narratives for Advocacy
The training emphasized the importance of building strong economic narratives to show that social protection is an investment that enhances productivity, worker well-being, and economic stability. Participants were also equipped with skills to counter negative narratives that often disadvantage informal workers.

6.     Developing Follow-Up Action Plans
At the end of the activity, participants formulated action plans to be implemented within their respective countries and organizations to strengthen long-term social protection advocacy efforts.

The presence of IYCW ASPAC through Rony Robiansyah contributed to reinforcing the perspective of young workers in discussions on social protection issues. Young people are increasingly vulnerable to economic uncertainty, precarious employment, and limited access to social security. Therefore, IYCW’s active involvement in this regional forum is an important step to ensure that the needs and voices of young workers shape the direction of social protection policies in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Financing Social Protection 2025 Training had a significant impact on strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations and workers’ groups across Asia. Knowledge on financing, budget analysis, and advocacy strategies has become an important foundation for participants to push for a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable social protection system. Through IYCW ASPAC’s participation, the voice of young workers was represented in this process, highlighting the needs of a workforce that is increasingly dynamic and vulnerable.

This activity strengthens collective regional efforts to realize social protection that is decent, fair, and accessible to all workers, without exception.