Asia Pacific Global Accelerator Policy Forum calls for major scale up of strategies and financing to deliver skills, decent jobs and...

PHNOM PENH (ILO News) - A significant scale-up of national strategies and financing is essential to deliver skills, decent jobs and universal social protection across the Asia-Pacific region, participants emphasized at the opening of a major regional forum in Phnom Penh today.

The Asia Pacific Global Accelerator Policy Forum - Meeting the Commitments for Productive Employment and Universal Social Protection co-hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Cambodia in collaboration, represented by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, with United Nations partners, explores innovative solutions that support more and better jobs, stronger social protection systems and resilient economies across Asia and the Pacific.

Over the course of two days, the event brings together governments, UN partners, employers and trade union representatives to develop practical strategies to align social protection with green and digital transitions, develop sustainable financing models, and implement skills and employment policies that drive economic growth and equity.

Delegates from Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and Viet Nam will share experiences as 'Pathfinder' countries piloting innovative approaches. The forum will also feature the voices of workers and businesses, highlighting real stories to inspire stronger commitments from policymakers, partners and funders.

Following the forum an outcome report will be developed, detailing the key findings and helping map out steps and recommendations for further action.

In his keynote address, His Excellency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economy and Finance, Cambodia, said: "In a global context of high uncertainties that could derail global socio-economic growth... the organization of this forum is truly important and on the right direction, as well as a testament to the continued commitment and value placed on cooperation and mutual exchange and sharing of experiences to achieve common goals, namely the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Pathfinder countries and the whole world."

Mia Seppo, Assistant Director-General, Jobs and Social Protection, ILO, noted: "The ambitions of the Global Accelerator will not be met by tinkering at the edges or repeating past approaches. We need bold, integrated policies backed by real investment and grounded in meaningful dialogue. This Forum is not just timely-it is vital!"

Addressing the opening session, His Excellency Minister Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, Cambodia, said: "This two-day forum comes at a pivotal moment-amid growing global geopolitical and geo-economic competition and increasing uncertainties, which pose significant challenges to sustainable development and resilience across the Asia-Pacific region." He added that "As the government institution leading the implementation of the Roadmap, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training will intensify efforts to enhance skills development and social protection for workers and employees-especially youth, migrant workers, women, persons with disabilities, and those in the informal economy-so they can access opportunities for advancement during this transition."

David McLachlan-Karr, Regional Director, UN Development Coordination Office for Asia-Pacific, said: "This is precisely where the Global Accelerator can play a transformative role: not by tackling issues in isolation, but by fostering collaboration and partnerships through integrated strategies that bring together stakeholders, align policies, and coordinate financing around a common vision."

Representing workers, Elly Rosita Silaban, President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSBSI), stressed the importance of social dialogue and policies that address job security, fair wages, and social protection: "For the Global Accelerator to deliver real impact, trade unions must be effectively engaged in its implementation. We bring workers' voices to the table, ensuring that just transitions create decent jobs and social protection for all. Strong union participation means stronger policies that truly work for workers, and collective bargaining is the foundation of sustainable progress."

Meanwhile, Tahir Javaid Malik, representative of Employers Federation of Pakistan, underscored the need for a skilled and protected workforce: "Investing in skills and social protection isn't just corporate responsibility-it's a strategic advantage that fuels innovation, stability, and long-term success in Asia's private sector."

The Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions is a UN initiative that helps countries align employment policies, social protection systems, and financing strategies to drive inclusive growth. It brings together governments, international organizations, businesses, and workers to mobilize investment and deliver tangible results for people and communities.