ASEAN defines Social Protection as policies and programmes designed to reduce poverty, inequalities, and vulnerability of the poor and other populations at risk. These include women, children, older persons, workers, and persons with disabilities.

With the unprecedented socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no better time to ensure these interventions are in place. In this issue, we look at existing ASEAN national and regional initiatives that help protect atrisk populations from the shocks of unforeseen events, disasters, pandemics, and other crises.