The Human Face
The Pacific Conference on the Human Face of the Global Economic Crisis brought together more than 200 high level delegates from 16 Pacific Island Countries to discuss the issues that the poor and vulnerable are facing in the Pacific. The meeting discussed ways to mitigate the impact of the crisis on various categories of vulnerable groups - including women and children. Drawing lessons from past crises, delegates examined measures to strengthen resilience to the current and future crises.
Three key conference themes were discussed:
- Measures to protect the poor and vulnerable and address the issues they face;
- The need for inclusive economic growth, social protection and green growth; and
- Sustainability to tackle future crises.
1. Protecting the Poor and Vulnerable and Addressing the Issues they face
While many Pacific Island Countries are already facing the brunt of the global economic and financial crises, the full impact of the crisis is yet to be felt in the Pacific. Sadly, more people are expected to slide into poverty and hardship. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), an additional 50,000 people in the region could be living below the poverty line next year – a direct result of the global economic crisis.
There is also concern that this setback could hamper the efforts made by Pacific countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) unless governments take appropriate measures now.
2. Inclusive Economic Growth, Social Protection and Green Growth
Inclusive economic growth is a cornerstone for poverty reduction. It is often a priority for countries that want to reduce inequality, make growth more equitable and spread its benefits more fairly among society. In times of crisis, the focus on inclusive economic growth needs to be balanced with government expenditures in social sectors to protect development gains, particularly for the vulnerable. The conference had a strong focus on inclusive economic growth and social protection, encouraging governments to put in place social policies and social safety nets for their people. Lessons learned from previous crises have shown that in these difficult times, it is more important than ever to invest in the countries’ future through the people by supporting them with necessary opportunities.
Governments need to respond to the crisis in creative and responsible ways, and consider new approaches when investing in children’s education, health systems and renewable energy. Social protection is about policies, systems and measures that protect the poor and vulnerable, by reducing their exposure to risks including interruption of incomes. By so doing, it can break the transmission of poverty from one generation to the next by giving everyone opportunities to live a fulfilled life for themselves and their children.
3. Sustainability to Tackle Future Crises
While the conference examined the impact of the current crisis, it was also forward-looking. Drawing insights from the various discussions throughout the three days, delegates identified short-term (12-24 months) and long-term responses to mitigate the impacts of the crisis. Equally important, participants analyzed options to face future crises with greater resilience, and strengthen the abilities of those most affected to formulate adequate coping strategies.
The outcomes of the Conference on the Human Face will be reported to the Pacific Forum Leaders at their 2010 Meeting.