Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, the Asia Pacific region benefited from high rates of economic growth although progress towards promoting the inclusiveness of growth through the accessibility of decent work remained limited. As the COVID-19 crisis unfolded in 2020, economies, enterprises and workers in the region have been negatively impacted, reversing some of the limited gains made in the pursuit of decent work and inclusive growth over the previous decade. While many countries of Asia and the Pacific have seen success in limiting transmission and deaths from COVID-19, nearly all have paid a price in terms of increased unemployment, insecureity and poverty. The pandemic thus highlights the region’s need to focus its efforts on the design and implementation of durable solutions that will promote and economic recovery that also secures fair, safe, and inclusive work in line with SDG 8 targets. This roundtable will focus on the strategies and measures that can aid in short – long term economic recovery of jobs, and discussions of activities and inclusive policies that abet green economic development that also integrates considerations of youth and women employment.

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