Social Outlook 2026
Eradicating poverty and empowering people
The Social Outlook for Asia and the Pacific is ESCAP's biennial flagship publication on social development. The 2026 edition focuses on poverty eradication and empowerment across the region amid significant global volatility. The report aims to strengthen the evidence base for policymakers and support faster implementation of social development policies that empower people to reduce poverty, build resilience and ensure that no one is left behind.
Storyline of 2026
Poverty trends
Reviews poverty trends across the region in both monetary and multidimensional terms, including subnational variation.
Drivers of poverty
Examines drivers of poverty: the role of inequality alongside growth, structural conditions including informality, and the poverty implications of climate change, demographic shifts and digital transformation.
Policy lessons
Covers policies and programmes with a track record of reducing poverty, spanning human capital formation, social protection, decent work, and the social and solidarity economy and cooperatives.
Recommendations
Closes with broader policy recommendations.
Publications
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Media
Articles, videos, news and press releases
Launch of Social Outlook 2026
