MYANMAR is actively engaging with the international community to coordinate and implement social protection programmes while facilitating the exchange of best prac­tices among member states. The country has been implementing the Myanmar National Social Protection Strategic Plan (2014), which has now reached its ten-year milestone.

Social protection encompasses nine key benefits: healthcare, disability benefits, unemployment benefits, old-age benefits, work­place injury compensation, family support benefits, maternity ben­efits, survivor benefits, and benefits for those with severe injuries. Myanmar provides these benefits based on the availability of national financial resources and collaborates with international organizations to enhance and expand these efforts.

As part of its initiatives, the Department of Social Welfare is implementing financial assis­tance programmes, including a social pension scheme for indi­viduals aged 85 and above and financial support for pregnant mothers and children under two years old. For the 2024-2025 financial year, these benefits are being distributed through branches of the Myanma Eco­nomic Bank. Moreover, efforts are being made to ensure that all children under two receive proper developmental support without exclusion.

Currently, the elderly sup­port programme is being im­plemented on a monthly basis at the township level. Under the Elderly People Law enact­ed in 2016, steps are being tak­en to issue identification cards for senior citizens to facilitate benefits, grant exemptions, raise public awareness, and conduct registration and veri­fication processes. Similarly, all nine social protection benefits are accessible to the entire population.

Implementing social protection programmes presents signifi­cant challenges for relevant ministries. At present, funding is pro­vided by the state, but alternative financing mechanisms are being considered for the future. Globally, social protection programmes are continuously implemented in every country. On average, 12.9 per cent of GDP is allocated to social protection spending worldwide, while low-income countries allocate approximately 1.1 per cent of their GDP. The level of support varies depending on a country’s economic capacity.

Myanmar is collaborating with the international community to strengthen social protection efforts and exchange best practices among member states. The country is actively working with the International Social Security Association (ISSA), which was estab­lished on 4 October 1927 and consists of 338 organizations from 163 countries. Myanmar is actively participating in 20 ASEAN social protection bodies.

As a government responsibility, social protection programmes are essential for public welfare. These initiatives are not only noble but also fundamental rights of citizens. Since these programmes represent investments for the direct benefit of the people, it is imperative to ensure the successful implementation of all nine key social protection initiatives.