From historical trends to investment pathways: Social protection expenditure in Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste

What can we learn from historical data of social protection financing to improve outcomes for communities in the Pacific and Timor-Leste? This paper, from Partnerships for Social Protection (P4SP), provides a comprehensive study on social protection financing in Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste, covering their expenditure size, composition, and historical evolution.

It aims to aid analysis of this financing for decision-making purposes. The report identifies challenges and opportunities in financing social protection programs and emphasises the need for innovative financing mechanisms and an increased government commitment.

Partnerships for Social Protection (P4SP) is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by Development Pathways. P4SP is providing tailored assistance to support countries to advocate for, build and strengthen effective, sustainable, gender-responsive and shock-responsive social protection systems in the region. The programme aims to strengthen local leadership and expertise on social protection, build the evidence base in the Pacific, and facilitate learning and collaboration across the region.