The social protection strategy has components that include labor market policies and programs that are designed to generate employment, improve working conditions and promote the efficiency of labor markets. It hopes to operate social insurance programs to lessen risks associated with unemployment, ill-health, disability, and old age. The strategy aims to put in place social assistance for groups that have no means of support such as single mothers, the homeless and physically or mentally challenged. It also hopes to achieve child protection to ensure healthy development of children.

The ADB will design and implement all project in accordance with national and international labor laws. National labor laws include minimum wage, working conditions and social security contributions. International standards concern the eradication of forced and child labor and curbing discrimination in the workplace.

The approved strategy highlights the common issues to be address without losing sight of the specific needs of individual countries. The projects pertaining to individual countries will be based on the country's needs and available resources.

Half of the world's population lives in Asia and the Pacific. The region also has 70 percent of the world's poor. Approximately 60 percent of the population is rural and a majority of the region work in the informal sector.