November 20, 2025
Germany–Pakistan Cooperation Powers a New Era of Social Protection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The piece highlights how the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with support from the German Government through GIZ, is transitioning from fragmented welfare schemes to a more coherent and inclusive social protection system. It also captures the voices of key government officials who contributed to shaping the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Social Protection Strategy 2025–2030.
Social assistance
Cash and in-kind transfers reduce chronic poverty and help poor and vulnerable households to weather shocks
Despite sustained progress in poverty reduction over the past 25 years, more than 700 million people continue to live in extreme poverty. Millions more risk falling into poverty as a result of shocks caused by financial crises, pandemics or natural disasters.
Social assistance encompasses a wide range of non-contributory programmes targeted at people who are living in chronic poverty or who are vulnerable to such shocks. It includes cash and in-kind support transfers, subsidies, and public works schemes.
Germany supports partner governments to strengthen the systems that are required to administer effective social assistance programmes as part of their commitment to achieving Universal Social Protection. This page provides insights into German-supported interventions aimed at enhancing the delivery of social assistance.
Stories
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Germany–Pakistan Cooperation Powers a New Era of Social Protection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The piece highlights how the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with support from the German Government through GIZ, is transitioning from fragmented welfare schemes to a more coherent and inclusive social protection system. It also captures the voices of key government officials who contributed to shaping the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Social Protection Strategy 2025–2030.
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Cambodia leads the way: Bringing social protection into the core of climate action
Inclusive social protection systems that can anticipate risks, adapt to change, and respond swiftly in times of crisis are among the most effective investments in climate resilience. As the first country to comprehensively integrate social protection into its national climate commitments, Cambodia is charting a path toward climate action that puts people at the forefront
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the Edge: Navigating Disaster Risks & the Need for Adaptive Social Protection
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces escalating climate risks — from glacial lake outburst floods to cloudbursts and landslides — that strike with increasing frequency and severity. This article explores how stronger disaster risk management and adaptive social protection can help the province safeguard vulnerable communities and break the cycle of loss.
Studies
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On-demand and up-to-date?
Dynamic inclusion and data updating for social assistance
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Cashing in
How cash transfers shore up Zambian households affected by HIV