UN programme to assess Covid-19 socio-economic impact

The National National

THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is partnering other United Nations agencies to launch a socio-economic impact assessment project in PNG aimed at determining the impact of the Covid-19.
The initiative has started with a survey that will provide data on the impacts of Covid-19 on both households and the business community.
The survey will be focused on those most vulnerable and micro, small and medium enterprises.
UNDP resident representative Dirk Wagener said: “This assessment is nationwide and will provide much-needed data that we can analyse.
“Once we have been able to do this, we will then all be in a much better position to help in response and recovery efforts.
“Based on the outcomes of the impact assessment, UNDP will work with other partners and the Government to develop short and longer term policy and programme responses.
“These will consider the best ways to support the most vulnerable, stimulate job creation and improve social protections.
“Covid-19 is placing extraordinary pressure on economies.
“Its impacts will be far-reaching and understanding them and how to respond is critical for all countries, including Papua New Guinea.
“Mapping these impacts will take time and require collective and collaborative efforts involving Government, development partners, civil society and the private sector.
“An important first step will be determining what these impacts are.”
Those interested in participating in this national survey can do so by sending a request to: [email protected] or following the links on UNDP’s website for:

  • Household survey: https://ee.humanitarianresponse.info/x/#y4lxm2Ic and,
  • Firms/private sector survey: https://ee.humanitarianresponse.info/x/#aOk7K8SG