In response to the pressing challenges of our time, the 22nd Annual Conference of the East Asian Social Policy Research Network (EASP) is poised to explore "Social Policy in Asia in an Era of Multiple Disruptions." Taking place on July 17-18, 2026, at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, this conference serves as a vital platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to engage in meaningful dialogue on the evolving landscape of social policy amidst interconnected crises.
As we navigate the legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic, the accelerating climate crisis, and significant demographic shifts, it is essential to rethink our approaches to social welfare and governance. This event will facilitate critical discussions on the resilience and innovation of existing welfare systems while proposing transformative solutions for a sustainable and equitable future.

The conference will feature a range of activities, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and empirical presentations, focusing on diverse themes such as climate change, digitalization, and social inclusion. By fostering collaboration and sharing insights, we aim to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively respond to the complex challenges faced by societies in East and Southeast Asia.

The conference will place particular emphasis on the following topics:

• Rethinking Social Policy in an Era of Polycrises
• Post-Pandemic Legacies, Health Security, and Social Care Systems
• Climate Change, Just Transitions, and Environmental Social Policy
• Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Future of Work and Welfare
• Demographic Shifts: Aging, Low Fertility, and Intergenerational Relations
• Geopolitics, Conflicts, and Welfare under Uncertainty
• Population and Demographic Change
• Labour Markets, Precarious Employment, and Decent Work
• Poverty, Inequalities, and Social Inclusion
• Gender, Family, and Changing Social Roles
• Welfare States and Welfare Regimes (Comparative and Regional Perspectives)
• Social Security, Redistribution, and Social Justice
• Education, Skills, and Lifelong Learning
• Housing, Urbanization, and Regional Development
• Migration, Citizenship, and Diversity
• Governance, Democracy, and the Role of the Nonprofit Sector
• Research Methodologies for Complex Social Challenges
• Other relevant topics in East and Southeast Asian Social Policy