AECID Reaffirms Its Commitment to Reducing Child Poverty in Southeast Asia

Summary of the news

Mr. Francisco Quesada, Acting Head of Cooperation of the Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines, represented the Spanish Cooperation and the Embassy of Spain at the Southeast Asia Regional Conference on Child Poverty: From Measurement to Policy and Action, held on 5–6 August 2026 in Manila.

Co-organized by UNICEF and the Philippines' Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), the conference brought together government leaders, researchers, development partners, and social policy experts from across Southeast Asia to discuss how evidence on child poverty can be translated into effective policies and action.

As a longstanding partner of UNICEF and DEPDev in the Philippines, AECID reaffirmed its commitment to reducing multidimensional child poverty through stronger social policies, evidence-based decision-making, and regional cooperation. The conference provided a valuable platform to exchange experiences, showcase innovative approaches, and strengthen partnerships to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.