During the meeting with representatives of the World Bank, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine Maryna Lazebna and specialists of the Ministry of Social Policy discussed the results of cooperation over two years and the main directions of a new broader strategic partnership for the next 5 years.

Maryna Lazebna noted the close and fruitful cooperation during the difficult years of 2020 and 2021, as a result of which the Government of Ukraine received support in implementing the necessary social protection programs for the most vulnerable categories of people within the project "Modernization of social support system for the population of Ukraine".

"During 2020 and 2021, the World Bank has allocated about USD 350 million to support social reforms in Ukraine and social protection programs. This recognition by our international partners of the effectiveness of the policies and measures proposed by the Government has enabled millions of people to receive the necessary assistance. And we are sincerely grateful for that. Also, as a result of the implementation of a number of agreed indicators, another USD 15 million will go to the State Budget by the new year," said Maryna Lazebna.

Arup Banerji, World Bank Country Director for Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine, noted that in parallel with addressing the urgent social protection challenges facing the country in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has focused on long-term systemic reforms. "Without such responsible leadership and strong work of the entire team of the Ministry of Social Policy, Ukraine would be in a different state now," he said.

The parties discussed three main areas of strategic partnership for the next 5 years:

- Introduction of a system of basic guaranteed income for the disabled, unification of minimum pension guarantees and rules for indexation of all pensions at the legislative level.

- Introduction and development of the compulsory funded pension system, its infrastructure.

- Investments in the development of social services in communities, optimization and digitalization of the social benefits system.

The parties agreed to work out a detailed plan of cooperation in early 2022.