Active longevity, rehabilitation, and housing programs for internally displaced persons: Ukraine and Japan discussed expanding cooperation in the social sphere

Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity Denys Uliutin met with Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine. The parties talked about developing a strategic partnership in the social sphere.

The Ukrainian side proposed that Japan become a strategic partner in the flagship area of “Active Longevity.” This includes, in particular, the development of barrier-free infrastructure, support in providing assistive rehabilitation devices, the creation of inclusive routes, and the active integration of older people into social life.

“Ukraine is one of the 30 countries in the world with the oldest population. Almost 22% of Ukrainians are aged 65 and older. That is why the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity is developing the flagship initiative ”Active Longevity," which focuses on keeping older people active, healthy, and integrated into community life. We highly value Japan's experience in this area and are sincerely interested in a strategic partnership," said Denys Uliutin.

In addition, the parties focused on the topic of housing programs for IDPs. Japanese companies have experience in implementing housing projects for displaced persons in Kyiv, Lviv, and Dnipro.

Among other things, the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity is interested in deepening cooperation with Japan in the field of modern rehabilitation technologies and training of specialists. The Ministry offered to develop academic exchange programs to improve the qualifications of Ukrainian rehabilitation specialists and prosthetists.

The parties also discussed the possibility of investing in the development of rehabilitation facilities under the Ministry's jurisdiction.

Japanese Ambassador Masashi Nakagome highlighted Japan's interest in deepening cooperation with Ukraine in the social sphere. He stressed that Japan values Ukraine's experience in finding solutions to the large-scale challenges facing our country today and expressed his readiness to promote the further development of bilateral cooperation.