Inclusive employment and development of the care economy: Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity and ILO outline areas of cooperation

Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin met with Peter van Rooij, ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, and Aida Lindmayer, ILO Country Office Director in Ukraine. The sides discussed reform of Ukraine's social protection system, the development of inclusive employment, and further cooperation under the Decent Work Country Programme for Ukraine for 2026-2029.

"For us, the goal of social policy is to create conditions in which a person can return to economic activity, work, be independent and have a decent life. It is around this goal that we are rebuilding the system today. We highly value the ILO's expertise and are ready to work together on these priorities," said Denys Uliutin.

Ukraine is currently moving from a model of social support focused on status to an approach based on real needs that combines payments with social services. An important part of this transformation is the reform of the system for assessing daily functioning, as well as the development of the "care economy" in communities, a network of social services that will allow parents and caregivers to return to the labor market and remain economically active.

The sides discussed developing professional skills in line with labor market needs. As an example, the Minister cited a pilot program that trains people with Group I and II disabilities in cybersecurity, aimed at their subsequent employment.

In the context of labor shortages and demographic challenges, according to the Minister, the Government, employers and workers must jointly identify solutions for the labor market.

The Minister said the ILO is one of Ukraine's key partners in transforming the pension system.

"Pension reform in Ukraine must ensure an adequate level of income while guaranteeing predictability, long-term sustainability and the system's ability to withstand challenges. The ILO is ready to continue providing Ukraine with technical expertise based on international labor standards and social dialogue," said Peter van Rooij, ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

"The ILO continues to support Ukraine in building an inclusive and sustainable social protection system. As pension reform advances, data-driven decisions and meaningful social dialogue will be key. Investment in the care economy, based on international labor standards, will promote inclusion, decent work and women's participation in the labor market," said Aida Lindmeier, ILO Director in Ukraine.

The sides agreed to continue the dialogue on ILO expert and technical support, in particular in inclusive employment, developing the professional skills of social sector workers, social dialogue, and implementing reforms under the Decent Work Country Programme for Ukraine for 2026-2029.