On 21 September, Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine Roman Yermolychev chaired the first meeting with representatives of the UN Children's Fund UNICEF, including Deputy Representative UNICEF Ukraine Veera Mendonca, to discuss potential areas of future cooperation in the protection of children and youth rights.

The meeting focused on the areas of UNICEF's work in education, healthcare and social services.

At the beginning of the meeting, Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine Roman Yermolychev stressed that the assistance provided by international partners should address issues comprehensively.

The parties discussed the development and implementation of a training programme for educational staff to improve effective communication with children in need of psychological support.

The meeting also discussed financing the healthcare system, including the functioning of the medical guarantee programme and reviewing approaches to the development and implementation of social policy.

"In the State Budget for the next year, we have envisaged UAH 1 billion to develop social services. But social policy needs to be revised now. It is necessary to formulate a progressive state policy to provide effective social services in communities," said Roman Yermolychev.

The meeting also discussed the issue of inclusive education for children.

Roman Yermolychev stressed that the funds from the State Budget for inclusion are not used effectively in communities and do not achieve the purpose of their provision:

"Special attention should be paid to the development of inclusive education in Ukraine. It is necessary to develop an effective state policy on this issue and help the Ministry of Education and Science implement these methods on the ground. Particular attention should be paid to the socialisation and personal development of children with special educational needs. In general, the quality of the educational process and a safe, inclusive environment in educational institutions should become a priority in the field of education," the Deputy Minister of Finance said.

UNICEF Deputy Representative in Ukraine Veera Mendonca presented UNICEF's current and planned work on improving access to maternal and child health services, early childhood development and education, improving the social protection system and implementing an integrated approach to social services.

Veera Mendonca also emphasised her commitment to supporting the Government of Ukraine's efforts to increase the efficiency of public spending, focusing on meeting the needs of children.

At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue a constructive dialogue and develop bilateral projects in the areas of healthcare, education, child welfare and social policy.