Ukraine and Japan deepen cooperation in modernizing the social protection system
Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, during which the parties discussed expanding cooperation in the development of social policy, support for internally displaced persons, digital transformation of the social sphere, rehabilitation, and post-war recovery.
The Minister thanked the Government of Japan for its consistent support of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war and emphasized that Japan is one of the Ministry’s key partners both in humanitarian response and in implementing long-term reforms. “We highly value Japan’s contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s social protection system. Today our partnership goes far beyond humanitarian aid — we are jointly working on creating a modern, resilient, and people-centered system of social support that will meet European standards,” noted Denys Uliutin.
Special attention was given to the implementation of the SPIRIT project, one of the largest international social protection projects in Ukraine’s history. With the support of the Government of Japan and other international partners, the project ensures continuity of social payments during wartime and enables systemic reforms. During the meeting, the Minister presented the key directions of Ukraine’s social policy transformation, including building a unified integrated social protection system that combines financial support, social services, housing solutions, rehabilitation, employment, and digital case management.
Among the priorities are:
• Development of modern social services in communities
• Support for families with children
• Social integration and employment of people with disabilities
• Expansion of digital services
• Creating conditions for active longevity
The parties also discussed the development of a new model of social rental housing for internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups. The Ministry is finalizing a pilot project that combines housing support with social services and employment to ensure independent living. The Minister also presented to the Japanese side Ukraine’s priorities in developing rehabilitation systems, introducing assistive technologies, supporting independent living for people with disabilities, and building partnerships between Ukrainian and Japanese rehabilitation centers, universities, and technology companies.
In addition, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in developing active longevity policies and creating a national system for recording damage inflicted on civilians as a result of russia’s armed aggression. This system will serve as an important tool for assessing victims’ needs, planning social support, and documenting the consequences of war. Denys Uliutin thanked the Government of Japan for its unwavering support of Ukraine and expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries will further contribute to the modernization of the social sphere and Ukraine’s recovery.