Ukraine and World Bank agree on priorities for social sector reforms

The Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, Denys Uliutin, met with the World Bank Regional Director for Human Development for Europe and Central Asia, Michal Rutkowski, to discuss further support for Ukraine in strengthening the social protection system.

“We greatly value the World Bank’s support in the practical implementation of reforms in the social sphere. We share a common vision – financial assistance must be combined with high-quality social services. Only in this way can we ensure the social and economic integration of people affected by the war,” said Denys Uliutin.

Under the SPIRIT programme, the World Bank provides technical support for the development of key social reforms in Ukraine. These include pension reform, the support system for people with disabilities, the development of social services, and the introduction of basic social assistance.

Michal Rutkowski paid particular attention to the SPIRIT programme component concerning support for people with disabilities.

For his part, Denys Uliutin added that the updated support system would be built on the principles of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF). This involves creating a model that covers three key areas – healthcare, social protection, and employment.

The World Bank confirmed its readiness to provide expert support in forming the corresponding institutional structure, training programmes, and data collection system. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to strengthen strategic coordination of joint actions and to identify key sectors where the World Bank would focus further support for social policy.

Background

The SPIRIT programme is implemented with the support of the Government of the United Kingdom under the Social Protection for Inclusion, Resilience, Innovation and Transformation (SPIRIT) programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, the Fund for Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities, and UNICEF Ukraine, administered by ISAR Ednannia.