Building Resilient Societies: Ministerial Social Policy Summit 2025 Held in Lviv

Today, the second Ministerial Social Policy Summit took place in Lviv. The event aimed to support Ukraine and Moldova on their path toward full membership in the European Union. More than 20 high-level representatives, including ministers from European countries, gathered to share experiences and develop joint innovative solutions to the demographic challenges facing the entire European continent.

Ministers and representatives from Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Finland, the Czech Republic, and Sweden attended the event, along with representatives from the OECD and the World Bank.

This year’s theme, “Building Resilient Societies: Innovative Solutions to Demographic Changes,” reflects one of the key challenges of our time: adapting social policy to a new reality marked by aging populations, declining birth rates, and growing competition for human capital. Opening the summit, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal expressed his gratitude to the European Union for its continued support, which has made it possible to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the social protection system even during wartime, a true manifestation of European solidarity.

“European integration for Ukraine is not just a political goal. It is a path toward real and tangible changes in the daily lives of our citizens. We understand that all European countries share demographic challenges, so the response to them must be collective. In this context, the Government of Ukraine has adopted the Demographic Strategy until 2040 as part of the Ukraine Facility. It is based on European values — first and foremost, respect for every individual’s right to make their own choices. A key element of state policy is investing in families. These are investments in the recovery of Ukraine, the strengthening of human capital, and the long-term development of the state,” said Denys Shmyhal.

“Ukraine and Moldova are making tremendous efforts to align their legislation with the rules of the European Union, and this deserves deep respect. Together, we can shape societies where everyone has the opportunity to participate and where the rights and dignity of every individual are protected. Building resilient societies means creating equal opportunities for all, supporting one another, and being prepared for change. This is the Europe we are building — and this is the future we want to shape together,” said Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Employment, and Readiness, European Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu.

Ukraine’s Minister of Social Policy, Oksana Zholnovych, thanked the partners for their unity and steadfast support for Ukraine’s aspiration to shape a resilient and inclusive social policy focused on people.

“We have moved beyond short-term solutions and are working on systemic changes that withstand the pressure of war and deliver results today. At the core are principles we all share: respect for human dignity, the right to choose, and support that empowers. European integration is a political goal and a shared space of practices, approaches, and solutions for us. We aim not only to learn from others, but also to share what has worked, what has proven effective, and what has become stronger in times of crisis,” said Oksana Zholnovych in her welcome address.” — stated Oksana Zholnovych in her welcoming speech.

Other Summit participants echoed this perspective, emphasizing that demographic shifts are a shared concern across the continent.

“Decreasing numbers of working-age people, children, and youth, and increasing numbers of older people pose serious challenges for Europe. The increasing demographic imbalance will create a need to enhance the activity and employment of older people. This will require better healthcare for the aging population and certain changes in the labor market, social protection, and education systems. We must create sustainable, inclusive, fact-based, and human-centered policies. Lithuania has experience in addressing such issues, so I would like to emphasize once again that we continue to firmly adhere to our commitment to support Ukraine and Moldova in their efforts to join the European Union in the social sphere”, said Inga Ruginienė, Minister of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania.

“The path to European Union integration has never been easy, but also has never been anything but the only path we should follow for the prosperity and well-being of our nations. We are constantly facing a crisis that tries to slow and stop us: the large number of citizens who emigrate, the declining age of the people engaged in the labor market, the war, the energy crisis, and many more. But therefore, we stand here together today, supporting each other and continuing with dignity on the only chosen path: integration in the EU, with our chin up and our hopes high. I would like to take the chance to say how much the Republic of Moldova appreciates and admires the people of Ukraine who are bravely fighting our common enemy and who are defending our country as well. You are our heroes; we will always stand by you and be there for you, whatever happens. Slava Ukraini!” – said Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova.

The Swedish delegation emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in wartime conditions.

“The consequences of Russia’s war of aggression on people in vulnerable situations, such as children, persons with disabilities, and older persons, are horrendous. We must continue our strong cooperation to strengthen the resilience of social services and the child protection system in Ukraine. For the welfare of the Ukrainian people,” said Camilla Waltersson Grönvall, Minister for Social Services of Sweden.

“As Minister for older people and Social Security, the theme of the Summit, addressing demographic changes, is at the core of my mandate. Sweden stands by Ukraine, and supports the ongoing social policy reforms, as part of our support to Ukraine on its path towards EU membership,” added Anna Tenje, Sweden’s Minister for Older People and Social Security.

“Investing in human capital and family-friendly policies is critical to secure Ukraine's more socially cohesive, resilient, and sustainable future. As UNICEF Representative to Ukraine, I am honored to be part of this Social Policy Summit. UNICEF advocates to protect the rights and well-being of every child and every family. Forums like this are invaluable spaces to share experiences, build alliances, foster technical collaboration, and contribute to a brighter future for every child”. — stated Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine.

As part of the Summit, participants developed a joint communiqué to consolidate participating states' efforts in supporting social reforms in Ukraine and Moldova. The document highlights the importance of systematic exchange of experience in implementing key initiatives outlined in the European Commission’s 2023 Demographic Toolbox, including the European Child Guarantee. It is intended to deepen understanding and raise awareness of the modern demographic challenges faced by participating countries.

At the same time, the communiqué emphasizes the need to strengthen legal, institutional, and strategic frameworks to ensure an effective and coordinated response to demographic changes, considering the needs of different population groups throughout their lives.

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