Denys Uliutin and Andrew Ockenden Discuss Reforms and the Development of Ukraine’s Social System

Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin met with the UK’s Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine, Andrew Ockenden. Both sides discussed key areas of bilateral partnership and further steps to implement joint projects aimed at restoring the social sphere and supporting vulnerable population groups.

“We highly value the United Kingdom’s support, in particular the implementation of the SPIRIT program, which will help us strengthen institutional capacity and implement important reforms. Our previous cooperation in the fields of finance and defense has been marked by effectiveness, which I seek to bring into the social sector. I am confident that we will be able to maintain this level of cooperation and raise it to a new level. I sincerely look forward to even closer interaction,” Denys Uliutin emphasized.

He emphasized that continued partner support plays a vital role in advancing these initiatives, as the Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine is currently focused on comprehensive reforms aimed at building a modern, people-oriented social system. Key priorities include an extensive pension reform introducing a second funded pillar and international investment instruments, the digitalization and consolidation of social benefits into a simple and targeted support model, decoupling public sector salaries from the subsistence minimum, and creating an effective rehabilitation system for veterans and persons with disabilities.

The United Kingdom has consistently demonstrated a high level of support for Ukraine since the first days of the full-scale invasion.

The UK reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Ukraine, as set out in our 100-Year Partnership, and to supporting greater complementarity between humanitarian and social protection work. We will continue to work with the government and humanitarian partners to support a transition from parallel humanitarian cash planning and delivery to an integrated approach led by the Government of Ukraine and local authorities. This approach will enhance the efficiency and sustainability of assistance and optimize costs. ” Andrew Ockenden said.

The UK’s Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine also spoke about the existing and planned financial guarantees for Ukraine. An outline was provided of the strategic vision for a gradual transition from project financing to budget support. This approach, according to the partners, will allow for more flexible responses to the country’s needs and ensure the effective use of resources in line with national priorities.

The parties emphasized that expanding the participation of civil society organizations in the provision of social services can significantly enhance the system’s capacity and efficiency. In particular, under the SPIRIT program, a project to provide financial support to social service providers and introduce early intervention services through small grants is already being implemented.

In conclusion, the parties confirmed a shared vision of reforms. They agreed to hold technical consultations to determine the next steps in implementing pension reform, digitalization, social protection development, rehabilitation, and inclusion.

Background: SPIRIT is a flagship program launched by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine and the Government of the United Kingdom in partnership with the World Bank and UNICEF to support social recovery in Ukraine. The initiative aims to develop an inclusive and sustainable social protection system. It provides for the launch of cross-sectoral projects that bring together efforts in health, economy, and social policy to assist the most vulnerable groups and overcome the consequences of the war.

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