Denys Uliutin Presented Reform Priorities in the Social Sphere to International Partners

The Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and UNICEF Ukraine convened a meeting of the Sectoral Working Group on Social Protection to discuss the current reform priorities in the social sphere.

Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity, outlined the government’s clear reform priorities in social policy. These include the modernization of the pension system based on principles of fairness and sustainability; shifting from fragmented allowances to a needs-based basic social assistance system to reduce poverty; replacing the outdated status-based model with a modern Social Code; building a comprehensive child and family support policy; facilitating the integration of internally displaced persons through housing, employment, and access to services; developing an inclusive system for persons with disabilities and promoting active longevity; as well as implementing special programs for frontline communities and Ukrainians abroad. All these priorities share one goal — to establish a modern, resilient, and people-centered social protection system.

“I am grateful to our partners for strengthening the Ministry. Today, social policy is not just about expenditures — it is an investment in the dignity and resilience of our nation. Our joint task is to move from fragmented programs and status-based benefits toward a modern, needs-driven, and fiscally responsible social contract, aligned with Ukraine’s path to EU membership. We are working on an Integrated Social Protection Development Strategy to ensure that every initiative of the Government and our international partners contributes not only to immediate results, but also to long-term transformation for Ukrainians,” said Denys Uliutin.

Discussions focused on improving the effectiveness of social protection programs and on mobilizing international expertise and resources to safeguard the resilience of the social system under wartime conditions.

“Social protection must become the foundation of Ukraine’s recovery. It is the social dimension that unites society and underpins resilience. We greatly value the vision and mission of the renewed ministry, as well as our close partnership. For us, every initiative must be not only a response to urgent needs but also a step toward long-term transformation. As the UN organization, we are committed to speaking with one voice and supporting your efforts in the most coordinated way possible,” emphasized Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine.

The participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in social protection and agreed on joint steps to enhance the resilience of Ukrainian society.

On Wednesday, the Ukrainian Parliament ratified a landmark 100 year partnership between the UK and Ukraine. Aligned with this historic agreement, the SPIRIT programme - which provides institutional support to the Ministry of Social Policy - will support Ukraine’s ambition for more inclusive, effective and efficient social systems that meet the country’s needs and lay the foundations for a sustainable rights-based recovery. Today, it is vital for the international community to invest in the social sector and improve our coordination as together our collective support to Ukraine can be more than the sum of it parts,” said Rachel Kean, Head of Social Recovery and Inclusion at the British Embassy Kyiv.

Maintaining continuous dialogue and coordination between the Government of Ukraine and international partners will be key to ensuring that social protection remains the cornerstone of Ukraine’s recovery and European integration.

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