Ilona Havronska at a Side Event of the 64th UN Commission for Social Development: Ukraine is building a people-centered social system

Within the framework of the 64th session of the UN Commission for Social Development, Ilona Havronska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine for European Integration, took part in a side event organized by the Ukrainian side entitled “People-Centered Social Development in Ukraine: Advancing Dignity, Equality, and Social Justice through Coordinated and Inclusive Partnerships.”

The event was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and was jointly organized by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, SpivDiia Charity Foundation, and the Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations.

In her address, Ilona Havronska presented Ukraine’s approach to transforming the social protection system in the context of war.

“In Ukraine, social transformation is taking place under shelling. We are not merely adapting to war – we are building a people-centered social system that guarantees that no one will be left behind on the path toward a just, resilient, and European Ukraine. This is a profound shift from an outdated model of passive assistance to a modern European system of investment in human capital, which strengthens the resilience of the state,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.

In this context, Ilona Havronska outlined the key directions of Ukraine’s social policy transformation. These include the transition to a social protection model based on the “Money Follows the Person” principle, as well as investments in support for children and families as the foundation of demographic resilience. Another important priority is ensuring inclusion through the development of prosthetics and rehabilitation systems and the expansion of the Resilience Centers network. She also stressed the role of digitalization of the social sector as a tool for ensuring transparency and accessibility of support.

The Deputy Minister separately highlighted strategic reforms aimed at ensuring long-term social resilience and advancing Ukraine’s European integration. In particular, these include the preparation of the Social Code of Ukraine, Pension Reform, and the implementation of the national unity policy.

“It is crucial for us to maintain a connection with every Ukrainian and to ensure that, when people are ready to return, they have a clear and understandable roadmap. We are working to ensure that forcibly displaced Ukrainians feel the support of their state and, in the future, are able to use the experience they have gained to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery,” Ilona Havronska stressed.

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