Inclusive employment and the care economy: Ukraine and ILO identify priorities for cooperation

Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin met with Peter van Rooij, Regional Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Europe and Central Asia, and Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ukraine, to discuss the reform of Ukraine’s social protection system, the development of inclusive employment, and further cooperation under the Decent Work Country Programme for Ukraine 2026–2029.

“For Ukraine, social support means creating the conditions that enable people to return to economic activity, work, live independently and lead a dignified life. This vision is guiding the changes we are making to the system today. We value the ILO’s expertise and are ready to work together on these priorities,” said Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.

Ukraine is moving from a social support model focused primarily on status-based eligibility towards an approach based on people’s actual needs and combining financial assistance with social services. A key element of this transformation is reforming the system for assessing everyday functioning, as well as developing the care economy in communities – a network of social services that can help parents and caregivers return to the labour market and remain economically active.

The meeting also focused on developing professional skills in line with labour market needs. As an example, the Minister highlighted a pilot programme providing cybersecurity training for people with Group I and II disabilities, with a focus on subsequent employment. Against the backdrop of labour shortages and demographic challenges, the Minister stressed that the government, employers and workers need to jointly develop solutions for Ukraine’s labour market.

The Ministry and the ILO also discussed pension reform. According to the Minister, the ILO is one of Ukraine’s key partners in transforming the country’s approach to pension provision. “Pension reform in Ukraine must ensure adequate income security, while safeguarding predictability and the long-term sustainability and resilience of the system. The ILO stands ready to continue providing Ukraine with technical expertise, grounded in international labour standards and social dialogue,” said Peter van Rooij, ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

“The ILO continues supporting Ukraine in building an inclusive and sustainable social protection system. As pension reform advances, evidence-based solutions and meaningful social dialogue will be essential. Investing in the care economy, grounded in international labour standards, will promote inclusion, decent work and women’s labour-market participation,” said Aida Lindmeier, ILO Country Director for Ukraine.

The parties agreed to continue their dialogue on the ILO’s expert and technical support, particularly in the areas of inclusive employment, skills development for social sector workers, social dialogue, and the implementation of reforms under the Decent Work Country Programme for Ukraine 2026–2029.