Ukraine and the World Bank Agree on Priorities for Social Sector Reforms

Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine, Denys Uliutin, met with Michal Rutkowski, Regional Director for Human Development in Europe and Central Asia at the World Bank, to discuss continued support for Ukraine in strengthening its social protection system.

“We highly value the World Bank’s support in the practical implementation of critical reforms in the social sector. We share a common vision — financial assistance must be combined with quality social services. Only in this way will we ensure the social and economic integration of people affected by the war,” said Denys Uliutin.

Within the framework of the SPIRIT program, the World Bank provides technical assistance to support the development of key social reforms in Ukraine, including pension reform, support systems for people with disabilities, the development of social services, and the implementation of basic social assistance.

Michal Rutkowski paid particular attention to the SPIRIT component, with a focus on supporting people with disabilities.

Denys Uliutin added that the updated support system will be built on the principles of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The model will cover three key areas — healthcare, social protection, and employment.

The World Bank confirmed its readiness to provide expert support in developing the appropriate institutional structure, training programs, and data collection systems. Following the meeting, both parties agreed to strengthen strategic coordination of joint actions and to identify key sectors where the World Bank will focus its continued support for social policy.

Program Overview: The SPIRIT program is supported by the Government of the United Kingdom under the “Social Protection for Inclusion, Resilience, Innovation and Transformation (SPIRIT)” initiative, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, the Fund for Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities, and UNICEF Ukraine, and administered by ISAR Ednannia.

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