A broad transformation of social welfare is being set in motion by Ukraine and Japan

Ukraine and Japan step up joint efforts to modernize the social protection system

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Denys Ulutin, Ukraine's Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity, and Japan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine held talks focused on deepening bilateral collaboration. The agenda covered social policy development, assistance for internally displaced persons, digital transformation of social services, rehabilitation, and recovery after the war. The minister thanked Tokyo for its backing since the full-scale invasion began, describing Japan as one of the ministry's most important partners in both emergency humanitarian aid and long-term systemic reforms. High-level consultations like this are part of a broader wartime partnership between the two countries.

Ulutin pointed to the SPIRIT project as one of the largest international social protection initiatives ever carried out in Ukraine, noting that it keeps social payments flowing amid the war. He outlined the following priority areas for transforming Ukraine's social policy:

• financial support
• social services
• housing solutions
• rehabilitation
• employment
• digital support for individuals

Priority areas include developing the rehabilitation system, expanding the use of assistive technologies, supporting independent living for people with disabilities, and building ties between rehabilitation centers, universities, and technology companies in Ukraine and Japan.

Building on the talks

The two sides also discussed how to work together on active longevity policy. Ulutin presented a new model for social rental housing aimed at internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups. The ministry is close to finishing a pilot project that combines housing support with social services and employment.

The talks also touched on setting up a national system for registering damage caused to civilians by Russia's armed aggression. Its intended use is to assess victims' needs, plan social assistance, and document the war's broader consequences. Ulutin voiced confidence that coordination with Japan will help modernize Ukraine's social sector and drive recovery.

This encounter marks another step forward in bilateral relations and reflects the two countries' shared response to wartime social welfare challenges. Ulutin again expressed gratitude for the Japanese government's steadfast backing and stressed the need for continued cooperation.

In the face of the war's persistent pressures and long-term consequences, Ukraine's social protection system requires fresh approaches. A stronger Ukraine-Japan partnership opens the door to innovative policy tools that can make a tangible difference for vulnerable communities. Japan's expertise and technologies may well prove essential to the country's social sector recovery and modernization.

In light of these developments, it's important to note that Japan's commitment extends to ensuring social payments for Ukrainians through the SPIRIT initiative. This project plays a crucial role in maintaining financial support during these challenging times, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the two nations in enhancing social welfare systems.