The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank has approved the launch of a new large-scale project for Ukraine called SPIRIT. The total funding amounts to 880 million dollars. The main goal of the program is to significantly update and modernize the social protection system, which is expected to support over 1 million Ukrainians. Priority groups include low-income families, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and citizens who provide care for others.
This is reported by Finway
Funding structure and main directions
The funding for the SPIRIT program is divided into two parts: 860 million dollars is a loan from the World Bank, and an additional 20 million dollars is provided as non-repayable grants from the governments of the United Kingdom and Germany through the Target Fund for Support, Recovery, Reconstruction, and Reform of Ukraine (URTF). The implementation of the project will be overseen by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity.
Key reforms of the social protection system
Within the framework of the SPIRIT project, not only the provision of social payments is planned, but also the introduction of new approaches in social policy, which are important for Ukraine’s Euro-integration. Three key reforms are planned:
- Unified basic assistance: Creation of a “single window” principle for receiving assistance, where financial support is combined with social services and employment assistance through case management.
- The principle of “money follows the person”: The state will purchase necessary services for citizens from public, community, and private organizations, ensuring targeted support.
- New approach to disability: Abandoning the outdated Soviet medical model and implementing a person-centered approach that involves assessing the real needs of individuals, expanding access to rehabilitation, assistive devices, and employment support.
“The World Bank’s decision is a powerful signal of trust in Ukraine and confirmation that international partners see the social resilience of Ukrainians as part of the future economic recovery.”
The Ministry of Social Policy emphasizes the importance of investing not only in payments but also in creating a new social policy that will open opportunities for professional development, employment, and economic activity of the population.