Strategic Seminar of the Ministry of Finance and UNICEF: Investing in Children and Youth as the Key to Building a Social State

On August 15-16, a strategic seminar titled “Rebuilding Ukraine through Investments in Children and Youth: Public Finance as a Path to a Modern Social State” was held. The event was organized with the support of the Government of Germany through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Development Bank KfW.

The seminar brought together officials from the Ministry of Finance responsible for social and humanitarian expenditures, strategic planning, and budget forecasting, as well as international experts in these areas. It aimed to exchange experience and strengthen capacities in using public finance to address the needs of children and youth and to support Ukraine’s recovery through investment in human capital.

“I am convinced that such training content allows civil servants of the Ministry of Finance to be prepared for important changes awaited by Ukrainian society and aligned with the highest human and European values. Understanding processes and the ability to actively engage in state-building motivates employees, particularly when making decisions to initiate changes in the regulatory framework for the allocation of state budget funds. This is especially important when it comes to investing in children and youth - the future of our country,” emphasized First Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine Roman Yermolychev. 

Over two days, participants analyzed the role of public finance in supporting education, healthcare, and social protection and discussed the importance of the social state for Ukraine’s recovery. The program combined expert lectures with practical group work.

“Ukraine’s recovery is impossible without strategic investments in children and youth. By supporting this seminar together with the Ministry of Finance, we aim to make public finance a tool for creating equal opportunities and developing human potential. Every budget decision must consider the needs of children and youth, as they determine the future of the country,” noted UNICEF Deputy Representative inUkraine Shameza Abdulla.

The seminar became another important step in the cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and UNICEF, aimed at developing modern approaches to public finance management and creating opportunities for future generations.