Cabinet order #922-р of September 30, 2024 

Status: in effect since October 1, 2024 

Decision-maker: the Cabinet of Ministers 

Who is affected: all residents of Ukraine, migrants, and diaspora 

Summary: 

  • the Cabinet approved the Demographic Development Strategy of Ukraine until 2040 
  • key tasks: 
    • increase birth rate 
    • reduce premature mortality 
    • ensure migration population growth 
  • key indicators of negative demographic trends: 
    • large-scale external migration 
    • low birth rate 
    • high premature mortality rate 
    • labor market imbalance 
    • mass forced displacement of people within Ukraine 
  • priorities for demographic development: 
    • support for families 
    • preservation of reproductive health 
    • improvement of working conditions and better accessibility of medical and social services 
    • minimization of emigration of Ukrainians abroad, support for internally displaced persons, and creation of incentives for migrants to return 
    • facilitation of an environment favorable for childbirth and child-rearing, ensuring the economic self-sufficiency of families 
  • demographic policy separately addresses the development of territories bordering Russia and Belarus 
  • the goals of the demographic strategy: 
    • create conditions so that Ukrainians do not leave the country and can return if they have left. This applies not only to those who left due to war but also to those who emigrated earlier, as well as the diaspora. In the future, foreigners could also be attracted, for instance, international students studying at Ukrainian educational establishments 
    • create conditions to increase the birth rate by ensuring economic self-sufficiency of families in Ukraine. Develop services for families with children and build infrastructure to support them 
    • reduce the level of premature mortality. Promote a healthy lifestyle and personal responsibility for health. Timely detection of diseases and provision of quality medical care. Create conditions for active and healthy leisure 
    • engage everyone who can work in labor market. Study the labor market, adapt educational curricula to its needs. Assist in the employment of people with disabilities, pensioners, displaced persons, and veterans. Support youth searching for a job after graduation 
    • adapt society to demographic aging and create conditions for active longevity. Care for the health of the elderly and create conditions for their active life 
    • develop opportunities for a quality life. Create a safe and comfortable living environment. Increase people’s trust in the state, make infrastructure more accessible and convenient for all, support social cohesion 
  • the implementation of the strategy will be funded by government and local budgets, as well as from other legal sources. 

What is right: the proposed long-term strategy identifies challenges and priorities for ensuring sustainable development of the country and improving the quality of life for citizens. 

What is wrong: 

  • the strategy does not offer specific state policies to address demographic challenges. It is unclear how the outlined goals will be achieved and what resources are needed to achieve them 
  • demographic policy must be closely linked to other state policies: economic, social, educational, etc. However, the strategy does not propose effective tools for coordinating efforts among various ministries and local government bodies to jointly achieve the strategy’s goals 
  • there are no details of budget expenditures required for the implementation of the strategy. It is hard to understand what the sources of funds will be and how to ensure oversight over their use. 

Alternative solution: 

  • establish clear and transparent state policies with mechanisms and sources of funding for the development of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and increase in the number of jobs 
  • revise tax policy for families with children and taxation on children’s goods 
  • delineate the responsibilities for implementing the strategy among different state bodies. 

Why this is important: the demographic strategy is a key tool for the planning and development of any state. It makes possible to forecast demographic changes, ensure economic development planning, effectively allocate resources, and safeguard national security. Without an effective demographic policy, there is the risk of further population decline, which could ultimately threaten the existence of the Ukrainian nation. It is important to understand that both the strategy itself and its implementation are complex tasks requiring a comprehensive approach and the efforts of all citizens, with special responsibility resting on those who develop state policies. 

Additional information: 

  • Ok, So What? podcast, exclusive episode: Demographic strategy is not about having children