Ukraine [antikvár]

The Individual and the State Today Ukraine is facing a complicated period of its history. The institutions of the newly independent state are being created, the political system is being composed, and the main principles of domestic and foreign policy are being developed. There are many opinions about what is the best development strategy for Ukraine but there is one dominant idea common to them all: we must create a society that ensures a reliable social partnership between the state, the markét, and the individual. The path to achieving this type of society requires creating the conditions necessary for the realization of the creative potential embodied in each person, to release and promote the entrepreneurial spirit. A well-balanced economy, effective employment, up-to-date education, reliable medical care, and social protection for the most vulnerable groups of the population form the prerequisites for this society. That is why we truly appreciate the initiative of the World Bank, whose experts managed to perform an extremely complicated task and conduct a thorough analysis of the social sector in our country. This report highlights the whole rangé of problems related to this vitally important sector and above all defines tendencies of its development and reform trends. On evaluating the state of humanitarian development, it must be noted that Ukraine has a well-defined system of education and medical care, a wide rangé of social welfare and protection, and a relatively low level of unemployment. It ranks in the group of developed countries, being the 45th in the GNP per capita in the world. However, these impressive social indicators come at great cost, almost 45 percent of GNP is spent on social programs. It is obvious that the state is unable to maintain such expenses, especially considering the current economic situation. So the great value and importance of the recommendations given in this report stem from recommendations on how to make the social sector institutions more efficient under conditions of reduced budget allocations. The main conclusions of the World Bank coincide in principle with the state policy of Ukraine. Their value is increased by leaming from the experience of other countries in transition. Steps to be taken include the adjustment and improvement of the labor markét, introduction of the system of targeted benefits and financial aid, restructuring of the system of education, and training of specialists. Many of these recommendations have already been implemented, others will form the context for the humán development strategy of the Government of Ukraine. The publication of this report is the product of our mutual collaboration. But it is just the beginning and I would like to express my strong belief that in future our joint projects will become an important factor in the social and economic development of Ukraine and will promote my country's integration into the world community. M. Zhulinsky Deputy Prime Minister for Social Rehabilitation The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Kiev, June 18, 1993