Kyiv, 23 May 2025 – As Ukraine advances its recovery even amid the ongoing war, inclusive employment has emerged as a key pillar for long-term resilience and development. So during the national Career Festival in Kyiv, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine – in partnership with the State Employment Service and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and with financial support from the government of Republic of Korea – brought together businesses, policymakers, and civil society for a focused panel discussion on how inclusive hiring practices can drive systemic transformation of the labour market.

The war has reshaped Ukraine’s workforce. As of late 2024, approximately 1.2 million Ukrainians had been granted veteran status – a figure expected to rise as more service members transition to civilian life. At the same time, the number of persons with disabilities in Ukraine has increased by around 300,000 since the start of the full-scale invasion, bringing the total to an estimated 3 million people with disabilities nationwide.

These demographic shifts highlight the urgency of building a more inclusive labour market. Businesses across the country face acute labour shortages, driven by mobilisation, displacement, and emigration. Against this backdrop, inclusive employment is not only a social obligation – it is a strategic necessity to maintain economic resilience and competitiveness.

Despite progressive reforms and a growing number of initiatives, people with disabilities in Ukraine continue to encounter systemic exclusion, from inaccessible recruitment processes to a lack of workplace facilities. Many employers remain unaware of state programmes that offer compensation for adapting positions to make them more inclusive, or are unsure how to implement inclusive practices. This gap between potential and practice is one the government and its partners are determined to close.

“We cannot rebuild Ukraine without ensuring that every person – including veterans and people with disabilities – has equal access to economic opportunity,” said Christophoros Politis, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Ukraine during the panel discussion. “At UNDP, we’re committed to helping employers become not just more aware, but fully equipped to create inclusive workplaces. This is a matter of dignity, productivity, and justice – and it’s central to Ukraine’s future.”

To support businesses in becoming more inclusive, UNDP has launched initiatives aimed at providing practical tools and resources. These include an online course on inclusive employment available on the Diia.Business platform, and a Catalogue of Equipment Suppliers for Workplace Adaptation that helps employers identify concrete solutions for accessibility. 

These efforts complement the Ministry of Economy’s national compensation programme,  which offers financial support to companies adapting workplaces for veterans and people with disabilities, creating a more enabling environment for inclusive hiring.

Emphasizing the importance of coordinated action, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Tetiana Berezhna noted that inclusive employment must become a shared responsibility: “Inclusive employment is a cornerstone of our recovery,” Berezhna said. “We’re building a system where support for businesses and equal access to jobs go hand in hand. But it requires joint action. That’s why our partnership with UNDP and the governments of the Republic of Korea and Spain is crucial – it brings together policy, practical tools, and people.”

The panel discussion reaffirmed that inclusive employment is not a niche issue but a national priority. By removing barriers and promoting accessibility, Ukraine has the opportunity to not only strengthen its economy but to set a new standard for equality in the region.

All stakeholders – the government, the private sector, civil society, and international partners – must continue to work together to ensure that veterans and people with disabilities are not left behind. Building an inclusive labour market is not a one-off campaign. It is an ongoing commitment – and one that will define the success of Ukraine’s recovery.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org