In the Agency discussed issues of social protection of the population

At the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, Deputy Chairman Arken Utenov met with the World Bank team led by Paolo Belli, Practice Manager for Social Protection and Jobs in Europe and Central Asia.

Participants discussed current issues in the field of social protection and human capital development in Kazakhstan, mechanisms for cooperation and joint work, and the exchange of experiences to strengthen analytical capacity.

In his speech, Arken Utenov highlighted the contemporary challenges of the country's social policy and the ongoing efforts to improve the targeting of social assistance and needs assessment, as well as to enhance the efficiency of pension and insurance systems.

Currently, the Agency, in collaboration with sectoral government bodies, has developed a draft National Development Plan until 2029, which includes medium-term priorities for the social sector.

Paolo Belli spoke about the directions and results of the World Bank team's activities in social protection and employment in Europe and Central Asia. He shared his vision on current global trends affecting the social well-being of the region's population and new approaches in state policy promoting human capital development.

Expressing support for the ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan, the World Bank representative noted that the draft National Development Plan correctly outlines the critical role of social protection in ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth for the country. He also agreed with the priorities set out in the document, which will help achieve the stated goals.

"Success will depend on proper implementation and a detailed action plan that should follow the adoption of the national strategy and ensure the realization of its vision," noted Nitin Umapati, Senior Economist for Social Protection at the World Bank.

At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed on further steps to develop their cooperation.