Karlis Smits, the World Bank Program Leader for Economic Policy in Eastern Europe, visited the State Tax University to deliver a guest lecture and interact with the student youth.

The event generated significant interest among the university community and gathered a large audience interested in issues of economic development in Ukraine and the world.

The esteemed guest dedicated his speech to the topic "The World Bank and Ukraine: Why, What, and How," in which he presented the mission and activities of the World Bank, outlined financing mechanisms, and also revealed the criteria for effective use of funds.

At the meeting, Karlis Smits explained why and how the World Bank supports Ukraine. The speaker mentioned that at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, there were disputes within the World Bank regarding support for Ukraine, but the diplomatic work of the Ukrainian government contributed to the decision to provide financial assistance to our country.

According to him, the economic and humanitarian crisis caused by the invasion placed a heavy burden on the government's ability to provide essential public services, such as paying salaries, pensions, social assistance, and supporting education. For the provision of these services and ensuring economic growth, a long-lasting, sustainable, and just peace is important.

"Peace and freedom are the most important aspects of development. If you don't have peace and freedom, you don't have development," Karlis Smits noted. He emphasized that the main goal of the World Bank is development, and that is why, despite all challenges, it is important to support Ukraine.

Mr. Smits noted that the key task of the government is to continue performing its basic functions, including ensuring proper support for education and payments to civil servants: "If this money stops, then trust in the government will fall, and with it, the government." The lead economist of the World Bank emphasized: "It is important to make sure that Ukraine does not lose this economic war."

During the meeting, the foreign guest raised several important topics concerning financial support for Ukraine. Among the issues discussed were the scale of assistance and mechanisms for restoring critical infrastructure, as well as the World Bank's expectations regarding the effective use of funds, necessary economic reforms, and attracting investments. The economic situation in Ukraine and an assessment of the challenges and prospects for post-war recovery were also discussed.

The meeting format included a dialogue with students, during which the youth had the opportunity to ask questions to the World Bank representative. The students actively supported the conversation, inquiring about projects and the speaker's opinion on the decisions of the new US government.

In particular, the meeting participants learned about the World Bank's role in supporting Ukraine's economy and the mechanisms of international financial assistance being implemented in our country.

It is worth noting that the visit was organized at the initiative of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. The participation of our graduate, Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine Denys Uliutin, was particularly pleasant. He emphasized the importance of such meetings for developing the potential of students and the country's economy: "The World Bank is not just about money, it's about change and experience. It's a library of skills, analytics, knowledge, advice, and consultations."

n addition, Mr. Uliutin noted that students can expect even more interesting and important meetings with specialists who have achieved high results in their professional activities. He remarked that such events stimulate young people to become interested in working in the system of state authorities and to join the process of building the country.

The Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine added that the Ministry currently has about 80 vacancies for various positions. He encouraged students to explore the opportunities and take advantage of the chance to join the Ministry of Finance team.

The head of DPU, Dmytro Serebrianskyi, introduced the university to the guests and spoke about its work during the war, as well as the extent of damage to the buildings. Dmytro Mykolayovych thanked the foreign guest for the meaningful communication, interesting meeting, and the unique opportunity for STU students to gain knowledge about global economic challenges and ways to overcome them.