United Nations in Georgia

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth's environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Georgia:

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01 April 2021

Human capabilities and social equality top new Cooperation Framework

An inclusive economy and human capital development, effective, transparent and accountable institutions, equal and inclusive access to quality services, human security and resilience, as well as the environment and climate change are the five priority areas outlined in the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework signed by the Government of Georgia and the United Nations today. The new Cooperation Framework is firmly anchored in Georgia’s national development objectives and has one overarching priority for the coming years – enhancing human wellbeing, capabilities and social equality to make a real difference in the lives of people in Georgia. The five-year document (2021-2025) is intended to ensure that the support by all the UN agencies is aligned to Georgia’s national priorities, to the country’s aspirations and development goals. The Prime Minister of Georgia thanked the UN Resident Coordinator for the Organization’s steadfast partnership and commended the continued commitment of the United Nations to support national development priorities. Speaking on behalf of the UN Country Team the UN Resident Coordinator Sabine Machl thanked the Government of Georgia for its continued support to the UN’s work in Georgia. Under this Cooperation Framework, the UN agencies will continue supporting Georgia in its efforts to “Build Forward Better” in the wake of the global Covid-19 crisis and to set more ambitious goals and make further steps to a greener, inclusive and more sustainable development. The UN will also support the Government in strengthening its regional cooperation in key strategic areas. Particular attention will be paid to building partnerships with civil society and the private sector, whose innovative potential will be useful to achieve the objectives of the Cooperation Framework. This Cooperation Framework for 2021-2025 guides the entire programme cycle of collective UN support to Georgia to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Guided by several overarching principles - leave no one behind; a human rights-based approach; gender equality and women’s empowerment; decentralisation; resilience; sustainability; and accountability, environmental protection and innovation - the Cooperation Framework seeks to give new impetus to Georgia-UN cooperation for the next five years. The Cooperation Framework priorities have been defined and formulated in the process of multi-stakeholder consultations with representatives of UN agencies, state institutions, civil society and academia. The Cooperation Framework will be governed by the Joint National-UN Steering Committee - co-chaired by the Prime Minister and the UN Resident Coordinator.

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Press Release

25 January 2022

High-profile meeting held on improved access to justice for victims of sexual violence

Sexual violence is one of the most hidden offences in Georgia. According to the 2017 National Survey on Violence against Women, 9 per cent of women experienced sexual violence in childhood, although the rate of reporting is low. For instance, in 2020, investigations were started for only 31 cases of rape, while the courts have heard only 22 of the cases. One of the reasons behind such a grim reality is that the legislation of Georgia requires amendments, and access to justice requires improvement. In addition, women’s silence about rape is provoked by existing erroneous views and societal attitudes, which often blame victims for what happened to them. Due to this challenge, the focus of the 2021 campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is on combating sexual violence. The improvement of access to justice was a topic of the high-profile meeting held on 2 December 2021. Representatives of the legislative and executive branches of the Georgian Government, the diplomatic corps and international and local non-governmental organizations attended the meeting, organized by UN Women and the UN Gender Theme Group. H.E. Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, opened the event, stating: “We join an effort aimed at the elimination of violence against women and girls, and we support the Georgian Government in implementing international commitments in the area of human rights, including the obligations supporting gender equality and combating violence against women and girls.” Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia Ulrich Tideström stressed the importance of the topic: “We need to speak about sexual violence. And we need to act. We owe it to the victims. And we owe it to all women and girls who shouldn’t have to become victims of sexual violence. A key part must be to improve the access to justice. This also contributes to prevention by sending crystal clear signals that sexual violence is unacceptable and that perpetrators will be brought to justice. This is a global fight. We are in it together. The time to act is now! Count on Sweden’s continued support.” Participants noted that distinct political will and relevant regulations are required to improve access to justice. They discussed such issues as making the elimination of sexual violence a priority, harmonizing the national legislation with the Istanbul Convention and other international standards, and applying best practices for the prevention of sexual violence against women, among other important topics. On behalf of the Parliament of Georgia, Chair of the Gender Equality Council Nino Tsilosani expressed support in the fight aimed at the elimination of violence against women and noted that provisions of the criminal law on rape require harmonization with the Istanbul Convention. “This, as well as other proposals against violence, will definitely be initiated by the Parliament,” she stated. “In cooperation with the non-governmental sector and with strong donor support, Georgia will continue progressing to combat this global challenge.” The high-profile meeting was held within the framework of the UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality, implemented with the support of the Swedish Government.

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Press Release

14 January 2022

United Nations concerned over the decision of Georgian authorities to abolish the State Inspector’s Service

The United Nations Country Team in Georgia expresses its regret over the decision of Georgian authorities to abolish the State Inspector’s Service. On 13 January 2022 the President has signed a new law abolishing the State Inspector’s Service and creating two separate institutions: Special Investigative Service and Personal Data Protection Service. We are particularly concerned about the expedited manner and lack of inclusive and transparent discussions about the abolition of one of the most credible, independent and authoritative institutions in Georgia that is mandated to investigate alleged human rights violations committed by law enforcement officials and is entrusted with the oversight of personal data protection. The lack of convincing justification for abolishing the State Inspector’s Service and the absence of compelling rationale for stripping the State Inspector of her six-year mandate sends a chilling message to independent institutions of human rights protection. We are concerned that the substantial broadening of the list of crimes falling within the mandate of a newly created Special Investigation Service entails a serious risk of overburdening the agency and distracting its team from fulfilling its primary mandate to combat impunity. We recall the recommendation by UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment on his mission to Georgia (2015) stating concerns ‘at the risk that unduly broad jurisdiction, whether exclusive or discretionary, may make the task of the [State Inspector] overly burdensome [if] ... offences committed by law enforcement agents that are not part of the core group of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment… [fall within its mandate]’. We call on the authorities to request the opinion of relevant international institutions on the compliance of these decisions with the international standards.

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Press Release

25 January 2022

Georgian women push for inclusive and gender-equal policies

Women’s representation in municipal councils grew almost two-fold as a result of the 2021 local elections in Georgia, reaching a historical 24 percent. In the aftermath of elections, the Women Councillors Forum uniting over 490 women members of municipal councils gathered at an annual conference to discuss the new opportunities brought on by the increased number of women in elective self-government bodies and specific steps to be taken to bring women’s perspective to the local and national agenda. The event brought together women members of local councils from all regions of Georgia, and representatives from the Georgian Government, Parliament, political parties, civil society and international organizations. It discussed women’s role in advancing local politics as well as cooperation between the Parliament’s Gender Equality Council and the municipal Gender Equality Councils. The forum was organised by the Municipal Service Providers’ Association (MSPA) of Georgia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It was supported by the Government of Sweden and the International Republican Institute. “Women politicians are bringing a range of experiences and perspectives to the table – be it on social services, poverty reduction, employment or protection of the environment. We hope that newly elected women will lead on those issues to deliver great results for the Georgian society,“ said UNDP Deputy Head Anna Chernyshova. “The 2021 elections were a significant step towards more women in local politics. I hope this trend continues in future elections at all levels. It is equally important that the voices and perspectives of women politicians are heard in the public debate and impact the political decision-making on the same terms as for male politicians. Sweden has for over two decades been supporting women’s rights and empowerment in Georgia, including in politics, and will continue to do so. Gender-equal and inclusive participation in politics means a stronger democracy and better policies in all areas and is something that the Georgian voters are increasingly calling for. It also contributes to Georgia’s European integration,” noted Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia Ulrik Tideström.,” noted Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia Ulrik Tideström. The other speakers at the Forum included Nino Tsilosani, Chair of the Parliamentary Gender Equality Council; Niko Tatulashvili, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Georgia on Human Rights Issues; Mzia Giorgobiani, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia; and John DiPirro, IRI Resident Program Director. The Women Councillors’ Forum was established in 2013, with support from UNDP and Sweden. It serves as a cooperation platform encouraging Georgian women to become more active in public life and local decision-making. The work of the Forum responds to the aspirations of almost two-thirds of Georgia’s population that, according to the UNDP’s survey, think that greater involvement of women in politics would benefit the country.

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28 June 2022

Liana’s Story

According to the IOM World Migration Report 2020, some 272 million persons now live in a different country than the one they were born in. Nearly two thirds are labour migrants. Liana left for Greece in 2012 leaving back her family and her children. Her career in Georgia as a nurse enabled her to get a job fast in a new place. She was caring for elderly persons. She ended up staying in Greece for 8 years. Liana is grateful to Greek people for opening their doors to her and giving her an opportunity to support her family and pay off debts. In 2018 Liana had to return to Georgia after her father was taken ill. She returned home with IOM’s support and restarted cattle-breeding business. She was provided with entrepreneurship skills training and cash assistance to make a decent income. Liana is not planning to go back to Greece for work any time soon. She is happy to be back home and look after her father and grandchildren. Since 2003, 18,163 Georgian nationals have returned to Georgia with IOM’s support from 32 countries, most EU Member States and Switzerland. Among them, 5500 cases (including 7085 persons) received one or more types of post-arrival assistance. Among them 2196 cases (2420 persons) were returnees from Greece.

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27 June 2022

Nina’s story: How assistive technology is improving her quality of life

On 5 November 2013, Mariam Gelashvili and her family welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Nina. Unfortunately, Nina suffered from birth asphyxia, which resulted in her spending 1 month in the intensive care unit (ICU) and consequently losing function in her arms, legs, and neck region. Soon after leaving the ICU, she started to receive rehabilitation therapy for quadriplegia. Nina, now 8 years old, has severe motor impairment, cannot speak, and struggles with holding her head up, sitting up, standing and walking independently. Despite her disability, she attends a public school in Tbilisi, Georgia, and completed first grade this summer. Mariam tells us how assistive technology (AT) and communication devices have played and continue to play an essential role in improving her daughter’s quality of life. Assistive technology improves communication and social interactions “Nina has excellent cognitive skills,” explains Mariam. “When she turned 4, I was advised to buy an eye gaze device to help her communicate with us better. An eye gaze device allows a person to control a tablet or computer using their eyes. She mainly uses this device at home, just like one would use communication cards. I have created cards for her to express when she is hungry, wants to go outside, or watch TV. When she selects a card, she is asked a follow-up question. For example, when she indicates that she wants to watch TV, she is shown a list of shows to choose from.” Although the device helps Nina communicate her needs, her poor vision does not permit her to spend more than 1 hour a day on the tablet. In addition, as she grows, so do her needs. She now relies on 2 different speech-generating devices to communicate with her peers at school. These devices allow her to share several pre-recorded messages by just tapping on a large, coloured button. Mariam has programmed several greetings, questions, and answers within the device to facilitate her social interactions. “Every morning, I prepare new recordings, which also include information about her previous day, so that when she is asked about it, she can respond easily,” says Mariam. The speech devices have also helped Nina interact with her classmates directly. “Sometimes Nina gets bored in the classroom and starts feeling restless,” she adds. “I have programmed a command for her to indicate when she wants to go out. When her classmates hear her press this command, those sitting next to her usually turn to her and explain that they also want to go out but need to be patient.” At school, Nina is supported by her homeroom teacher, a special needs teacher, and a personal assistant who spends the entire day with her. Her elementary school is taking additional steps to ensure she is included in all school activities and does not feel left out. For example, with the help of her devices, she assists her teachers in asking questions to her peers. During music or sports classes, where her participation is somewhat limited, she has been assigned the task of using her controls to indicate the start of the activity. Nina also enjoys listening to her classmates, so her teachers involve her in class discussions regularly by asking her for feedback on her classmates' responses. Consort World changing lives in Georgia Limited access to AT remains a challenge in Georgia, as does the lack of trained therapists with knowledge in this particular field. Consort World has been a renowned and trusted name in AT and eye tracking since 2006 in the Middle East and North Africa. With financial support from Consort World's Managing Director, Camille Matta, Mariam founded Consort Georgia to support Georgian children with special needs. Recently, the nongovernmental organization joined forces with one of the biggest local rehabilitation centres, the Ken Walker University Clinic for Medical Rehabilitation, to provide children with AT-aided therapy and training for health workers. The Ken Walker Clinic now hosts Consort Georgia, and together they are increasing awareness of and access to AT across the country. Thanking WHO/Europe for its continued support to the country, Mariam says, “It means a lot, especially for families with disabled children. So many countries, like ours, face continued challenges in providing inclusive high-quality health care. Without WHO Georgia’s support, the situation would be worse.” WHO/Europe is working with the Government of Georgia to strengthen access to rehabilitation services and assistive products in the country. The programme is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

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27 April 2022

From War to Successful Farming

Marina Rukhaia, 57, is an IDP from the village Dranda, Abkhazia. In 1993, after the war in Abkhazia, together with her husband and two children she fled to St. Petersburg, Russia. After 2 years, the family decided to return to Georgia for their children not to forget their language and culture. The family started a new life in the village of Etseri, Tsalenjikha Municipality where their relative offered them an old, small wooden house. Marina started working as a teacher of physics in the local school and in parallel engaged in farming. “It was really difficult to move for the third time, to start everything from scratch, to get used to new people and environment. I remember well, we did not even have basic household items. I remember the family had to eat by turns because we did not have enough dishes. Slowly we managed to get back on feet. When you are a woman, you have to carry a great part of the burden of a difficult village life. “ Initially Marina’s family purchased one dairy cow and started producing cheese mainly for home consumption. She soon noticed the market demand for dairy products and the family started buying more cattle. Nowadays, Marina owns ten cows. The family was gifted a bee colony from their relative, and after identifying local demands for honey they decided to start a beekeeping business as well. Currently they own 26 bee colonies. Marina applied to the government-funded programme Produce in Georgia and received a grant for planting one hectare of blueberries. “I think women should fight their fear and stand for themselves, make the most of all opportunities. It is such a special feeling of satisfaction when you can prove to yourself and to others that you are able to make life better. If I looked at myself in 2022 from my early 30’s, before resettlement, I would not believe being so strong and able to do that much.” Marina now already has 2 grandchildren. Her daughter emigrated to Greece but she still considers the unity of her family the key to its success. “Unity in family means a lot, we all know our duties and responsibilities are divided and scheduled equally. This really leads to success. For my husband and me, there is no such household chores of man or woman, we know that mutual understanding and delegating is essential if you want to achieve something in life”. Marina took the responsibility to become Lead Farmer of a dairy Farmer Field School (FFS) implemented by FAO. She is interested in new production techniques, and in business opportunities offered to her under the project. Through participation in FFS Marina builds her production skills and acquires knowledge of best hygiene practices and innovative technologies. She receives information about the market needs, Georgian legislation for Food Safety Standards and its implication at farm production level. The knowledge and information obtained under the project helps her access the market successfully; FAO team is in the process of identifying local buyers to help her with market linkages. Marina exchanges her knowledge and experience with other women members of the FFS, as well as with the full network of 20 FFSs in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, uniting over 250 women. Through this platform, women can discuss challenges and build foundations for future collaboration. From the FAO project, she also received animal welfare and diversification equipment for her production, to replicate best practices demonstrated at the trainings. As a complement of FAO technical support, UN Women provides Marina and other women farmers with trainings in business and entrepreneurship skills. This knowledge will enable her and other women to create and upscale their own production systems. With the practice obtained from the project Marina plans to start producing aged cheese and offer an innovative local product to her region. “I would like to encourage women, especially IDPs and those living in rural areas. They should first appreciate themselves and not be ashamed of being engaged in agriculture, whether they are educated or not,” Marina says. “Fostering economic empowerment of women farmers by supporting homemade dairy production through the Farmer Field Schools (FFS) approach” is a project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of United Nations (FAO), the UN agency for gender equality and women's empowerment UN Women, funded by The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project started in October 2020 and will be operational until 30th September 2024.

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05 May 2022

Standing up to climate change

Almost 65 percent of Georgians believe that individuals can stand against climate change; 36 percent are not convinced that personal actions matter. Courageous and determined women activists, like Shorena Chapurishvili from the small Georgian town of Akhmeta, show by example that every person can contribute to climate-proofing our world. Photo: Anka Gujabidze/UNDP The hidden threat It is hard to picture a devastating flood along the Zemo Khodashnis Khevi’s dry riverbed. The landscape looks so peaceful and arid; there are no signs of a roaring deluge washing away bridges and houses. Yet, this small river, which does not even exist for most of the year, turns deadly every spring, flooding nearby villages and destroying livelihoods. Chapurishvili, a local climate activist, tells us that floods have become more frequent and severe over the years. “This river used to be much smaller only 10 years ago. You can see the remains of walls that would restrain it before. Now, they are almost in the centre of the riverbed.” According to Chapurishvili, pastures and farming plots are at the highest risk when the river floods; residential houses and roads in three villages are under threat too. In this area, recurrent floods affect the livelihoods of more than 2,100 people. But the damage extends beyond agricultural, infrastructure and personal loss. One of the river branches flows near the Alaverdi Cathedral, a majestic 11th-century monument that has been nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage List. “When the main river floods, its branch overflows too. If it reaches Alaverdi, it will damage the Cathedral’s ancient walls and courtyard,” Chapurishvili says. Photo: Anka Gujabidze/UNDP Photo: Anka Gujabidze/UNDP When water turns into a flood Most of Georgia’s 26,060 rivers are mountain streams, full of life and beauty. They feed lush forests and fertile plains, support unique ecosystems and biodiversity and supply people with water, energy and a livelihood. Yet once in a while, this beauty and power turn against people. River flooding, rockslides, landslides and mudslides are the chief source of natural disasters in Georgia. Extreme flood events cost the country over US$190 million per year. Scientists estimate that climate-driven disasters could cost Georgia as much as $12 billion over the next decade, almost 80 percent of Georgia’s current annual GDP. In 2019, Georgia launched a nationwide programme to enact policies and make the investments needed to adapt to climate change and protect people and the economy from climate-driven disasters. The seven-year initiative, a joint venture between the government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), draws on $74 million provided by the Green Climate Fund and the governments of Georgia, Sweden and Switzerland. The programme is set to introduce climate adaptation solutions, including hydrometeorological observation networks, early warning systems and protective infrastructure, in the basins of 11 Georgian rivers where the disaster risk is especially high. This will provide direct protection to 1.7 million people — 46 percent of the population. The programme also improves climate change awareness and education and assists local communities to develop and introduce climate-savvy solutions to better protect themselves from floods and other extreme weather events. Villages alongside Zemo Khodashnis Khevi and many other locations across the country are at the centre of this work. Photo: Anka Gujabidze/UNDP The power of people “Reinforcing riverbanks and establishing hydrometeorological monitoring is extremely important, as is letting people know what to expect and how to act during floods. This will help reduce losses and better protect communities,” said Chapurishvili. This year, UNDP provided her with a support grant to establish a community-based rapid response squad that will serve three villages alongside Zemo Khodashnis Khevi, informing people what to do to stay safe before, during and after a flood. “We are working with local councils and schools and engaging teachers and community organizations. Women and youth can play a game-changing role. They form a public opinion, influence their families and are very effective in spreading the message,” said Chapurishvili. She has a point here; women drive most of the local climate education projects supported by UNDP and Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. Chapurishvili’s work has sparked the interest of surrounding villages. Self-governance representatives, schools and citizens are ready to join or support the emergency response squad when it becomes fully operational this spring. Her work — and the efforts of many other climate activists across Georgia — holds the promise that local solutions and initiatives will help prepare people for climate change impacts and inspire them to work together to build a stronger and more resilient society.

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28 March 2022

Information for Refugees from Ukraine

The escalation of conflict has triggered an immediate and steep rise in humanitarian needs as essential supplies and services are disrupted and civilians flee the fighting. The UN estimates that 12 million people inside Ukraine will need relief and protection, while more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees may need protection and assistance in neighbouring countries in the coming months. On 1 March 2022, the UN and humanitarian partners launched coordinated Flash Appeals for a combined $1.7 billion to urgently deliver humanitarian support to people in Ukraine and refugees in neighbouring countries. Within Ukraine, the plan requires $1.1 billion to meet the escalating humanitarian needs of more than six million people affected and displaced by military operations over the next three months. Outside the country, the UN requested $551 million to help Ukrainians who have fled across borders, principally to Poland, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. **************** If you come from Ukraine and need help or information, please do not hesitate to contact UNHCR Georgia. If you want to contribute to Ukraine Crisis Response, help refugees and migrants, or support food delivery, you can do that by donating to the United Nations or its agencies that are dedicated to these causes. Find out how and where you can contribute here Information about the UN Country Team in Ukraine can be found here. See the latest UN news on Ukraine (in English)

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Press Release

27 June 2022

UN Team kicks off visit to Samtskhe-Javakheti

The UN Resident Coordinator, Sabine Machl, accompanied by the UNFPA Head of Office, Lela Bakradze, the IOM Chief of Mission, Sanja Celebic Lukovac, the UNICEF Health Education Officer, Nana Pruidze, the Head of the Office of the Resident Coordinator, Anna Platonova, the FAO Project Officers, Tamta Tavartkiladze and Gvantsa Gedenidze, the FAO Communications Officer, Sophio Altunashvili, the UNFPA Communications and Partnerships Analyst, Salome Benidze, and the UNFPA Programme Officer, Marika Kurdadze, visited the Samtskhe-Javakheti region on June 21-23 to discuss challenges and opportunities in the region, and to have a firsthand experience of different aspects of the UN’s work on the ground. The team met with the State Representative in Samtskhe-Javakheti Besik Amiranashvili, the Mayor of Akhaltsikhe municipality Irakli Lazarashvili, representatives of municipal authorities, civil society, academia, local farmers, entrepreneurs, young people and local communities. The trip kicked off with an opening of an Equality Corner at the Public School #2 in the village of Vale, Akhaltsikhe Municipality. The Equality Corner has been established by UNFPA Georgia with the support of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia. Over 240 books have been handed over to the school’s library to raise awareness among teachers, parents and children about gender equality, tolerance and human rights. Alexandre Lortkipanidze, TV presenter and writer shared his knowledge with children and teachers about equality and the many benefits of reading. The UN team also had an opportunity to meet with young people - participants of the Youth for Social Change initiative in Akhaltsikhe, implemented by UNFPA in partnership with the Center for Civic Engagement, in the frameworks of the programme “Addressing Gender-Biased Sex Selection and Related Harmful Practices in the South Caucasus”, with the support of the European Union. The initiative brought together the youth who believe that by accumulating necessary knowledge and competence, and by encouraging small group initiatives in their communities, they can change the harmful gender norms at the local level. In the course of the visit, the UN team met with the Mayor of Akhaltsikhe municipality Irakli Lazarashvili. The discussions at the meeting focused on the UN’s longstanding relationship with the municipality in various fields, including women entrepreneurship, support to returned migrants and youth development. The sides discussed the opportunities and development needs of the municipality, and the prospects for further enhancing partnerships in various sectors. Irakli Lazarashvili also shared information on ongoing infrastructure projects and future plans. The UN team also had an opportunity to meet the State Representative in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Besik Amiranashvili, the Chairman of the Akhaltsikhe Municipal Assembly (Sakrebulo), Davit Lomidze, and the Head of the Governor's Office, Giorgi Mikeladze. The sides exchanged thoughts related to programs implemented in the region by the UN agencies in Georgia and discussed the ways for further fostering cooperation in the fields of mutual interest, including in the field of youth development and social inclusion. The visit continued in the village of Khertvisi, Aspindza, where six female producers – members of One Village One Product (OVOP) group, "Tuta" – took charge of mulberry production and, in turn, of their own destiny. Originated in Japan, OVOP is a model based on which people in a village decide on a single product that is unique to their area. The initiative aims to spur countryside development and promote the emergence of women in agricultural area development. With UNDP’s support, the local producers received training and economic resources to widen family’s income generation. Next stop was in Akhaltsikhe where the team met Liana Tchankvetadze. She returned home with IOM’s support and restarted cattle-breeding business. She was provided with entrepreneurship skills training and cash assistance to make a decent income. Read her story While in Akhaltsikhe, the UN Head Sabine Machl and UN representatives visited the Samtskhe-Javakheti State University. They met with the Rector of the University Maka Beridze and visited university premises and workshops as well as a vibrant outdoor mural created by UNFPA that captures the spirit of the MenCare campaign (illustrator – Sonia Eliashvili, artist – Lia Ukleba). The UN team had an opportunity to visit the Child Rights Center set up by UNICEF to raise awareness of specialists, academics, teachers, and students about children's rights as well as to gain insight into the Minor Program launched by UNDP to help students develop their skills by using new technologies, including AgroDron. The team also visited a modern potato sorting and storage facility in Chamdura, Akhlakalaki. With a grant from EU and FAO, LTD "Akhali Mosavali" headed by Tamaz Kurdadze managed to purchase a receiving hopper, ventilation system, and wooden crates and set up a sorting and storage facility, where potatoes are stored with high standards. The storage facility supports up to 200 local farmers in minimising food loss. They are now assured that they can store their produce until there is a stable market. This was followed by a meeting with representatives of civil society organizations from Samtkhe-Javakheti region to discuss the work of these organizations in the region. Included in the meeting were representatives of some of the many NGOs working on youth engagement, human rights issues in Samtskhe-Javakheti, including the Democrat Women's organization, Akhaltsikhe Youth Center, Civil Initiatives Association, and Samtskhe-Javakheti Development Centre. At the meeting, the main needs of regional NGOs were identified. The ideas discussed were relevant to the sectors of youth development, national minorities, child rights, etc. Their feedback on areas needing attention remains a valued source of information for the UN.

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Press Release

18 June 2022

World Refugee Day 2022: Everyone has the right to seek safety!

On June 19, to mark World Refugee Day, a Solidarity Walk will be held at the Tbilisi Botanical Garden, organized jointly by the UN Refugee Agency in Georgia and the UN Resident Coordinator. To support and show solidarity with millions forcibly displaced people around the world, the UNHCR Representative in Georgia, Ms. Kemlin Furley, UN Resident Coordinator to Georgia, Ms. Sabine Machl, together with UN Country Team, Ambassadors and representatives of various government agencies and international and non-governmental organizations, will participate in a solidarity walk along with the refugees living in Georgia. On 20 June World Refugee Day is observed globally. On this day we honour refugees everywhere, paying respect to the resilience and courage of those who have fled conflict or persecution and are having to make new homes in foreign places. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build understanding for their plight and to celebrate empathy and public solidarity with refugees. This is a day when we ask people to remember the importance of welcoming newcomers into their communities. Those who have been forced to flee bring with them their cultures, their unique experiences and their hope – all of which make any community stronger and more vibrant. “In Georgia, as in the rest of Europe, the dramatic situation in Ukraine has produced an outpouring of kindness and support for those fleeing this horrible war. This year, World Refugee Day focuses on the right to seek safety. Everyone deserves to be safe, wherever they come from. We stand with refugees, whoever they are.”- Kemlin Furley, the UNHCR Representative in Georgia. Recently, the world marked a grim milestone: the number of people forced to flee conflict, war, persecution and human rights abuses crossed the 100 million mark for the first time on record. Behind this dramatic figure - more than 100 million women, men and children forced to flee are real stories of loss and trauma, as well as of courage and strength. Given the chance, refugees will continue to contribute to a stronger, safer and more vibrant world. We stand #WithRefugees! We hope you do too! Tbilisi City has signed up to the global initiative “Cities with Refugees”. Its beautiful botanical garden is the perfect place to celebrate the opportunities Georgia offers for safety and new beginnings.

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Press Release

17 June 2022

Multipurpose Community Centre (MPC) opens in Bukistsikhe

On 15 June, Bukistsikhe hosted the official opening of the Multipurpose Community Centre (MPC). The event was attended by the local authorities, the representatives of the Swiss Cooperation Office for the South Caucasus/Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia, UN organizations, as well as by the local populationcommunity. Giorgi Urushadze, State Representative in Guria Region, Dato Sharashidze, Mayor of Chokhatauri Municipality, Danielle Meuwly, Regional Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office for the South Caucasus, Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia, Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, Sanja Celebic Lukovac, Chief of IOM Mission in Georgia and George Nanobashvili, National Programme Officer at UN Development Programme (UNDP) made opening remarks at the launching event.
“We are looking forward that this renovated building for a shared space, with the primary healthcare unit, adult education classes, sports’ room for youth, transformable into a small cinema or the office space for the community leaders, will promote social relationships and cohesion within the community and encourage local development potential,” stated Giorgi Urushadze, State Representative in Guria Region.
The Multipurpose Community Centre was established in the Bukistsikhe community which is characterized by active migration processes – 14 percent% of families have one or two family members in emigration or returned from migration. The centere aims to promote social relationships and cohesion of returned migrants and non-migrant members of the local community and to also encourage them afore-mentioned to become development actors for their community’s wellbeing.
“Through its projects, the SDC encourages local communities to come up with initiative which best reflect local needs. Hence, we are delighted to support the establishment of the community centre that comes from the community itself,” said Danielle Meuwly. “We are convinced that that the ownership of the space will be gradually increased with the support of our partner UN agencies and that the space and concept of community centre will remain alive, so that each and every room here will serve evolving needs and interests of local community,” Ms. Meuwly added. “Structured environment is an important prerequisite for promoting community mobilization. Engaging women and men to identify community needs and to think of solutions in such a way as to promote positive change is essential. I encourage local community members to be active in problem solution processes and in the elaboration of local development plans and programmes”, said Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia.
“The community centre aims to serve as a focal point for the Bukistsikhe community for advancing the local development and revitalization agenda, with a hope of contributing to the sustainability of returns, and decreasing pressure from emigration decisions,” stated Sanja Celebic Lukovac, Chief of IOM Mission in Georgia, “and for that, there are some plans that IOM and its partners have, that considers series of targeted training courses, cultural events, information sessions for women and youth, members of the community with or without migration experience, for furthering the community development agenda.”
Multipurpose Community Centre (MPC) was established in Bukistsikhe in cooperation between the UNDP and IOM with the financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) within the in the frames of the UNDP project “Fostering Regional and Local Development in Georgia Phase 2 (FRLD2) and IOM project “Sustainable Reintegration and Community Revitalization Pilot Initiative in Communities of Return”. The project latter aims to contributes to the efforts of the Government of Georgia to support sustainable reintegration of returning migrants and community revitalization, encouraging migrants and communities to become development actors. Through aThe active cooperation withis thought with the local municipalities and other local development actors itto promotes participatory approach in reintegration of returned migrants and development of the communities of return.
Current population of Bukistsikhe counts about 550 persons , with 53 percent% women and, 47 percent% - men. The share of the population over the age of 60 is 31 percent%, which is quite high and indicates that the population of Bukistsikhe community is demographically aging. Forty nine percent of the population is of active working age (18-60 years), which has a positive impact on the level of economic activity of the population.

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Press Release

08 June 2022

Georgia strives to strengthen the care economy and introduce gender-responsive family policies

The United Nations, in partnership with the Government of Sweden and the European Union (EU), is supporting Georgia’s efforts to introduce key principles of the care economy and promote strategic solutions supporting women’s economic empowerment, equal employment opportunities and gender-responsive family policies. The national vision of this life-changing transformation was discussed at a high-level conference, organised on 8 June by two UN agencies – the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The event was supported by the Sweden-funded UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality, implemented by three UN agencies (UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women), and the EU-funded programme “EU4GenderEquality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence", implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA. Chairperson of the Parliament’s Gender Equality Council Nino Tsilosani presented some main principles of the National Concept for Women’s Economic Empowerment, a strategic policy document being prepared by lawmakers. Advisor to the Prime Minister on Human Rights Niko Tatulashvili stressed that gender-responsive family policies increase the participation of women in the labour market and open opportunities to fulfil their career aspirations, ensure gender balance and reduce discrimination. Besides, they support building a tolerant and non-discriminatory society and in combination with other factors, increase the birth rate and ensure demographic resilience. This was followed by panel discussions focused on social and economic issues that a well-functioning care economy can address, including a high share of women in unpaid and low-paid care work, economic insecurity of caregivers, low participation of women in the labour market, unequal distribution of domestic chores between women and men, lack of access to quality childcare services, and low engagement of women in economic activities and politics. Georgian officials announced concrete commitments aimed at enhancing care economy principles and introducing gender-responsive family policies while representatives of international organizations reconfirmed their support for Georgia’s efforts. Speakers included Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia Ulrik Tideström, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia Sabine Machl, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia Nick Beresford, Head of UNFPA Georgia Office Lela Bakradze, Deputy Minister of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia Tamila Barkalaia and representatives of Georgia’s Government, Parliament, civil society, the private sector and international organizations. “Women’s economic empowerment requires active measures to increase women’s access to and control over economic resources – including to secure a more equal sharing of family responsibilities between women and men. Sweden supports comprehensive economic equality reforms in Georgia, including efforts to address legal and societal inequalities that hinder women's and marginalized groups’ access to resources.’’ H.E. Ulrik Tideström, Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia “We support policies that help Georgia build an economy that responds to people's needs. Good quality and affordable childcare, elderly care with dignity, paid family leave and workplace flexibility are building blocks of a society and an economy that works for all of us.” Nick Beresford, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia “Evidence shows that gender-responsive family policies – both at the national level and those implemented by the private sector – are powerful tools to shift discriminatory gender norms and redistribute unpaid care work so that both men and women can realize their career aspirations and their fertility intentions. When women are forced to give up their careers to take care of children and the household, their talents and other contributions remain untapped in the economy and public life. And when women can’t have the number of children they want because that would in effect end their careers, the resulting low birth rates add further pressure on population numbers. The existence of the Gender-responsive Family Policies is, in fact, a wise solution to tackle the problem.” Lela Bakradze, Head of UNFPA Georgia Office Even though Georgia makes significant progress in reducing gender inequalities, there are still areas where discrimination, bias and deep-rooted social norms prevent women from being fully engaged in economic, social and political participation. Only about 40 percent of Georgian women of working age participate in the formal labour market (GEOSTAT, 2020), largely due to the challenges they face in combining work and family obligations. According to the World Bank, the economic cost of this persisting issue is 11 percent of Georgia's GDP. The distribution of household work in Georgia is still starkly segregated by gender, with women doing family chores in overwhelming numbers. Three out of four respondents say that women always perform basic care duties (UNDP/UNFPA. 2020). The new National Concept for Women’s Economic Empowerment addresses many of these unresolved issues, defines key national priorities and paves the way to better economic and family policies and greater equality for all

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Press Release

05 June 2022

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL MESSAGE ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

The theme of this year’s World Environment Day, “Only One Earth”, is a simple statement of fact. This planet is our only home. It is vital we safeguard the health of its atmosphere, the richness and diversity of life on Earth, its ecosystems and its finite resources. But we are failing to do so. We are asking too much of our planet to maintain ways life that are unsustainable. Earth’s natural systems cannot keep up with our demands. This not only hurts the Earth, but us too. A healthy environment is essential for all people and all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It provides food, clean water, medicines, climate regulation and protection from extreme weather events. It is essential that we wisely manage nature and ensure equitable access to its services, especially for the most vulnerable people and communities. More than 3 billion people are affected by degraded ecosystems. Pollution is responsible for some 9 million premature deaths each year. More than 1 million plant and animal species risk extinction, many within decades. Close to half of humanity is already in the climate danger zone – 15 times more likely to die from climate impacts such as extreme heat, floods and drought. There is a 50:50 chance that annual average global temperatures will breach the Paris Agreement limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius in the next five years. More than 200 million people each year could be displaced by climate disruption by 2050. Fifty years ago, the world’s leaders came together at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment and committed to protecting the planet. But we are far from succeeding. We can no longer ignore the alarm bells that ring louder every day. The recent Stockholm+50 environment meeting reiterated that all 17 Sustainable Development Goals rely on a healthy planet. We must all take responsibility to avert the catastrophe being wrought by the triple crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Governments need urgently to prioritize climate action and environmental protection through policy decisions that promote sustainable progress. To that end, I have proposed five concrete recommendations to dramatically speed up the deployment of renewable energy everywhere, including making renewable technologies and raw materials available to all, cutting red tape, shifting subsidies and tripling investment. Businesses need to put sustainability at the heart of their decision-making for the sake of humanity and their own bottom line. A healthy planet is the backbone of nearly every industry on Earth. And as voters and consumers we must make our actions count: from the policies we support, to the food we eat, to the transport we choose, to the companies we support. We can all make environmentally friendly choices that will add up to the change we need. Women and girls, in particular, can be forceful agents of change. They must be empowered and included in decision-making at all levels. Likewise, indigenous and traditional knowledge must also be respected and harnessed to help protect our fragile ecosystems. History has shown what can be achieved when we work together and put the planet first. In the 1980s, when scientists warned about a deadly continent-sized hole in the ozone layer, every country committed to the Montreal Protocol to phase out ozone-depleting chemicals. In the 1990s, the Basel Convention outlawed the dumping of toxic waste in developing countries. And, last year, a multilateral effort ended the production of leaded petrol – a move that will promote better health and prevent more than 1.2 million premature deaths each year. This year and the next will present more opportunities for the global community to demonstrate the power of multilateralism to tackle our intertwined environmental crises, from negotiations on a new global biodiversity framework to reverse nature loss by 2030 to the establishment of a treaty to tackle plastics pollution. The United Nations is committed to leading these cooperative global efforts, because the only way forward is to work with nature, not against it. Together we can ensure that our planet not only survives, but thrives, because we have Only One Earth.

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