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15 September 2024
The International Day of Democracy 2024
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Press Release
10 September 2024
World Leaders Must Re-boot Global Cooperation for Today and Tomorrow
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Press Release
03 September 2024
The CEC Chairperson discussed the current election issues with the representatives of the UN Office in Georgia
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The Sustainable Development Goals 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:
Story
25 July 2024
Didier Trebucq assumes duties as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Georgia
On Thursday, Didier Trebucq, the new United Nations Resident Coordinator in Georgia, formally presented his credentials to the President of Georgia, H.E. Salome Zourabichvili.Mr. Trebucq expressed his appreciation to President Salome Zourabichvili for Georgia's enduring partnership with the United Nations and reiterated the UN's unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Georgia on the country’s sustainable development pathway. "I am deeply honored to lead the UN team in Georgia," he said. "I look forward to collaborating with our national and international partners to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and build a just, sustainable and peaceful future for all, especially those most in need."Earlier today, Didier Trebucq presented copies of his credentials to Mr. Lasha Darsalia, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.Photo: © MFA of GeorgiaThe United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Didier Trebucq of France as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Georgia on 17 June with the host Government’s approval.Mr. Trebucq brings more than 24 years of experience in sustainable development, climate change, social cohesion, peace and development, crisis prevention and humanitarian action with the United Nations and International Organizations. He previously served as the UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean states, covering ten countries and territories and leading a sub-regional team of more than 20 UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes. His extensive experience with the UN also includes serving as the UNDP Country Director in Brazil, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative respectively in Peru and Guyana, and the Team Leader for Crisis Prevention and Recovery with UNDP India.Before joining the United Nations, he worked as Head of Delegation of the French Red Cross in Colombia and Ecuador, with Doctors Without Borders in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and the private sector in France. He holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development with a specialization in environmental economics from Imperial College London (UK), and a Maîtrise in Business Administration and Management from the Institut Français de Gestion (France).
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Publication
29 May 2024
Annual Results Report 2023
The 2023 Annual Results Report summarizes the progress made by the UN team in Georgia in 2023 on five key priority areas. This work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2021-2025.A collective effort by 21 UN entities in Georgia is focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting greater well-being, capabilities, and social equality for all Georgians.This report details the UN's strengthened partnerships with the Georgian government and various stakeholders. It also highlights the UN's achievements in resource mobilization and expenditure. The report concludes by outlining the UN's priorities for 2024.
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Story
02 September 2024
Family medicine needs strengthening, says pioneering PHC doctor in Georgia
A neurologist by training, Dr Nato Shengelia now works as a primary health care (PHC) doctor in Georgia. She has received international recognition for her work as a passionate advocate for family medicine in the country. Dr Shengelia discovered her passion for family medicine after graduating from Tbilisi State Medical University, once she started actively engaging with patients. She was drawn to the all-encompassing nature of PHC, which allows physicians to take a comprehensive view of patients’ health throughout their lifetimes. She shares her insights on how to make PHC a more attractive career choice.“Georgia’s PHC system is currently weak, wages are meagre, which makes it unattractive for students to make a career in primary care and most people prefer to self-refer directly to specialists due to the lack of trust in family medicine,” she explains. However, Nato notes that the current reform by the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs aims to address these challenges.In the framework of the ongoing PHC reform, the Ministry plans to add a social worker, a nurse-midwife and a psychologist to nursing teams in remote areas. Up to 40% of Georgia’s population live in rural areas (World Bank, 2022) and it is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. Ensuring access to health services is difficult in those hard-to-reach areas, and it is hard to recruit and retain health workers there. “The lack of nurses is particularly acute. In these remote areas, strengthening PHC services is an opportunity to deliver equal and high-quality primary health care for all,” says Nato.Promoting trustPrevention is key in PHC. Early diagnosis of disease decreases morbidity and mortality. “This includes the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and screenings, with a special focus on noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors like tobacco,” says Nato. It involves, “identifying the health condition, managing it and, if necessary, timely referral to the specialist,” she explains.Nato has been involved in various WHO projects, such as support and supervision for PHC facilities delivering virtual outpatient treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as improving management of diabetes and hypertension, setting telemedicine standards in PHC facilities and many others. All of which, she says, helped strengthen PHC in Georgia and deliver essential services.Weak PHC also results in a high financial burden for the population. Due to the unpopularity of family doctors, many patients prefer paying for a specialist. This results in high out-of-pocket payments and increased financial burden, which, in Georgia, is one of the highest among the countries of the WHO European Region. “More needs to be done to restore trust in family doctors and promote and popularize primary health care among the Georgian population,” Nato says.For her outstanding career in PHC, Nato was given the 5-star award for family doctors by the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) Europe in 2024. This international recognition adds to her local success, and her ability to achieve this within Georgia’s challenging environment serves as an inspiration for future doctors. It demonstrates how improving access to quality care through PHC benefits patients and contributes to the sustainability of the entire health system.
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Story
09 August 2024
Georgia Enhances Public Health and Food Exports with IAEA Support
Georgia has been working to enhance food safety and increase international trade since its government entered into an Association Agreement with the European Union (EU) in 2016. Now, having received assistance from the IAEA in cooperation with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Georgia’s State Laboratory of Agriculture (SLA) is able to use a range of analytical techniques, including radio receptor assay, to screen foods for various chemical hazards, such as animal drug residues, and for contaminants, such as mycotoxins, which could otherwise represent risks to human health.The EU Association Agreement requires Georgia to ‘approximate’ its standards, legislation and regulations governing food safety, animal feed and animal production to the existing control mechanisms in the EU by 2027, including inspection, supervision and monitoring. This will enable Georgians to receive and consume safe and good quality foods and will also help ensure that these foods are competitive for international trade, fulfilling the requirements of EU and other markets. Animal products, such as meat and dairy/milk, are considered high-risk products and therefore, to access the EU market, certain requirements, including testing, must be met.Analysis of food samples including milk at the SLA in Georgia (Photo: A. Gulbani/SLA, Georgia)Georgia’s Ministry of Agriculture is one of several government institutions tasked with implementation of the new Association Agreement with the EU. A total of 300 regulations have been promulgated so far, and the implementation of 188, including those related to food safety, is now ongoing. The Ministry of Agriculture depends on the SLA, the national Laboratory for agriculture, to meet its obligations as regards to food safety testing. This laboratory is mandated to monitor chemical residues and related hazards in agricultural products that are a danger to consumers and the market. However, despite its mandated responsibilities, the SLA had only limited capabilities and was unable to adequately meet the needs of the Ministry and the country. For example, it could not analyse pesticides, veterinary drug residues and toxic metals in food. With the support provided through the IAEA technical cooperation programme, this has changed for the better.Following training of several SLA personnel and the provision of technical assistance, including analytical method protocols and equipment the SLA is now able to perform tests that were previously impossible. For example, new tests can be conducted to analyse fish, meat and milk for residues of drugs such as chloramphenicol and nitroimidazoles. Chloramphenicol is prohibited for use in food production in many countries due to its harmful nature to consumers including its potential to cause cancer. Other methods were established for testing pesticides in milk and water as well as residues of sulfonamide and aminoglycoside antimicrobials (associated with antimicrobial resistances) in honey. The number of samples analyzed by the SLA per year has tripled since 2021, an indication of the increased demand for SLA’s service and its improved capabilities.“Improving the sanitary and phytosanitary system, as well as approximation to European standards, enhances the safety of Georgian foods and raises trust on the global market, bolstering the growth of our country’s exports,” said Ana Gulbani, Deputy Director of the SLA in Georgia.“It was a pleasure to see that the implementation of the technical cooperation project made it possible for us to introduce new analytical methods so that the SLA can address gaps in service delivery and meet country needs,” added Gulbani.“The lack of better equipped and well-functioning laboratories is a major bottleneck to a country’s food safety control system, negatively impacting consumer safety and trade of agricultural products. We are very happy to provide technical support to our Member States to assist them in overcoming such challenges,” said Dongxin Feng, Acting Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture.The radio receptor assay techniques, which have recently been acquired, utilize the comparative advantage of radioisotopes such as carbon-14 and tritium (H-3). Radiotracers, as the name suggests, can be used to trace and measure even very low levels of these hazards. A large number of food samples can be screened quickly with these techniques, saving analytical costs and time. The radiometric screening of hazards in food is complemented by chromatographic and spectrometric techniques along with stable isotopes such as deuterium (H-2) and carbon-13. By James Sasanya, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications & Carmina Jimenez, IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation
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09 August 2024
Empowering the Future: Vocational Training for Georgia’s Youth
"It's the 21st century! Everyone should have at least some understanding of technology. After all, we live in a digital age," says Elene Letodiani, 16, from highland Tsageri, a successful graduate of the digital technology course now available at her public school.Elene and many other young people in Georgia's rural regions are taking advantage of a new educational model that directly brings training courses from vocational colleges to their schools.In a world driven by skills and technology, access to quality education can lift people out of poverty and pave the way to success. Conversely, its absence deepens societal inequalities, preventing some from reaching their full potential.In Georgia, where unemployment averages 14 percent and exceeds 20 percent in some regions, public and private employers often cite a lack of professional skills as a major hiring obstacle (Source: EU/UNDP. 2022). Youth unemployment is particularly high, ranging from 28 to 50 percent for people aged 15 to 29 (Source: GEOSTAT) Additionally, 34 percent of Georgian youth are classified as NEET (not engaged in employment, education, or training) and only 5 percent of Georgian secondary school graduates choose to enter vocational education.School-based vocational training integrated into secondary school curricula can effectively address these gaps, providing young people with the skills needed for their future careers. Furthermore, such educational programmes enhance links between schools and vocational colleges, increasing the social role of educational institutions. This builds a knowledge ecosystem where schools supply eager-to-learn students and colleges are better able to offer vocational training that is tailor-made for the local labour market.UNDP and Switzerland have been working for nearly a decade to help Georgia's educational system rethink outdated approaches to vocational training and introduce a thriving educational model which prepares youth for economic activity by bringing together colleges, schools, youth, and local employers.“With skilled labour still in short supply in Georgia, this school-based vocational training narrows the gap between education and jobs, benefiting both young people and their future employers,” says Barbara Böni, Regional Director of Cooperation South Caucasus, Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia.“We help young people take quality vocational training while still at school and so get a taste of a career that allows them to better shape their future professional path,” says Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.In 2017, the pilot stage of this transformative programme covered four public colleges and six schools in four regions: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kakheti, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti. After the pilot's success, Georgia’s Ministry of Education and Science expanded the programme to 259 schools and 32 public and private colleges nationwide, benefiting up to 10,000 students in the 8th and 9th grades.In 2022, the programme continued in partnership with the Vocational Skills Agency aiming to transform regional vocational colleges into skills hubs that offer rural schools vocational training and other support. Six vocational colleges and ten public schools have been selected for this initiative, covering the Ajara Autonomous Republic and the regions of Imereti, Guria, Kakheti, and Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti. Miracle Workers for Ajara’s Miracle EconomyGeorgia’s Autonomous Republic of Ajara is an example of rapid development and impressive economic growth. Its dazzling coastline, sea trade routes, subtropical terrains, stunning highlands, and vibrant cities and villages create a fascinating tapestry of economic opportunities.Vocational education is in high demand, with several colleges across the region offering courses in fields like hospitality, IT, electricity, car mechanics, fashion design, agriculture, construction, and other popular trades. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Black Sea College in Batumi received ten times more applications than it could accommodate. However, these competitive education centres are mainly located in cities like Batumi and Kobuleti, which limits access to vocational training for those in rural areas.UNDP and Switzerland, in partnership with Georgia’s Vocational Skills Agency, are working to bridge this gap by bringing vocational courses to rural schools. “Ajara is a special region thanks to its thriving tourism and hospitality businesses. Many households have family ventures such as guesthouses, hotels or restaurants. After completing relevant vocational courses, their children can join these family enterprises as trained professionals. Vocational education benefits are obvious. Employers line up to hire our graduates,” shares Nata Partenadze, Vocational Training Programme Coordinator at Black Sea College in Batumi.Through UNDP and Switzerland’s support, Black Sea College connected with the public school in the seaside village of Gonio. Similarly, New Wave College in Kobuleti teamed up with the public school in the agricultural village of Mukhaestate. “I want to be a barista. But I also enjoyed training in hospitality services. Both courses are extremely useful and great fun,” says Dima Makharadze, 16, from the Gonio Public School.Dima’s classmates share his enthusiasm and determination. Emily Goradze, 16, says that she loved every minute of the training and was fascinated by the barista and service professions. “My friends from other schools got excited when I told them about the training. They would be keen to join if vocational courses are included in their school curriculum,” notes Emily.Roland Davitadze, 16, from the Mukhaestate Public School, believes vocational education is the first step toward entrepreneurship.“My goal is to master the hospitality profession and then use this knowledge to start a business,” Roland shares.Starting in September 2023, up to 120 high school students from Gonio and Mukhaestate have enrolled in vocational training courses offered by top regional educational centres. Each student, with their own dreams and aspirations, received mentorship and skills to shape their future. Both schools benefited from guidance and practical assistance from the colleges, ensuring the quality and sustainability of the training programme. Building Skills for Tourism in TsageriNestled in the Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti region, Tsageri is a gem of Georgia’s highlands, distinguished by its stunning views and rich history. With tourism as a key development priority, the municipality is focused on building hospitality infrastructure, promoting sightseeing places, and preparing qualified personnel for employment at tourist sites. With support from UNDP and Switzerland, the Vocational Skills Agency connected Tsageri Public School #1 with Erkvani College in Ambrolauri, a regional skills hub offering vocational courses in various professions. Through this partnership, over 50 high school students learned graphic design, hospitality, and tour guiding directly at their school.“The tour guide course was incredible! It helped us better understand our region and its history, and share this knowledge with others,” says Lizi Saginadze, 16.“Students and their parents were impressed with the learning experience. After three months of training, the students could guide tours like professionals. To celebrate, the course concluded with a grand excursion to famous cultural monuments,” shares Lamzira Kopaliani, teacher of the Tour Guide Programme.Many students are eager to continue their education, requesting additional vocational courses, such as fashion design and business skills, to enrich their school classes. Revitalizing Tkibuli: New Skills for a New Era“Working with the soil is an incredible experience, especially when you know the theory and understand what you are doing! We learned new skills, like planting, watering, and soil testing. I was proud to work in a greenhouse and grow plants,” says Liza Tskipurishvili, 16, from Satsire Public School.Liza’s home municipality, Tkibuli, has been known for coal mining for over 150 years. Mines sustained the local economy but also threatened human lives and health, causing widespread environmental damage. With the demand for coal decreasing, mines dwindling, and new opportunities emerging across the country, the 'miners’ city' is striving to find its place in Georgia’s growing economy and offer reliable career prospects to the younger generation. Diversified vocational training focused on agriculture, construction, and technology can help the region overcome its mining past and open doors to new development areas.“Culinary is my favourite vocation. I am considering a career in this field and will continue my studies in college. Woodworking and gemstone carving would also be quite interesting. These trades are in high demand in our region,” notes Luka Kashibadze, 17.The Satsire Public School is one of ten rural schools across Georgia supported by UNDP, Switzerland, and the Vocational Skills Agency to connect with regional colleges and integrate vocational training into their curricula. More than 40 high school students have already benefitted, opening pathways to careers and prosperity for young Georgians.UNDP and Switzerland will continue supporting the selected schools through the end of the 2024-2025 school year to maintain vocational classes for new student cohorts. In the long run, the schools will be assisted in accrediting this new vocational training through the upcoming school authorization process, transferring responsibility for costs and quality supervision to the Ministry of Education and Science. Background Information:With funding from Switzerland, UNDP supports ongoing educational reforms in Georgia, focusing on developing a robust vocational education and training system, primarily in agriculture. This initiative enhances educational institutions, promotes public-private partnerships, and improves skills and competencies to meet market demands. The comprehensive support brings together key players in the educational system, including the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, education institutions, private enterprises, and civil society organizations.
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Story
09 August 2024
Empowering the Future: Vocational Training for Georgia’s Youth
"It's the 21st century! Everyone should have at least some understanding of technology. After all, we live in a digital age," says Elene Letodiani, 16, from highland Tsageri, a successful graduate of the digital technology course now available at her public school.Elene and many other young people in Georgia's rural regions are taking advantage of a new educational model that directly brings training courses from vocational colleges to their schools.In a world driven by skills and technology, access to quality education can lift people out of poverty and pave the way to success. Conversely, its absence deepens societal inequalities, preventing some from reaching their full potential.In Georgia, where unemployment averages 14 percent and exceeds 20 percent in some regions, public and private employers often cite a lack of professional skills as a major hiring obstacle (Source: EU/UNDP. 2022). Youth unemployment is particularly high, ranging from 28 to 50 percent for people aged 15 to 29 (Source: GEOSTAT) Additionally, 34 percent of Georgian youth are classified as NEET (not engaged in employment, education, or training) and only 5 percent of Georgian secondary school graduates choose to enter vocational education.School-based vocational training integrated into secondary school curricula can effectively address these gaps, providing young people with the skills needed for their future careers. Furthermore, such educational programmes enhance links between schools and vocational colleges, increasing the social role of educational institutions. This builds a knowledge ecosystem where schools supply eager-to-learn students and colleges are better able to offer vocational training that is tailor-made for the local labour market.UNDP and Switzerland have been working for nearly a decade to help Georgia's educational system rethink outdated approaches to vocational training and introduce a thriving educational model which prepares youth for economic activity by bringing together colleges, schools, youth, and local employers.“With skilled labour still in short supply in Georgia, this school-based vocational training narrows the gap between education and jobs, benefiting both young people and their future employers,” says Barbara Böni, Regional Director of Cooperation South Caucasus, Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia.“We help young people take quality vocational training while still at school and so get a taste of a career that allows them to better shape their future professional path,” says Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.In 2017, the pilot stage of this transformative programme covered four public colleges and six schools in four regions: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kakheti, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti. After the pilot's success, Georgia’s Ministry of Education and Science expanded the programme to 259 schools and 32 public and private colleges nationwide, benefiting up to 10,000 students in the 8th and 9th grades.In 2022, the programme continued in partnership with the Vocational Skills Agency aiming to transform regional vocational colleges into skills hubs that offer rural schools vocational training and other support. Six vocational colleges and ten public schools have been selected for this initiative, covering the Ajara Autonomous Republic and the regions of Imereti, Guria, Kakheti, and Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti.Gonio Public SchoolPhoto: UNDP/Nino ZedginidzeMiracle Workers for Ajara’s Miracle EconomyGeorgia’s Autonomous Republic of Ajara is an example of rapid development and impressive economic growth. Its dazzling coastline, sea trade routes, subtropical terrains, stunning highlands, and vibrant cities and villages create a fascinating tapestry of economic opportunities.Vocational education is in high demand, with several colleges across the region offering courses in fields like hospitality, IT, electricity, car mechanics, fashion design, agriculture, construction, and other popular trades. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Black Sea College in Batumi received ten times more applications than it could accommodate. However, these competitive education centres are mainly located in cities like Batumi and Kobuleti, which limits access to vocational training for those in rural areas.UNDP and Switzerland, in partnership with Georgia’s Vocational Skills Agency, are working to bridge this gap by bringing vocational courses to rural schools. “Ajara is a special region thanks to its thriving tourism and hospitality businesses. Many households have family ventures such as guesthouses, hotels or restaurants. After completing relevant vocational courses, their children can join these family enterprises as trained professionals. Vocational education benefits are obvious. Employers line up to hire our graduates,” shares Nata Partenadze, Vocational Training Programme Coordinator at Black Sea College in Batumi.Through UNDP and Switzerland’s support, Black Sea College connected with the public school in the seaside village of Gonio. Similarly, New Wave College in Kobuleti teamed up with the public school in the agricultural village of Mukhaestate. “I want to be a barista. But I also enjoyed training in hospitality services. Both courses are extremely useful and great fun,” says Dima Makharadze, 16, from the Gonio Public School.Dima’s classmates share his enthusiasm and determination. Emily Goradze, 16, says that she loved every minute of the training and was fascinated by the barista and service professions. “My friends from other schools got excited when I told them about the training. They would be keen to join if vocational courses are included in their school curriculum,” notes Emily.Roland Davitadze, 16, from the Mukhaestate Public School, believes vocational education is the first step toward entrepreneurship.“My goal is to master the hospitality profession and then use this knowledge to start a business,” Roland shares.Starting in September 2023, up to 120 high school students from Gonio and Mukhaestate have enrolled in vocational training courses offered by top regional educational centres. Each student, with their own dreams and aspirations, received mentorship and skills to shape their future. Both schools benefited from guidance and practical assistance from the colleges, ensuring the quality and sustainability of the training programme.Tsageri Public SchoolPhoto: UNDP/Nino ZedginidzeBuilding Skills for Tourism in TsageriNestled in the Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti region, Tsageri is a gem of Georgia’s highlands, distinguished by its stunning views and rich history. With tourism as a key development priority, the municipality is focused on building hospitality infrastructure, promoting sightseeing places, and preparing qualified personnel for employment at tourist sites. With support from UNDP and Switzerland, the Vocational Skills Agency connected Tsageri Public School #1 with Erkvani College in Ambrolauri, a regional skills hub offering vocational courses in various professions. Through this partnership, over 50 high school students learned graphic design, hospitality, and tour guiding directly at their school.“The tour guide course was incredible! It helped us better understand our region and its history, and share this knowledge with others,” says Lizi Saginadze, 16.“Students and their parents were impressed with the learning experience. After three months of training, the students could guide tours like professionals. To celebrate, the course concluded with a grand excursion to famous cultural monuments,” shares Lamzira Kopaliani, teacher of the Tour Guide Programme.Many students are eager to continue their education, requesting additional vocational courses, such as fashion design and business skills, to enrich their school classes.Liza Tskipurishvili, TkibuliPhoto: UNDP/Nino ZedginidzeRevitalizing Tkibuli: New Skills for a New Era“Working with the soil is an incredible experience, especially when you know the theory and understand what you are doing! We learned new skills, like planting, watering, and soil testing. I was proud to work in a greenhouse and grow plants,” says Liza Tskipurishvili, 16, from Satsire Public School.Liza’s home municipality, Tkibuli, has been known for coal mining for over 150 years. Mines sustained the local economy but also threatened human lives and health, causing widespread environmental damage. With the demand for coal decreasing, mines dwindling, and new opportunities emerging across the country, the 'miners’ city' is striving to find its place in Georgia’s growing economy and offer reliable career prospects to the younger generation. Diversified vocational training focused on agriculture, construction, and technology can help the region overcome its mining past and open doors to new development areas.“Culinary is my favourite vocation. I am considering a career in this field and will continue my studies in college. Woodworking and gemstone carving would also be quite interesting. These trades are in high demand in our region,” notes Luka Kashibadze, 17.The Satsire Public School is one of ten rural schools across Georgia supported by UNDP, Switzerland, and the Vocational Skills Agency to connect with regional colleges and integrate vocational training into their curricula. More than 40 high school students have already benefitted, opening pathways to careers and prosperity for young Georgians.UNDP and Switzerland will continue supporting the selected schools through the end of the 2024-2025 school year to maintain vocational classes for new student cohorts. In the long run, the schools will be assisted in accrediting this new vocational training through the upcoming school authorization process, transferring responsibility for costs and quality supervision to the Ministry of Education and Science. Background Information:With funding from Switzerland, UNDP supports ongoing educational reforms in Georgia, focusing on developing a robust vocational education and training system, primarily in agriculture. This initiative enhances educational institutions, promotes public-private partnerships, and improves skills and competencies to meet market demands. The comprehensive support brings together key players in the educational system, including the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, education institutions, private enterprises, and civil society organizations.
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Story
09 August 2024
Georgia embraces ‘Barnahus’ model for child abuse victims
When 12-year-old Anna* told her mum, Natia, that a neighbor had sexually abused her, Natia, angry and heartbroken, knew she had to report it.But she dreaded what might come next. Natia didn’t know how the system would deal with Anna. She pictured her daughter having to face endless interviews, interrogations, medical tests and forensic checks — being forced to recount and relive the trauma over and over again in unfriendly police stations and clinics.When Natia spoke with the police, instead of inviting them to the police station, they asked her to take Anna to the Center for Psychological and Social Services for Children, a new flagship center in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi that has already helped more than 200 child victims of sexual abuse.The center and its experts are trained and experienced in dealing with child victims of sexual abuse in a way that minimizes the pain that investigations can cause and, crucially, provides a therapeutic environment and psychological services so that children can process, deal with and ultimately overcome their traumatic experience.“If a child does not get the right kind of treatment, they can be more traumatized by the investigatory process than by the event itself,” says Nona Tsikhelashvili, a child protection officer with UNICEF Georgia.“Children get all the support they need under one roof and don’t need to go from one agency to the next. The environment is warm, friendly and more welcoming, it serves their best interests,” Tsikhelashvili adds.The center is based on the “Barnahus” model, which has transformed how care agencies work with child victims of sexual violence across the Nordic countries and much of Europe, and is a first of its kind in Georgia.“Barnahus” — from the Icelandic word for “children’s house” — brings all the services, specialists and experts that are involved in cases of child sexual abuse, from investigators and doctors to psychologists and social workers, into one place. It puts child welfare at the heart of the response.Instead of children facing multiple invasive interrogations by officials more used to dealing with adults, a single trained expert guides victims through any necessary medical and forensic checks and conducts a softer, age-appropriate interview. That helps secure testimony for the investigation and ensures the child can start to recover.“It’s a child-friendly way to ensure that the truth comes out,” summarizes Bragi Gudbrandsson, a member of the UN committee on the rights of the child and pioneer of the first Barnahus center, launched in Iceland in 1998.The wrong response for dealing with children who have been abused can aggravate the trauma, increasing the potential for lifelong harm.The Barnahus approach starts with the physical building itself.The Tbilisi center is furnished to be as welcoming as possible — warm rooms, comfortable armchairs, children’s toys and books. Far away from intimidating police stations or hospital waiting rooms.“The house is a symbol of a warmth that the child needs to be embraced in order to be able to tell his or her story, which can be hard on the child, traumatic on the child,” adds Gudbrandsson, who visited Georgia to share his experience with those working in the center.When Anna and her mum arrived at the center, a social worker and a psychologist met them outside, explained the whole procedure and showed them around. The psychologist used this time to determine whether Anna was emotionally ready to discuss what had happened in more detail and assess what kind of long-term rehabilitation she might need. When Anna felt up to it, a specialist investigator trained and experienced in working with children victims of sexual violence sat down with her to talk through her experience.In the Barnahus model, instead of a child being interviewed by different agencies, all the relevant bodies submit questions to one trained professional. They conduct a streamlined interview in a way that can gather information and answers for the investigation, but does not force a child to relive or re-experience the events in a way that can do serious harm.The interviews can be broken up to play games, go for a walk, read a book or take lunch whenever the child wants to. If it becomes clear that the child needs a medical check, this typically takes place afterwards, with their consent.Research has shown it’s a win-win approach.For the children, the interview process — which evidence shows can amplify the traumatic effect of the abuse — is minimized and the conversation is as much about starting the recovery as it is gathering information.For investigators, the method can improve criminal justice outcomes by securing more open and reliable testimony from children who find it easier to talk in a more relaxed environment.“The people working here are much more specialized in these kinds of cases and they know how to talk to different children in an age-appropriate way. That helps the children be less stressed and they can be more open throughout the process,” says Tsikhelashvili.The center’s commitment to children’s welfare also covers long-term recovery needs.All children are offered therapeutic services and qualified experts are on hand to provide appropriate treatment and follow-up sessions for as long as needed.“The therapists at the Barnahus are all mental health professionals and are trained in trauma focused therapy,” says Tsikhelashvili.That extends to families as well, with psychological support and family therapy available to help deal with a difficult, often traumatic, period that can affect many people, not just the direct victim.A few months after Anna came to the center, her social worker has seen big progress.She is now better able to manage her anxiety and less likely to blame herself for the abuse. She is happier and more confident opening up to people she trusts and can better judge potentially dangerous situations and ask for help.Run by the State Care Agency and launched in 2022 with the support of UNICEF and the Government of Estonia, the center in Tbilisi currently works with children from the Georgian capital and the surrounding regions, though there are hopes to roll-out new locations.Jesper Moller, UNICEF Representative in Georgia, says the Center is part of UNICEF’s “commitment to the well-being of every child.”“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of Estonia for their steadfast support in this vital endeavor. We look forward to seeing the model and its approaches expanded to other regions of Georgia, so that children, victims of all types of violence and crime throughout the country, have access to the services they need,” he said."The Center for Psychological and Social Services provides a unique opportunity for state agencies to protect children from re-traumatisation and ensure access to justice tailored to their needs. Barnahus in Georgia has proven to be a crucial psycho-social rehabilitation service for child victims of sexual violence. This progress would not be possible without the support of UNICEF and the Government of Estonia, for which the Government of Georgia is highly grateful."The State Care Agency acknowledges the need to expand the service's geographical accessibility. We are actively working to establish a second centre in Kutaisi, Western Georgia, in the near future" - says Rusudan Kokhodze, Head of the Agency for State Care and Assistance for Victims of Trafficking.*Anna and Natia are composite characters based on multiple testimonies and real cases from the center. About the Center for Psychological and Social Services for ChildrenThe Center for Psychological and Social Services for Children is a multidisciplinary inter-agency project launched in March 2022 to investigate instances of child sexual violence and abuse, and cater for the victims and witnesses in a child-friendly way. It is led by the Georgian Agency for State Care and Assistance for the Victims of Human Trafficking of the Ministry of the Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs with the support of UNICEF and the Government of Estonia.
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Press Release
15 September 2024
The International Day of Democracy 2024
The International Day of Democracy is an opportunity to reinforce the importance of upholding free speech, civil liberties, and the rule of law; ensuring accountable institutions; and protecting and promoting human rights.This is especially crucial in a year where more than 50 countries – representing half of the global population – are holding elections.Yet, these rights and values are under attack around the world. Freedoms are being eroded. Civic space is diminishing. Polarization is intensifying. And mistrust is growing.This year’s Democracy Day focuses on Artificial Intelligence as a tool for good governance.Left unchecked, the dangers posed by artificial intelligence could have serious implications for democracy, peace, and stability. This can start with the proliferation of mis- and disinformation, the spread of hate speech and the use of so-called deepfakes.Yet, AI has the potential to promote and enhance full and active public participation, equality, security, and human development. It can boost education on democratic processes, and shape more inclusive civic spaces where people have a say in decisions and can hold decision-makers to account.To seize these opportunities, it is critical to ensure effective governance of AI at all levels, including internationally.The inclusive and geographically diverse High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence has released a report with recommendations on how to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating the risks.The message is clear: AI must serve humanity equitably and safely.This month’s Summit of the Future offers a crucial opportunity to strengthen international cooperation, build trust, and safeguard current and future generations.On this International Day of Democracy, let’s keep working to build a more inclusive, just, and equal world.António Guterres
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Press Release
10 September 2024
World Leaders Must Re-boot Global Cooperation for Today and Tomorrow
Final negotiations are underway in New York for this month’s Summit of the Future, where Heads of State will agree on reforms to the building blocks of global cooperation. The United Nations has convened this unique Summit because of a stark fact: global problems are moving faster than the institutions designed to solve them. We see this all around us. Ferocious conflicts and violence are inflicting terrible suffering; geopolitical divisions are rife; inequality and injustice are everywhere, corroding trust, compounding grievances, and feeding populism and extremism. The age-old challenges of poverty, hunger, discrimination, misogyny and racism are taking on new forms. Meanwhile, we face new and existential threats, from runaway climate chaos and environmental degradation to technologies like Artificial Intelligence developing in an ethical and legal vacuum. The Summit of the Future recognizes that the solutions to all these challenges are in our hands. But we need a systems update that only global leaders can deliver.International decision-making is stuck in a time warp. Many global institutions and tools are a product of the 1940s – an era before globalization, before decolonization, before widespread recognition of universal human rights and gender equality, before humanity travelled into space – never mind cyberspace. The victors of World War II still have pre-eminence in the UN Security Council while the entire continent of Africa lacks a permanent seat. The global financial architecture is heavily weighted against developing countries and fails to provide a safety net when they face difficulties, leaving them drowning in debt, which drains money away from investments in their people. And global institutions offer limited space for many of the major players in today’s world – from civil society to the private sector. Young people who will inherit the future are almost invisible, while the interests of future generations go unrepresented. The message is clear: we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents. The Summit of the Future will be an opportunity to re-boot multilateral collaboration fit for the 21st century. The solutions we have proposed include a New Agenda for Peace focused on updating international institutions and tools to prevent and end conflicts, including the UN Security Council. The New Agenda for Peace calls for a renewed push to rid our world of nuclear arms and other Weapons of Mass Destruction; and for broadening the definition of security to encompass gender-based violence and gang violence. It takes future security threats into account, recognizing the changing nature of warfare and the risks of weaponizing new technologies. For example, we need a global agreement to outlaw so-called Lethal Autonomous Weapons that can take life-or-death decisions without human input. Global financial institutions must reflect today’s world and be equipped to lead a more powerful response to today’s challenges – debt, sustainable development, climate action. That means concrete steps to tackle debt distress, increase the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, and change their business model so that developing countries have far more access to private finance at affordable rates. Without that finance, developing countries will not be able to tackle our greatest future threat: the climate crisis. They urgently need resources to transition from planet-wrecking fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. And as leaders highlighted last year, reforming the global financial architecture is also key to jump-starting desperately needed progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. The Summit will also focus on new technologies with a global impact, seeking ways to close the digital divide and establish shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all. Artificial Intelligence is a revolutionary technology with applications and risks we are only beginning to understand. We have put forward specific proposals for governments, together with tech companies, academia and civil society, to work on risk management frameworks for AI and on monitoring and mitigating its harms, as well as sharing its benefits. The governance of AI cannot be left to the rich; it requires that all countries participate, and the UN is ready to provide a platform to bring people together.Human rights and gender equality are a common thread linking all these proposals. Global decision-making cannot be reformed without respect for all human rights and for cultural diversity, ensuring the full participation and leadership of women and girls. We are demanding renewed efforts to remove the historic barriers – legal, social and economic – that exclude women from power. The peacebuilders of the 1940s created institutions that helped prevent World War III and ushered many countries from colonization to independence. But they would not recognize today’s global landscape. The Summit of the Future is a chance to build more effective and inclusive institutions and tools for global cooperation, tuned to the 21st century and our multipolar world. I urge leaders to seize it.
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Press Release
04 September 2024
The CEC Chairperson discussed the current election issues with the representatives of the UN Office in Georgia
Today, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), met with Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia, and Oleh Protsyk, Regional Peace and Development Advisor, at the UN Office in Georgia.The primary focus of the meeting was the upcoming 2024 elections. The CEC Chairperson, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, provided a comprehensive overview of the election administration’s rigorous efforts to guarantee the elections are conducted at the highest professional level and in strict adherence to international standards. Mr. Kalandarishvili highlighted that 27 political parties are registered for the elections, with the next step being the submission of party lists by the September 26 deadline. To aid political parties in their campaign efforts, the CEC has assigned sequence numbers to the parties, taking into account the earliest possible timeframe.During today’s meeting, they also discussed the CEC's initiative to develop a code of ethics for political parties, which is expected to be signed soon. The CEC Chairperson indicated that the code of ethics will be signed with non-governmental organizations. Additionally, Giorgi Kalandarishvili noted that to enhance ethical standards among election administrators, the CEC has significantly updated its members' code of ethics.Discussions during the meeting also encompassed the registration of local observation organizations and voter information in electronic elections. Giorgi Kalandarishvili reiterated the election administration's commitment to welcoming impartial and objective observation of elections. Regarding voter information on technological aspects, he noted that the administration has undertaken numerous activities, reaching over half a million voters to date. This includes nationwide demonstrations of election technologies, which featured both theoretical and practical components, addressing recommendations from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for comprehensive testing of election technologies.The parties also discussed the current needs and challenges faced by the election administration, including the issue of disinformation.At the end of the meeting, Giorgi Kalandarishvili expressed his gratitude to the UN representatives for their engagement on key election issues. He emphasized that collaboration with international organizations and their support is crucial for the election administration.
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Press Release
09 August 2024
UN Resident Coordinator embarks on a visit to the Kakheti region
UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, Didier Trebucq, visited the Kakheti region on August 5th and 6th. The visit kicked off with productive meetings with Telavi Mayor Levan Andriashvili and the State Representative in the Kakheti region, Giorgi Aladashvili, to discuss ongoing and future collaborations. Key focus areas included boosting the economy, promoting tourism and agriculture, improving healthcare and education, and empowering women. In Telavi, the UN Resident Coordinator visited LL Plast, one of the leading manufacturers of environmentally friendly products in the Kakheti region. With financial support from the European Union and UNDP Georgia, the company acquired new machinery to recycle plastic and is currently recycling and reusing up to 30 tons of plastic waste monthly. UN Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq then, together with UNFPA Head Mariam Bandzeladze and acclaimed Georgian-German writer Nino Haratischwili, opened the Equality Corner at the Tsodnis Cafe (Knowledge Cafe) in Tsnori, Sighnaghi municipality. Zviad Kvaratskhelia, editor-in-chief of "Intellect" publishing house, moderated a discussion with young people on gender equality and the importance of literature. Over 200 books addressing equality, girls and women's empowerment, tolerance, and human rights were donated. On August 6, the UN Resident Coordinator visited the Akhmeta Crisis Center for Women and Victims of Domestic Violence, established with support from UN Women and the EU. The center's representatives shared their guiding principles and discussed their challenges. Opened in 2023, the Center provides essential services, including psychological, social, medical, and legal assistance to victims and survivors of domestic violence. The UN Resident Coordinator also had a consultation meeting with the women of Pankisi Gorge at the Duisi Educational Center. These women benefited from training and business grants and are now actively participating in gender-sensitive budgeting processes as part of the social mobilization component supported by UN Women. As part of his trip to Pankisi, the UN Resident Coordinator also met with the youth to discuss issues important to them. The meeting provided a platform for young people to share their views and opinions on important topics like education, climate change, youth involvement, and human rights. The meeting was facilitated by the Kakheti Regional Development Fund (KRDF) under the “Leadership, Equality, Advocacy and Democracy” (LEAD) initiative, implemented with support from UNDP and the Norwegian Embassy.
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Press Release
09 August 2024
“Equality Corner” launches at Tsnori “Knowledge Cafe”
On August 5, „Equality Corner“ was launched at the „Knowledge Cafe“ in Tsnori, Sighnaghi municipality, upon the joint initiative of the UN Resident Coordinator Office and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in cooperation with Intelekti Publishing House. Over 200 books on equality, empowerment of women and girls, tolerance, and human rights have been donated to the „Knowledge Cafe. " The „Equality Corner“ was launched by UN Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq and Head of UNFPA Georgia Country Office Mariam Bandzeladze, with German-based writer Nino Haratischwili, who spoke with the adolescents about gender equality, equal access for girls and boys and literature. The meeting moderator was editor-in-chief of Intelekti publishing, writer Zviad Kvaratskhelia. UNFPA Georgia has been launching “Equality Corners” in different regions of Georgia since 2018 with its local and international partners. The 23rd “Equality Corner” in Georgia was launched within the framework of the joint UN Programme for Gender Equality, which is implemented with the financial support of the Government of Sweden.
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