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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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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13 November 2024

Peace with Nature

Nestled in the scenic highlands of the Ajara Autonomous Republic, Machakhela National Park was established in 2012 to preserve the UNESCO-protected Colchic rainforests. Beyond its role as a crucial biodiversity reserve, the park offers a unique opportunity to foster eco-tourism and advance the green economy in Georgia.During a recent visit to Ajara, Didier Trebucq, the UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, witnessed firsthand how green practices like eco-farming, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism are transforming the lives of over 3,000 residents in Machakheli Valley. These initiatives, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from various donors, including the European Union, Japan, the Czech Republic, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), are creating lasting impacts in local communities.Machakhela National Park stands as an example of how biodiversity conservation efforts can blend with community development, demonstrating that environmental protection benefits both people and nature. Bioenergy in a nutshell Leila Kakhidze is a teacher in Zeda Chukhuneti village, located in the Khelvachauri municipality. Like many rural residents, Leila has to supplement her professional work of teaching primary classes with small business activities to make a living. She owns a small family café that offers stunning views of the valley. “There is a lot that we still need to do, but things are moving fast. I am sure this small café will turn into a nice guesthouse soon,” Leila says, looking at the construction. Leila is among the Machakheli Valley residents who have installed energy-efficient stoves and introduced renewable energy in their homes thanks to UNDP support.In 2017, she was one of the first to pioneer green technologies. Being a trailblazer was not always easy; her neighbours were initially unsupportive. The community relied heavily on traditional practices such as timber harvesting. However, as time passed, almost all households gradually shifted from scepticism to support for conservation efforts. As part of the initiative, almost all households in her village have already installed solar panels which help operate the water heating system. They also shifted from firewood to energy-efficient stoves and biomass for winter heating. The push towards energy efficiency has further helped her and other residents lower their heating costs, contributing to their overall economic resilience. During a UN Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq visit, Leila shared how switching to alternative fuel has transformed her life. "First of all, the renewable energy sources—firewood biomass, energy-efficient stoves, and solar panels—help me maintain a comfortable temperature and ensure constant hot water at home during winter, reducing annual expenses on heating. For the valley, this means that our green cover remains undamaged and our forests intact," Leila remarks.While the shift to renewable energy sources can lead to long-term savings, the initial costs associated with purchasing and installing solar panels and energy-efficient stoves may have been a barrier for some households considering similar changes. UNDP’s support contributes to overcoming these barriers. Pathway to prosperity Giorgi Salvaridze, a young entrepreneur from the picturesque village of Tskhemlari in Khelvachauri Municipality—home to Ajara's richest flora – turned his dream into a thriving eco-farming venture. Guided by a deep connection to his roots, Giorgi embraced two age-old crafts: beekeeping and winemaking. Starting with just a few beehives and a modest vineyard, he worked tirelessly to grow his enterprise.With support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the European Union, and UNDP, Giorgi received training and technical assistance for his beekeeping cooperative, “Putkara” and a diverse range of grapevines for his vineyard. Today, he produces a variety of honey, including rich Chestnut honey, and makes celebrated local wines such as Chkhaveri and Tsolikauri, quickly gaining in popularity.“We are grateful for projects like these in Machakheli Valley. Beekeeping and winemaking are more than a source of income; they show that positive change is possible, even in a small village,” Giorgi shares.Standing amidst the lush landscapes of his home, he recognizes that his work is not only building a business but nurturing a legacy that inspires others. “These projects bring new opportunities, improve well-being, and help keep people rooted in our community.”Giorgi’s entrepreneurial journey is only beginning. Among his plans is to develop agrotourism, inviting visitors to experience his village’s natural and cultural treasures. Following in his ancestors' footsteps in winemakingIn the heart of the Ajara mountains, where lush greenery meets the sky, a unique glamping experience and delicious wine await in the village of Chikuneti, located in the Khelvachauri municipality. The famous “Ilia's Marani” wine cellar, owned by Amiran Malakmadze, boasts a 10-century-long history.While still young, Amiran Malakmadze recognized the importance of preserving his family's winemaking tradition. He successfully restored his ancestors' cellar and carefully cared for maintaining the legacy of his ancestors and nurturing the historical site. UNDP assisted him in creating a wine degustation space and popularizing the site as a tourism destination. As Amiran told the UN Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq during his visit to the region, UNDP’s assistance inspired him to start a business in his village. His eco-farm is gradually expanding. It offers wine from rare grape varieties to Georgian and international visitors. With his son Ilia’s help, the family also runs the glamping cottages that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Each accommodation is designed to harmonize with nature while offering modern amenities and delicious Ajarian cuisine. Glamping and Ilias Wine Cellar together create an unforgettable experience in Ajara—a place where nature’s beauty intertwines with rich cultural heritage. It brings hope for a better future in this mountainous region."Ilia's Marani" has been granted the status of an immovable cultural heritage monument since 2018. ------------Since the establishment of Machakhela National Park, UNDP provided technical assistance to small farmers in areas such as winemaking and beekeeping. Additionally, initiatives like a livestock insurance programme and installing electric fences have significantly reduced losses from predators, thereby supporting local agricultural practices. Thanks to UNDP support, energy-efficient stoves, and solar panels have been installed for households in the Machakhela National Park. Those interested in opening family guesthouses have been trained in touristic management and received start-up support. In 2022, with support from UNDP, a renovated exhibition hall opened in the heart of Machakhela National Park, showcasing the Park's rich history and unique nature. UNDP’s work in the Machakhela National Park is part of its wider assistance to Georgia in expanding access to green solutions and making environmental issues an integral part of development.

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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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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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18 September 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.Photo: © Gela Bedianashvili/UNPhoto: © Gela Bedianashvili/UNIn 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. Photo: © Gela Bedianashvili/UNUN 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.Photo: © Dina Oganova/UNFPA 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.Photo: © Gela Bedianashvili/UNThe 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. Photo: © Gela Bedianashvili/UNAs 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

20 November 2024

On World Children’s Day UNICEF stresses the importance equipping children with the Skills for Future

On World Children’s Day UNICEF highlights that children should be equipped with the right skills and competencies they need for personal fulfilment and development, employability, social inclusion and active citizenship.Children’s lives are at a crossroads, they face a future of continued, rapid change influenced by climate change, disruptive technology and major demographic shifts, offering both promise and peril and throwing into question the basics of what childhood will be like. UNICEF’s flagship State of the World’s Children (SOWC) report released on World Children’s Day warns that the future of childhood hangs in the balance if urgent action is not taken to safeguard children’s rights in a changing world. Children need to be prepared to be able to cope with these challenges and have the skills for future like literacy, multilingualism, numerical, scientific and engineering skills, digital and technology-based competences, interpersonal skills, and the ability to adopt new competences, active citizenship, entrepreneurship, cultural awareness and expression.“Today, we want to focus on Skills for Future as for children of today to become successful life-long learners, find productive work, take informed decisions that affect their lives and actively engage in their communities, they need to access inclusive, relevant learning and skills development opportunities”, said Jesper Moller, UNICEF Representative in Georgia. “UNICEF stands ready to support the Government in providing high-quality education, training, and lifelong learning for all and support educational staff in implementing competence-based teaching and learning approaches. On World Children’s Day, let’s remain committed to ensureevery child has skills for a better future”.On World Children’s Day UNICEF also calls children to think about their future and have discussions with adults about the decisions that affect their lives. Adults are also encouraged to ask children what kind of future they would want to see and to consider their unique perspectives.UNICEF have organized a series of discussions with children and young people throughout the year in different cities of Georgia to better understand their needs and thoughts about the issues that affect them.UNICEF with the support of the Embassy of France is working to map, document and analyse what skills and competencies children in Georgia need to thrive in a complex, interconnected, and technology-driven environment. The results of skills mapping exercise will show areas where further interventions are needed to support children to develop skills for life learning, employment, social development and active participation in the society.World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November. This year it is being commemorated under the theme, “Listen to the Future”, which encourages children and adults to have conversations about the future young people envision.

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Press Release

11 November 2024

Climate change caused Caucasus glaciers to retreat 600 metres, shrinking freshwater supplies – new UN report

Geneva, 6 November 2024 –Climate change is taking a toll on the six countries of the Caucasus, causing glaciers to shrink and impacting river flows, finds a new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report launched ahead of the UNFCCC COP29.Glaciers have already retreated by an average of 600 metres over the past century, while more than 11 billion tonnes of freshwater — previously stored in ice — has been lost since the year 2000, according to the second edition of the Caucasus Environment Outlook (CEO-2) report. The publication focuses on the ecoregion covering Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, as well as regions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation and Türkiye. The new report includes 20 maps to visualize environmental trends.Water is increasingly becoming an unevenly distributed resource - river flows in most countries are expected to drop 20% by 2100. In 2020, river flow already plummeted 26% in Armenia and by 20% in Azerbaijan. Between 2000 and 2020, annual flow at the closing section of the Kura river — which spans Türkiye, Georgia and Azerbaijan —fell 20%. Furthermore, groundwater withdrawals have doubled in Armenia since 2000 and shot up by 400% in Azerbaijan. With reduced snow and glacier cover in the mountains, the report’s authors expect freshwater supply to further substantially decrease in the coming decades, calling for innovative solutions and transboundary data sharing and monitoring.Average temperatures in the region could rise by up to 3.6°C by the end of the century compared to the 1970–2000 baseline, under an IPCC upper-medium scenario, with the fastest warming seen in mountainous regions. Glacial melting already poses a severe flood hazard and raises the need for constant monitoring. Illustrating the impacts of climate change in the region, in August 2023, a devastating mudflow, triggered by intense rainfall and glacial melt, caused significant destruction and the loss of at least 24 lives in the village of Shovi, in the Racha region of Georgia.“As COP29 approaches, the need to slash emissions and adapt to climate change is laid bare,” said UNEP’s Europe Office Director, Arnold Kreilhuber. “UNEP’s 2024 Emissions Gap Report recently revealed that while the 1.5-degree goal is still within reach, current policies are taking us towards a global catastrophic temperature rise of 3.1 degrees Celsius. In the Caucasus, the CEO-2 report doesn’t just sound the alarm. It provides valuable guidance to help mitigate climate impacts for people and the environment.”Among its recommendations, the report’s authors state that climate change and adaptation measures should be integrated into policies and legislation, which requires strong political support. Urban planning should also take the environment into account to a greater extent, while transboundary water basin management plans should be drawn up, it stresses.Unprecedented heatwavesWhile increased heatwaves are foreseen across the region, the number and duration of extremely hot days and heatwaves during the summer months in Azerbaijan is already significant. For example, air temperatures reached at least 35°C and above in the country’s capital, Baku, on a total of 86 days during 1960–1990. This figure rose to 365 days in total during the 1991–2020 period.Erosion, often caused by a combination of heavy rains, unsustainable land practices, and natural hazards, poses a further growing environmental threat and reduces arable land for rural livelihoods. For example, large proportions of land in Türkiye are under severe strain from erosion, with around 71% of agricultural lands and 59% of rangelands affected, the report finds. Despite this, the potential exists for environmental strides to be made. For example, the report finds that an opportunity exists for governments and the private sector to ensure cost-efficient renewable energy greatly expands and serves as substitute for polluting energy sources over the next decade. Meanwhile, the protected land area in the Caucasus region has been increasing. For example, Azerbaijan protects over 9% of its territory, compared to under 4% just eight years ago, while just under 11% of Georgia is protected, rising from a little over 6% over the same period. Furthermore, concrete and tested adaptation solutions, applying local traditions and cultures, such as revitalizing vineyards against soil erosion or improving grazing methods, exist across the Caucasus ecoregion — a term for an area with similar climate and natural features. Other pathways for adapting to climate change can be found in UNEP’s ADAPT: Solutions from the South Caucasus publication. “Environmental and socioeconomic processes in the Caucasus countries are highly similar, especially in mountainous territories. However, each country independently seeks solutions to problems, whereas joint efforts would yield better results,” said Dmitry Koryukhin, a young scientist from the Caucasus involved in the report. The publication was co-authored by more than 30 leading national and regional experts from the six countries, along with 40 international and national reviewers, and features insights from young and early-career scientists from the Caucasus. UNEP will now support the development of Georgia’s national climate adaptation plan. A Regional Adaptation Dialogue in the South Caucasus will furthermore be held in April 2025 to discuss region-wide solutions. Further ResourcesDownload a copy of the report, which includes 20 maps to visualize environmental trends. Download a copy of Mountains ADAPT: Advancing climate action in the South Caucasus. Watch a video on UNEP’s work on climate adaptation in the South Caucasus, with footage from the region. Notes to EditorsAbout the UN Environment ProgrammeThe UN Environment Programme is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact:Alejandro Laguna, Head of Communication, UNEP Europe Office, laguna@un.org, +41-766910848. UNEP News Desk (Nairobi)Tel: +254 717 080 753unenvironment-newsdesk@un.org www.unep.org

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Press Release

24 October 2024

Digital innovation creates new opportunities for advancing sustainable development and digital transformation

Young tech makers and leaders from the Georgian innovation ecosystem engaged in an inspirational discussion today focused on innovative approaches to sustainable development in Georgia. The discussion “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development in Georgia” organized to mark UN Day in Georgia resonated with the themes of the Summit of the Future, held in September 2024. Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, opened the event. He pointed to the importance of the Summit of the Future and its essential documents - the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact - for addressing the digital divide and facilitating digital transformation to benefit all. He emphasized the importance of youth empowerment in tech and innovation.“Digital innovation is not just about connecting people to the internet. It’s a whole society digital transition. It’s about giving the people the tools to participate in the global economy, access education, and improve their quality of life," Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, said. “Our goal is clear: to ensure that everyone—regardless of gender, location, or background—can access and benefit from digital innovation.”In his opening remarks, R. Michael Cowgill, President of Georgian American University, also highlighted the importance of youth empowerment. “As young people, you are at the center of digital transformation. Digital innovation is an opportunity to make other people's lives better,” he said. The discussion centered on a range of issues related to path-breaking innovations that provide smart and connected digital solutions across businesses, digital literacy and skill development, the importance of startup opportunities, and mainstreaming women in various technology-based sectors of the tech industry. The panel included motivating speakers from various fields of science and technology. They shared their experiences, highlighted the challenges they encountered, and showcased the potential for technology to drive meaningful change in society and foster sustainable growth. The panel discussion featured Marekhi Gvaramadze, co-founder of the Kant’s Academy; Nata Bajiashvili, Dean of Informatics and Engineering School at Georgian American University; Ninutsa Nanitashvili, Program Manager at Google for Startups Accelerator; Mariam Gagua, CEO at Slick - Product Development and UI/UX Agency; Irakli Chikava, Co-Founder and CEO of TELAGRI; Medea Janjghava, Managing Director of Future Laboratory; and Salome Ghudushauri, Co-founder and CTO at Tera Leasing and Bizon.ge. The event was organized by the United Nations in Georgia in cooperation with the Georgia American University and the Kant’s Academy.

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Press Release

22 October 2024

The Secretary-General - UN Day Message

The United Nations was built by the world, for the world. Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems. Solutions that ease tensions, build bridges and forge peace. Solutions to eradicate poverty, spur sustainable development, and stand up for the most vulnerable. Solutions that deliver lifesaving relief to people living through conflicts, violence, economic hardship, and climate disasters. Solutions that level the scales of justice and equality for women and girls. Solutions that tackle issues that were unimaginable in 1945 — climate change, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and outer space. In September, the General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. Together, these milestone agreements will help ensure that the United Nations system adapts, reforms and rejuvenates, so it is fit for the changes and challenges around us and delivers solutions for all. But our work will always be rooted in the timeless values and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and in the dignity and human rights of every person. In today’s troubled world, hope is not enough. Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity and a thriving planet. Hope requires all countries working as one. Hope requires the United Nations. On United Nations Day, I call on all countries to keep this beacon for the world, and its ideals, shining.

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23 September 2024

United Nations adopts ground-breaking Pact for the Future to transform global governance

World leaders today adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. This Pact is the culmination of an inclusive, years-long process to adapt international cooperation to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The most wide-ranging international agreement in many years, covering entirely new areas as well as issues on which agreement has not been possible in decades, the Pact aims above all to ensure that international institutions can deliver in the face of a world that has changed dramatically since they were created. As the Secretary-General has said, “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents.”

Overall, the agreement of the Pact is a strong statement of countries’ commitment to the United Nations, the international system and international law. Leaders set out a clear vision of an international system that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of today’s world and draws on the energy and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners.

“The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities,” said the Secretary-General during his remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future. The President of the General Assembly noted that the Pact would “lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order – for all peoples and nations.”

The Pact covers a broad range of issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. Key deliverables in the Pact include:

In the area of peace and securityThe most progressive and concrete commitment to Security Council reform since the 1960s, with plans to improve the effectiveness and representativeness of the Council, including by redressing the historical under-representation of Africa as a priority.The first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, with a clear commitment to the goal of totally eliminating nuclear weapons.Agreement to strengthen international frameworks that govern outer space, including a clear commitment to prevent an arms race in outer space and the need to ensure all countries can benefit from the safe and sustainable exploration of outer space.Steps to avoid the weaponization and misuse of new technologies, such as lethal autonomous weapons, and affirmation that the laws of war should apply to many of these new technologies.
On sustainable development, climate and financing for developmentThe entire Pact is designed to turbo-charge implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.The most detailed agreement ever at the United Nations on the need for reform of the international financial architecture so that it better represents and serves developing countries, including: Giving developing countries a greater say in how decisions are taken at international financial institutions;Mobilizing more financing from multilateral development banks to help developing countries meet their development needs;Reviewing the sovereign debt architecture to ensure that developing countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their future, with the IMF, UN, G20 and other key players working together;Strengthening the global financial safety net to protect the poorest in the event of financial and economic shocks, through concrete actions by the IMF and Member States;and accelerating measures to address the challenge of climate change, including through delivering more finance to help countries adapt to climate change and invest in renewable energy. Improving how we measure human progress, going beyond GDP to capturing human and planetary wellbeing and sustainability.A commitment to consider ways to introduce a global minimum level of taxation on high-net-worth individuals.On climate change, confirmation of the need to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
On digital cooperationThe Global Digital Compact, annexed to the Pact, is the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and AI governance.At the heart of the Compact is a commitment to design, use and govern technology for the benefit of all. This includes commitments by world leaders to: Connect all people, schools and hospitals to the Internet;Anchor digital cooperation in human rights and international law;Make the online space safe for all, especially children, through actions by governments, tech companies and social media;Govern Artificial Intelligence, with a roadmap that includes an International Scientific Panel and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI;Make data more open and accessible, with agreements on open-source data, models, and standards;This is also the first global commitment to data governance, placing it on the UN agenda and requiring countries to take concrete actions by 2030.
Youth and future generationsThe first ever Declaration on Future Generations, with concrete steps to take account of future generations in our decision-making, including a possible envoy for future generations.A commitment to more meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in the decisions that shape their lives, especially at the global level.
Human rights and genderA strengthening of our work on human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.A clear call on the need to protect human rights defenders.Strong signals on the importance of engagement of other stakeholders in global governance, including local and regional governments, civil society, private sector and others.
There are provisions across the Pact and its annexes for follow-up action, to ensure that the commitments made are implemented.

Summit Process
The Summit process and the Pact have been deeply enriched by the contributions of millions of voices and thousands of stakeholders from around the world.

The Summit brought together over 4000 individuals from Heads of State and Government, observers, IGOs, UN System, civil society and non-governmental organizations. In a broader push to increase the engagement of diverse actors, the formal Summit was preceded by the Action Days from 20-21 September, which attracted more than 7,000 individuals representing all segments of society. The Action Days featured strong commitments to action by all stakeholders, as well as pledges of USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.###
For more information: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future
Media contacts:
Francyne Harrigan, United Nations Department of Global Communications | harriganf@un.org
Stefania Piffanelli, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | piffanelli@un.org
Jackquelyn Kay Topacio, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | jackquelyn.topacio@un.org

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