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.