The UN DCO Regional Director Concludes Visit to Georgia

Gwi-Yeop Son, the UN DCO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, wrapped up a three-day official visit to Georgia. During this visit, she met with government authorities, civil society organizations, development partners, and the UN Country Team in Georgia. The Regional Director also visited the Shida Kartli region  to have a firsthand experience of different aspects of the UN’s work on the ground. 

In Tbilisi, the UN DCO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Gwi-Yeop Son held discussions with Levan Zhorzholiani, Head of the Government Administration; Maka Bochorishvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Tea Akhvlediani, State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality; and David Songulashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. The Regional Director also met with Levan Ioseliani, Public Defender of Georgia. The meetings focused on enhancing current cooperation and exploring new partnership opportunities, with special attention given to the development of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026-2030.

During her visit, Gwi-Yeop Son engaged with representatives from civil society organizations in Georgia. Their discussions focused on the challenges facing communities nationwide, exploring how the UN can strengthen its support for local initiatives and highlighting the vital role of civil society in shaping both national and international policies. The dialogue also examined the current political environment and the obstacles civil society encounters in delivering aid and advocacy across the country.

During a meeting with development partners, Ms. Son commended the productive cooperation and expressed gratitude to the Ambassadors for their ongoing support for the United Nations' initiatives. The visit also included meetings with the UN Country Team and the Resident Coordinator’s Office to discuss ongoing efforts and strategic priorities in Georgia. 

In Georgia’s Shida Kartli region, she visited several UN-supported initiatives designed to strengthen the resilience and livelihoods of conflict-affected communities. At the outpatient clinic in Nikozi, supported by UNDP, she saw firsthand how it now serves approximately 4,800 people, with a focus on the most vulnerable. In Tkviavi, she toured a clinic benefiting from digital telemedicine services provided by WHO, UNOPS, UNICEF, and UNFPA, which enable patients to consult remotely with doctors in Tbilisi. She also met inspiring women entrepreneurs from conflict-affected areas who, backed by UNDP through the EU4Dialogue programme and UN Women, are building successful businesses that foster resilient communities and drive social change. Additionally, she visited the Chateau Mukhrani winery, which receives technical assistance from FAO.