Georgia and the United Nations Sign a New Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026–2030

The Government of Georgia and the United Nations (UN) signed today the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026–2030.  This five-year agreement will guide the strategic partnership between the Government and the UN to advance sustainable development in Georgia in the next five years.

The new Cooperation Framework was signed by Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia, on behalf of the Government of Georgia, and Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, on behalf of the UN Country Team.

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze emphasized that the cooperation framework aligns with Georgia’s national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted the UN’s 30-year partnership with Georgia, emphasizing its role in strengthening institutional capacity, supporting reforms, promoting prosperity, and fostering peace. 

He also spoke about the Georgian government’s vision, which aims, in the medium term, to transform Georgia into a high-income country. He highlighted the role of the five-year cooperation agreement signed with the United Nations in implementing the Georgian government’s ambitious agenda and thanked the UN team for their collaboration. 

“I would like to thank the UN team for closely aligning this vision with the priorities of the Government of Georgia through constructive dialogue. The proposed directions reflect our commitment to reducing urban-rural inequalities, strengthening decentralized governance, enhancing human rights protections, and advancing comprehensive social protection and education systems. Ensuring that this document is closely aligned with our national priorities was particularly important,” said Irakli Kobakhidze.  

Speaking at the ceremony, Levan Zhorzholiani, Head of the Government Administration, underscored that the framework directly supports Georgia’s development priorities.

“This document is fully based on Georgia’s national interests. Every project implemented under this framework will be aligned with these priorities, delivering tangible benefits to the people of our country. I thank the UN team, agencies, and ministries for their active contributions,” Zhorzholiani said.

Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, described the signing as a milestone in the three-decade partnership between Georgia and the UN. He noted that the framework represents a shared commitment to decisive reforms that accelerate progress toward the SDGs.

“Today marks a new milestone in over thirty years of long-standing, deep partnership between Georgia and the United Nations,” said Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia. “The Cooperation Framework we sign today is a pledge we share with the Government of Georgia and all partners for decisive reforms to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Because there are only 5 years to go to achieve the SDGs.  It is also a pledge to uphold Georgia’s international commitments on human rights protection and climate action. The overall goal of this Cooperation Framework is to promote green and inclusive development, with the aim to reduce inequalities between people in Georgia, especially between urban and rural areas.  This cooperation framework offers to All a platform for action to work together.”

He thanked the Georgian government and all line ministries for their contributions and expressed confidence in the successful implementation over the next five years, noting the importance of multilateralism, solidarity, and shared responsibility.

“I truly look forward to the successful implementation of the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework over the next five years. It will be rooted in leveraging the power of multilateralism, solidarity and shared responsibility. Thank you all for your continued partnership and trust. The people of Georgia can count on the  United Nations,” said Didier Trebucq.

The UNSDCF 2026–2030 was developed through broad consultations with government institutions, civil society, academia, think tanks, the private sector, development partners, and youth. It reflects the UN’s “leaving no one behind” principle and a human rights-based approach.

The framework mobilizes 21 UN entities to support Georgia across four priority areas:

• Inclusive economic growth and green transition
• Strengthened education, health, and social protection systems
• Good governance, human rights, and social cohesion
• Peace and resilience across dividing lines

Implementation will involve joint programs, pilot initiatives, integrated policy advice, innovative financing, and strengthened partnerships with national and international stakeholders.

Signed at a critical juncture with only five years remaining to achieve the SDGs, the UNSDCF 2026–2030 will accelerate Georgia’s progress toward its national development priorities and the Global Goals.

The signing ceremony brought together representatives from the Government of Georgia, UN agencies, the diplomatic community, civil society organizations, the private sector, and other stakeholders.