UN initiates consultation process for formulation of a new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021-2025

The new UNSDCF will guide the work and collaboration of the Government of Georgia and the United nations till 2026 towards one overarching priority, “Enhancing Human Wellbeing, Capabilities and Social Equality”. To contribute to this priority, the Cooperation Framework will be articulated around five priority areas: effective, transparent and accountable institutions; equal and inclusive access to quality services; inclusive economy and human capital development (jobs/livelihoods); human security and resilience; and  environment and climate change. 

The first meeting on May 27 brought together over 90  representatives of the Georgian Government, civil society, academia and international organizations. was effective, transparent and accountable institutions  were the main topic of discussion.

Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator introduced the UNSDCF 2021-2026 roll-out process, providing a brief background on the Framework.

Anna Chernyshova, the co-chair of the first outcome group ‘Effective, Transparent and Accountable Institutions’, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, highlighted key achievements in 2016-2020 and  presented the vision for the next five years such as protection of human rights and access to justice including through adoption of a new Human Rights Strategy  and Action Plan  for 2021 onwards and supporting gender equality and women’s empowerment, upholding the rights of children, IDPs, national minorities, migrants and refugees, and advancement of the judiciary and public administration reforms. The discussion helped explore development opportunities and identify some additional areas, for example, support to local governance through implementation of the Decentralization Strategy, protection of rights and interests of Georgian citizens living abroad, development of positive parenting skills and implementation of ageing policy.  At the same time the need for further exploring various cooperation scenarios, e.g. with civil society, business sector was outlined.

At least three more comprehensive consultations will be held by the end of June 2020. This will help consolidate views and develop a nationally owned UNSDCF 2021-2025. The formulation process will be completed in the coming months.