UN continues close consultations with partners on strategic areas of joint cooperation in Georgia for the next five years

The extensive information collected through this consultation process will be invaluable for designing the 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. 

On June 3 the UN has organised a consultation meeting to discuss the equal and inclusive access to quality services. Over 55 representatives of the Georgian Government, civil society, academia and international organizations attended the meeting.  

Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, opened the meeting and  introduced the UNSDCF 2021-2026 roll-out process.

Lela Bakradze, the co-chair of the second outcome group, UNFPA Acting Head,  highlighted the UN’s  integrated commitment to accelerate the provision of equal and inclusive access to quality services. Key priorities for the 2021/25 will include strengthening the health system, scaling up social protection, improving access to quality education  and reducing stigma and all types discrimination focusing on those most in need  - children, youth, women, elderly, people with disabilities, LGBTGD persons, IDPs, refugees, stateless persons, migrants and key population groups at risk of HIV, TB and viral hepatitis.

The consultation participants reiterated the importance of decentralization processes,  promotion of digital technologies to improve service delivery and protection of particularly vulnerable populations hit hard by Covid-19  pandemic with special focus on those in rural areas and Georgian returnees.

At least two more consultations will be held over the coming weeks.