Fourth consultation to seek views on strategic areas concludes

On June 17, the UN carried out a fourth stakeholder consultation to gather views on the country’s development priorities to help us shaping 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 fourth online consultation on Human Security and Resilience brought over 60 representatives of the Georgian Government, civil society, academia, and international organizations.

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

Kemlin Furley, the co-chair of the fourth outcome group, UNCHR Representative in Georgia, highlighted key achievements in 2016-2020 and  presented the vision for the next five years. Key priorities for the 2021/25 will include provision of the conflict affected communities with improved access to essential social services, including education, healthcare and pandemic response, durable housing, food security, legal assistance and legal remedies,  improvement of their socio-economic conditions, and  strengthening of civil society, women’s meaningful participation in building resilient communities and social cohesion, including across conflict divides.

The participants focused on the opportunities and challenges that conflict-affected communities  face. It was noted that conflict-affected communities  have been particularly hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with negative effects on their income and their families. The discussion highlighted the need for building resilience in conflict-affected communities and  implementing more targeted support programmes.

The consultations with the experts and stakeholders will continue to enable  them contribute and voice their opinion on the priority areas. The feedback will be considered for the formulation of the UNSDCF 2021-2025.