Today, on February 27, 2023, the ceremony of signing documents between the ministries, state agencies, public organizations of Turkmenistan and the representative offices of the structural divisions of the United Nations in Turkmenistan - UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

During the ceremony, 26 documents were signed regarding the interaction between Turkmenistan and the UN in the field of economy, healthcare, education, mass media, as well as other important areas. Among them are joint projects for 2023-2025, as well as work plans for the current year.

These documents reflect the goals and objectives outlined in the previously signed country program documents with specialized UN structures for 2021-2025.

The United Nations in Georgia expresses profound concern that the adoption of the draft Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence would risk impeding the work of civil society and media and the essential contributions they make to Georgian democracy.

Civil society organizations in Georgia have been at the forefront of delivering essential services to the most vulnerable and helping protect their human rights. Stigmatizing their work risks leaving persons with disabilities, internally displaced, minorities, older persons, women, youth and children, survivors of domestic violence and other people in need without effective assistance and support.

The draft law poses risks to the full respect of freedoms of association and expression, the right to participate in public affairs, the right to privacy and the prohibition of discrimination. Noting Georgia’s current membership of the UN Human Rights Council, we encourage the Parliament of Georgia to seek the legal opinions of competent regional and international bodies, to consider opinions of these bodies on similar legislation, and to conduct broad, inclusive and meaningful consultations with a wide range of stakeholders that could potentially be affected by the adoption of this draft law.

If adopted, such a law is likely to impede the work of the UN to implement the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the country strategy that we have co-signed with the Government of Georgia. The UN has been a trusted partner of Georgia for over three decades, supporting the country’s development in line with Georgia’s own national priorities and assisting the people of Georgia together with all our local partners, including civil society and media.

We urge the Georgian authorities to take all the necessary steps to avoid measures that risk having a chilling effect on Georgian democracy and on the vibrancy and quality of development support to Georgia.

United Nations in Georgia

This joint statement is issued by the United Nations system in Georgia, the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia,  the Council of Europe Office in Georgia, the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the Embassies to Georgia of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we would like to join hands with survivors, activists, decision-makers, and people from every walk of life to take a bold stand against this global scourge.

Stigma and impunity have allowed violence against women to escalate to pandemic proportions. Across the world, as well as in Georgia, violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive and latent human rights violations, both a cause and a consequence of gender inequality and discrimination.

A world where violence against women and girls is not just condemned but stopped is possible. It can and must be prevented.

As highlighted in the GREVIO baseline report on Georgia published on 22/11/2022, over the past decade, Georgia has made significant progress towards effectively addressing the shadow pandemic of violence against women and girls by putting in place a comprehensive policy and legislative framework, producing data and strengthening institutions to effectively enforce the laws. Moreover, specialized services for survivors such as shelters, crisis centres and a hotline have been created, and law enforcement has been specialized to handle cases in a more sensitive and qualified manner. Importantly, there have been positive shifts in public perceptions and an increase in survivors’ trust in the justice system and services.

Despite these significant measures taken to tackle gender-based violence in Georgia, women continue to die as a result of these atrocious crimes. Often, femicide represents the continuum of other forms of violence experienced by women and girls. Sexual violence also persists in Georgia, with an extremely low number of reporting and respective cases reaching the courts. The persistent patriarchal norms and deeply entrenched stereotypes in Georgian society tend to blame victims and condone violence against women and girls.

We call for the strengthening of a holistic national framework to prevent all forms of violence against women and girls in Georgia.  Efforts should be translated into concrete actions through the necessary legislative measures by, inter alia, amending the definition of rape in the Criminal Code of Georgia to ensure compliance with the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention and other international standards, as well as by exercising due diligence to prevent (including through integrating the issue into the general education programmes), investigate, punish, and provide reparation for acts of violence. Building and strengthening an enabling environment for women’s economic, political, and social empowerment is paramount.

Since everyone has a pivotal role to play in tackling violence against women and girls, we remain steadfast in our determination to support the Government of Georgia, civil society, and other partners to ensure that the inalienable right of women and girls to live a life free from violence is observed and enjoyed for the benefit of everyone.

24 October marks United Nations Day. The annual event commemorates the founding in 1945 of the United Nations. This year United Nations Day is also a celebration of the 30th anniversary of Georgia’s accession to the United Nations. On 31 July 1992, Georgia became part of the United Nations family.

To highlight United Nations Day and the UN-Georgia partnership, the following events and activities are scheduled from 24 October to 31 October.

UN Day Concert and Reception

On October 24, 19:00 p.m., a celebratory concert and reception will be held at the Rustaveli National Theatre. The event will feature performances by the Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Nikoloz Rachveli; the outstanding musician of the new generation Tsotne Zedginidze; the internationally recognized Georgian viola Giorgi Zagareli; Tbilisi Women’s Choir directed by Omar Burduli, and Trinity Cathedral Choir, directed by Svimon Jangulashvili. The programme  will also include a photo exhibition entitled  ”The UN in Pictures: 30 years of partnership” and screening of a  short film on the 30-year partnership between Georgia and the United Nations.

A photographic exhibition

A photographic exhibition entitled “The United Nations in Pictures” to mark the 30^th anniversary of Georgia’s accession to the United Nations is currently on display near Vake Park. The retrospective exhibition features 30 photographs from the United Nations Photo Library and the UN Agencies on the 30-year partnership of Georgia and the United Nations. 

Opening of SDG Laboratory at the Caucasus International University

On October 27 at 12:00 p.m. the UN Resident Coordinator will open the SDG Lab in the Caucasus International University. This initiative aims at building a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange on the Global Goals.  The event will be moderated by the Dean of the Business Faculty, Giorgi Abashishvili,  the founder and Chancellor of the Caucasus International University,  Vaktang Tsivtsivadze, and the Rector of the Caucasus International University, Kakhaber Kordzaia.  Dr. Namsuk Kim, UN DESA EAPD Economic Affairs Officer will deliver his address through a pre-recorded video. 

Opening of SDG Space at the Telavi Historic Museum

On October 31 at 15:00 p.m., the SDG Space will be opened at the Telavi Historic Museum. The space is to become a one-stop-shop for people to learn about the SDGs. The programme includes a public lecture by Alexander Lortkipanidze, Georgian poet, playwright and novelist, contests for young people; and Telavi Art School students art display.

On 18 October, Georgian parliamentarians presented their study on the potential to revive disused historic sites in the country.

Initiated by the Parliamentary Culture Committee with assistance from the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the enquiry engaged leading Georgian experts and representatives of the public, private and civic sectors.

The four-month study looked into ways to bring new life to historic sites, using their cultural value for redeveloping surrounding areas. It explored policy approaches for sustainable protection and preservation of historic heritage and studied the role of national and local authorities, the private sector and civil society in designing conservation and management tools. 

The final report will be published at the end of October.

Find out more

Press release

Prime Minister’s speech at the General Debate of the 77th United Nations General Assembly.

"On behalf of the Georgian people, it is an honor to speak to you again at the United Nations General Assembly. As we gather for this 77th Session, we reflect on our founding principles and the progress we have made as an international community since the creation of the United Nations. At the first Session in 1946, the founders vowed to unite to maintain global peace and security.

While we have made significant advances, we must acknowledge the ongoing acts of aggression against members of this body – the very same types of acts that led to the establishment of the United Nations after World War II.

In 2008, my country was attacked by Russia resulting in the ongoing occupation of 20 percent of our territory. At the time, the international community recognized this aggression. But, as we have learned, the world’s democracies must act as one to ensure that freedom and peace prevail.

The UN was founded to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” and protect state sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is our duty. It is our promise.

Today, I have the privilege of representing Georgia, a strong, proud, freedom-loving nation that has preserved its sacred heritage and history, while also evolving and adapting to the geopolitical realities of 21st century.

Thirty years ago, Georgia became part of the United Nations family. Now more than ever we are committed to protecting our shared values in our region and worldwide. 

We seek all opportunities for collaboration with our international partners to advance the cause of peace. In that regard, the Geneva International Discussions are particularly crucial to bring the Russian Federation to the table to address the implementation of the EU-mediated 2008 Ceasefire Agreement. Georgia appreciates the international community’s support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Though 20% of my country is still occupied by Russia, we do not let this difficult challenge define us. We continue to punch above our weight and contribute to the international community. 

Since our government came to power in 2012, we have implemented an ambitious reform agenda that brought us closer to our key international partners, the EU, United States, NATO, and the United Nations. For the first time since we regained independence, Georgia has enjoyed an unprecedented decade of peace, prosperity, and stability.  

We are continuously working on Georgia’s global positioning and are already realizing the rewards. According to the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Georgia is 1st in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Open Budget Index ranked Georgia as 1st in the world in terms of budget transparency; and according to the Fraser Institute Economic Freedom of the World 2021, Georgia is among the top 5 economies, along with Singapore and Switzerland. NUMBEO named Georgia one of the world’s safest countries, ranking 14th globally.

Our work to align more closely with the US and Europe goes hand and hand with our commitment to continued democratic transformation. Increased Euro-Atlantic and European integration is our way of returning to the family of European nations, with whom we share history, culture, and most importantly, values.

We are continuing our unequivocal path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Our commitment to these goals is backed up by actions and real results, including an Association Agreement, DCFTA, and visa-free travel with the EU".

Georgia’s delegation, led by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, attended the opening of the General Debate of the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The participants of the opening session of the General Debate were addressed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the United Nations General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi, and other leaders.

The Head of Georgian Government will address the participants of the 77th General Assembly Session on September 22.

Led by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, the Georgian Delegation consists of Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Minister of Education and Science Mikheil Chkhenkeli, and Head of the Government Administration Revaz Javelidze.

The European Commission will provide $21 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support work to dismantle infrastructure in Ukraine that has collapsed as a result of Russian aggression.

The funds will also be used to identify, map and neutralise explosive ordnance and urgent environmental threats. They will also be used to repair or purchase strategic elements of infrastructure in the affected areas, such as transformers, thermal substations, water pumps, heat and water pipes, water decontamination systems and renewable energy supply equipment.

“This project will restore power and water stations and heating utilities. These are essential services that will give residents dignified lives and livelihoods at home,” said Manal Fouani, UNDP interim Resident Representative in Ukraine.

“The upcoming winter season will be very harsh and we need to do our utmost to make sure that people and the authorities have the necessary infrastructure operational”, said Matti Maasikas Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

The project is a part of the UNDP Resilience Building and Recovery Programme, launched by UNDP in April 2022 to support the Government of Ukraine to sustain essential governance structures for emergency response management, deliver vital public services, and protect livelihoods.

Find out more

Press release

The European Union and the United Nations are working in partnership to equip Georgia’s public and civic sectors with real-world, practical insights into human rights protection, organising a series of trainings last month for public servants, civic activists and journalists.

The trainings brought together representatives of state institutions, media, professional associations and civil society, and focused on the available tools and mechanisms to ensure respect for human rights in all areas.

On 15-16 July, a training session for journalists, carried out in partnership with the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, addressed the impact of misinformation and disinformation on protecting the rights of ethnic and national minorities. The training programme highlighted the critical role of the media in combating hate speech and fake news and providing the public with reliable and trustworthy information.

On 17-18 July, lawyers from the Legal Aid Service and the Georgian Bar Association participated in a training on the rights of people with disabilities. They discussed international standards in protecting disability rights and the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Georgia in getting access to justice.   

On 19-20 July, human rights activists and representatives of organisations engaged in protecting the rights of LGBTQI+ persons learned how to prepare and submit alternative reports and communications to the UN human rights Treaty Bodies and how to use the UN human rights mechanisms for advocacy and strategic litigation.

Finally, on 28-29 July, representatives of Georgia’s Public Defender’s Office discussed how better to protect the right to health in Georgia, and refreshed their knowledge of international standards in this area.

“At UNDP, we deeply believe that respect for human rights is the foundation of democracy,” said Anna Chernyshova, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Georgia. “A democratic society is primarily assessed by how it protects the rights of minorities and not just the rights of the majority. With this in mind, we join hands with the European Union and our partners to assist journalists, lawyers, civic activists and the LGBTQI+ communities to better understand and more effectively protect human rights, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

The European Union and the United Nations, through their ‘Human Rights for All’ programme, promote a human rights culture in Georgia and help increase public awareness of human rights values and principles. Working with a wide range of local and international partners, the EU and the UN seek to ensure that all citizens can enjoy the rights and freedoms safeguarded by Georgia’s Constitution and major policy documents in line with the country’s national priorities and international commitments under the Association Agreement with the European Union, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the UN human rights treaties.

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Press release

The Speaker, H.E. Shalva Papuashvili held a meeting with the President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid.

According to the administration of the Parliament of Georgia, the Speaker hailed the successful upheld of the 76th session by Mr. Shahid and expressed the supportive position of Georgia to the priorities established within the period of his presidency.

The Speaker overviewed the aspects of productive cooperation with the UN Offices in Georgia and underlined the importance of close links. Providing the global challenges, the parties highlighted the importance of the support of multilateral diplomacy, rules-based international order and active participation of women in politics. The parties discussed the grave situation in the occupied regions of Georgia.

Mr. Papuashvili thanked the Maldivian politician for the support of the territorial integrity of Georgia and the non-recognition policy by the Maldives and the UN General Assembly.