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.

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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.

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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.

GENEVA, JUNE 15 (Xinhua) -- Multilateral human rights mechanisms should serve as a platform for cooperation and dialogue, rather than a venue for division and confrontation, China's permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva Chen Xu said on Tuesday.

Chen told the ongoing 50th session of Human Rights Council that in recent years, "the Human Rights Council has become increasingly politicized and confrontational, and disinformation has become rampant, which seriously runs counter to the original purpose of the Human Rights Council."

Chen said that all parties should promote multilateralism in the field of human rights, uphold the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity and non-politicization, and jointly promote the sound development of the international human rights cause.

 "Multilateral human rights mechanisms should abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, promote the common values of humanity, and oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of human rights issues, double standards, as well as interference in the internal affairs of member states under the pretext of human rights," he noted.

He added that solidarity needs to be strengthened, while constructive dialogue and cooperation be carried out on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

"We should make efforts to expand common understanding, reduce differences, promote mutual learning and seek progress together," he said.

He told the Council that multilateral human rights mechanisms also need to work on the basis of authentic and objective information, respect the sovereignty of States and the human rights development path chosen by each country in light of its national conditions, and provide technical assistance with the consent of the countries concerned.

"The staff composition of multilateral human rights mechanisms should reflect the principle of equitable geographical distribution, and absorb more talents from developing countries, so as to make multilateral human rights mechanisms truly representative," he added.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

Today, a telephone conversation took place between President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres.

Having warmly welcomed the head of the international organization, the Turkmen leader said that according to the results of the Presidential elections held on March 12 announced by the Central Election Commission, Serdar Berdimuhamedov was elected the new President of Turkmenistan.

At the same time, the leader of the nation noted that he intends to continue his active work, but in a new capacity - the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan.

Taking the opportunity, the head of state thanked António Guterres for the attention paid to the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations, as well as for fruitful joint work. As the Turkmen leader noted, over the past years, Turkmenistan and the UN have effectively cooperated in a wide range of areas, including in such important areas as ensuring peace and security, sustainable energy and transport, solving economic, social, humanitarian and environmental issues.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the strategic partnership with the authoritative international organization and its structural institutions would continue to be strengthened in the name of stability, peace and sustainable development on the planet.

The UN General Secretary, in turn, congratulated the leader of the nation on the early presidential elections successfully held on a broad alternative basis, in an atmosphere of transparency and openness, which became a clear and evident fact of Turkmenistan's steady pursuit of a democratic, creative path of development. António Guterres also expressed gratitude to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for supporting the United Nations throughout his 15 years as President of Turkmenistan.

As noted, over the years, deep partnerships have been established between Turkmenistan and the UN in an effort to make the world a better, socially and economically secure place, as well as to improve living standards in the region and around the world. The Turkmen state is an important supporter of the multi-vector system, fulfilling and contributing to the tasks of the Sustainable Development Goals, and making a great contribution to solving world problems, António Guterres stated.

Having wished the head of the UN good health, long life and success in solving the global problems of our time, the leader of the nation handed over the phone to the newly elected President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Warmly congratulating the newly elected head of the Turkmen state on his convincing victory in the elections, the head of the UN wished him great success in his important and responsible post.

Sincerely thanking António Guterres for congratulations and best wishes on his election to the highest state post, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that he intends to continue the course begun by the previous President of the country to further expand and strengthen all-round cooperation with the UN.

Assuring that independent neutral Turkmenistan will continue to make efforts for universal development, as well as contribute to strengthening peace and stability on the planet, the newly elected President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished UN General Secretary António Guterres good health and success in responsible international activities.

On January 28, 2022, the meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov with Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office Vladimir Voronkov took place in the videoconferencing format.

During the meeting the parties noted constructive level of the long-term cooperation of Turkmenistan with the UN and its specialized agencies on a broad range of issues. The head of the foreign policy agency of Turkmenistan confirmed firm commitment of the country to participate in the UN activities on strengthening the international system of countering terrorism, consolidation of international efforts to combat the terrorist threat, drug trafficking and human trafficking.

In the course of the meeting special attention was paid to the issues of regional and global security, particularly to the strengthening of interaction in the framework of implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy on the regional level based on the provisions of Ashgabat Declaration of 2011 and the Central Asia’s Joint Plan of Action to counter terrorism. In this regard, the readiness was expressed to adopt the updated Central Asia’s Joint Plan of Action to counter terrorism on March 3-4, 2022 in Tashkent at the International Conference dedicated to the 10^th anniversary of the implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy in Central Asia.

In addition, the significance of regular meetings of the parties in the framework of multilateral platforms was highlighted. In this context, Turkmen side proposed to intensify consultations with the UN Counter-Terrorism Office on considering the possible formats and modalities of the Program office of the Counter-Terrorism Division in Ashgabat.

Appreciation was expressed for the joint cooperation of the UNOCT and the Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in the development and further implementation of the Action Plan for the implementation of the National Strategy of Turkmenistan to prevent violent extremism and counter terrorism for 2021-2024, adopted in December 2020.

The parties also noted the importance of cooperation with the use of the potential of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. The important steps of the Government of Turkmenistan in this context are emphasized. As is known, at present, the Turkmen side has prepared a draft resolution of the UN General Assembly "Strengthening regional and international cooperation to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development in the Central Asian region" and the document will be submitted for consideration by the 76th session of the General Assembly.

The parties stressed that the adoption of this resolution will contribute to the practical implementation of international initiatives of the Central Asian countries, including in the field of counterterrorism, reflected in the final document of the Consultative meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, held on August 6, 2021 in Turkmenistan.

The commitment of Turkmenistan to strengthening the culture of peace and trust in international relations was confirmed. In this regard, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan told the interlocutor about the new philosophy in international relations - "Dialogue is a guarantee of peace", initiated by the President of Turkmenistan.