The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in partnership with the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG), are assisting six municipalities across Georgia to implement local projects focused on urban renewal, maintenance and development of public spaces, protection of historical and cultural heritage, preschool education, and quality public services.
The initiative is supported by the EU-funded program EU for Integrated Territorial Development (EU4ITD) promoting balanced territorial development and improved living standards in Georgia’s regions.
UNDP, NALAG and Georgia’s Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure selected the six best local projects out of 52 ideas submitted by 22 municipalities. Each of the winning initiatives was funded in a range from EUR 4,500 to EUR 6,000. The total cost of the grant program amounts to EUR 30,800.
“Integrated territorial development serves to reduce disparities between the regions and shape solutions to economic and social challenges. The EU works with local authorities, civil society and communities to introduce this concept in Georgia,” said H.E. Pawel Herczynski, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia.
“We are supporting local projects designed by the municipalities in consultation with communities. Municipal initiatives should respond to people’s needs and create an environment for inclusive and equal development for all,” said Nick Beresford, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.
Six local projects in three regions will continue through May 2023, covering the following areas of municipal development:
1. Tskaltubo Municipality (Imereti region): A recreational venue will be organized at the Niko Lortkipanidze Museum located in Chune village. After exploring the museum and the surrounding park, visitors will be able to have a restful break in a comfortable environment, charge their mobile phones, and enjoy free wifi access.
2. Zestaponi Municipality (Imereti region): Four kindergartens will be equipped with a play-and-learn inventory to assist children in learning and physical activities.
3. Lagodekhi Municipality (Kakheti region): A multifunctional space will be created and equipped at the library of the newly renovated Lagodekhi Museum, serving as a venue for educational activities, film screenings and youth meetings.
4. Telavi Municipality (Kakheti region): 96 staff in 32 kindergartens will be trained and certified in first aid services. Two kindergartens will receive additional support to equip doctors’ offices at their premises. All participant kindergartens will be able to meet the legal requirements needed to receive authorization in child health protection and accident prevention.
5. Oni Municipality (Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti region): An Open Air Cinema at one of Oni’s newly renovated plazas will provide young people with a comfortable and inspiring space for film screenings, educational work and discussion club activities.
6. Tsageri Municipality (Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti region): The project will support the digital transformation of a municipal preschool education system. E-documents will replace the outdated paper versions that are still in use throughout the municipality. Electronic tools will be introduced for registering children with kindergartens and training teachers.
With EUR 2 million in funding from the European Union, UNDP implements a four-year EU4ITD program to advance effective, responsive and accountable national and sub-national governance in four regions of Georgia: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti and Racha-Lechkhumi/Kvemo Svaneti. The project promotes decentralization, inclusive and evidence-based policymaking, citizen engagement and better service delivery at the local level. It contributes to the implementation of the Pilot Integrated Regional Development Program (PIRDP) and Georgia’s Decentralization Strategy 2020-2025.
