The United Nations is stepping up its work with local governments across Georgia as it rolls out the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026–2030, a five-year plan created with the Georgian Government to support sustainable economic growth, stronger communities, and better public services.
At the beginning of July, UN Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq met with mayors and deputy mayors from 12 municipalities in the Imereti region. The meeting, organized together with the Ministry of Regional Development, gave local leaders the chance to discuss the main challenges facing their communities and identify areas where the UN can provide support.
Representatives from several UN agencies, including UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, UNFPA, IOM, and UN Women, presented projects already underway and discussed future cooperation. Topics included climate change, disaster preparedness, tourism, agriculture, digital public services, youth opportunities, gender equality, and improving support for children, older people, and people with disabilities.
The discussions continued in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, where local officials highlighted the special needs of Georgia’s mountain regions. Among the main priorities were developing sustainable tourism, helping local businesses grow, creating jobs for young people, improving access to healthcare and education, strengthening disaster response systems, and adding more value to locally produced agricultural goods.
The meetings are part of the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026–2030, signed by the Georgian Government and the United Nations in December 2025. Backed by an estimated US$262 million budget, the framework will guide the work of 21 UN agencies, funds, and programs over the next five years.
Speaking when the agreement was signed, Didier Trebucq called it “a new milestone in over thirty years of long-standing, deep partnership between Georgia and the United Nations.” He said the framework is designed to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals while supporting greener, more inclusive development across the country.
The latest meetings show the UN’s focus on listening to local communities and ensuring that development projects are based on the priorities identified by regional and municipal leaders.
By Team GT
