On 2 October, the Georgian government signed a 5-year development framework with the United Nations (UN), reported the UN office in Georgia. The 5-year document is intended to ensure that the support by all the UN agencies is aligned to Georgia’s national priorities along with the country’s aspirations and development goals.

The five priority areas outlined in the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Georgia are: 1) inclusive economy and human capital development; 2) effective, transparent and accountable institutions; 3) equal and inclusive access to quality services; 4) human security and resilience; and 5) environment and climate change. The main goal outlined throughout the entire document was the need to enhance human wellbeing, capabilities and social equality and to make a real difference in the lives of people in Georgia.

Under this Cooperation Framework, UN agencies will continue supporting Georgia in its efforts to “Build Forward Better” in the wake of the global Covid-19 crisis. UN agencies will also aid Georgia in its work to set more ambitious goals and make further steps to a greener, more inclusive and sustainable development. The UN will also support the Georgian government in strengthening its regional cooperation in key strategic areas. Particular attention will be paid to building partnerships with civil society and the private sector, whose innovative potential will be useful to achieve the objectives of the Cooperation Framework. The Cooperation Framework will be governed by the Joint National-UN Steering Committee - co-chaired by the Prime Minister and the UN Resident Coordinator.