UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and UNDP Regional Director for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Ivana Živković, concluded a two-day official visit to Georgia, reaffirming UNDP’s steadfast commitment to the country’s democratic development, inclusive growth, and support for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

“For over three decades, UNDP has partnered with Georgia to advance its national priorities,” said Živković. “We remain committed to strengthening this cooperation and driving forward inclusive, sustainable development for all.”

During high-level meetings with Georgian government officials, development partners, and the UN Country Team, Živković underscored UNDP’s role as a long-term strategic partner for Georgia in addressing complex development challenges and accelerating progress toward a greener, more resilient future. 

She highlighted UNDP’s instrumental support in shaping key strategic frameworks that chart Georgia’s path towards economy-wide transformation over the coming decades – the Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy 2050 and the country’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement.

Looking ahead, Regional Director Živković outlined key areas of cooperation for the next five years, offering increased support in advancing climate action, fostering a just green transition and circular economy, and expanding trade opportunities, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. She also highlighted Georgia’s strategic potential as a Middle Corridor country and underscored UNDP’s active role in helping harness the development opportunities this position offers.

Regional Director Živković emphasised throughout UNDP’s commitment to ensuring that Georgia’s economic growth should combat inequities and directly benefit disadvantaged populations, including ethnic minorities and communities affected by conflict.

In Tbilisi, the UNDP Regional Director held discussions on the collaboration between UNDP and the Government of Georgia with senior officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Bochorishvili, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lasha Darsalia, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture David Songulashvili, State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Tea Akhvlediani, Head of the Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani, and Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Genadi Arveladze.

In Georgia’s Shida Kartli region, she visited UNDP’s initiatives funded by the European Union and Germany to make a tangible difference in advancing rights, strengthening resilience, and improving livelihoods. The impact of these efforts was clearly visible through direct engagement with conflict-affected communities and local women entrepreneurs.

“Communities affected by conflict face unique and persistent challenges,” she noted. “UNDP’s focus is on empowering people and ensuring access to essential services and opportunities that build social and economic inclusion. I’m in no doubt how transformative this support has been.”

UNDP remains a committed partner in Georgia’s development journey, working to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and build a future where no one is left behind.