GEORGIA TODAY interviewed Didier Trebucq, the newly appointed UN Resident coordinator, to discuss the organization’s progress in Georgia and its future goals.
The United Nations Day commemorates the official founding of the UN. It was established in 1945. On October 24, a number of events were held in Georgia, including a discussion panel on digital innovation for young people. Tbilisi‘s famous TV Tower was also lit in blue to celebrate its 79th anniversary.
Trebucq explains that “as a UN family, our project focus is on five broad areas. Governance, including strengthening legal reforms and institutional reforms, and enhancing protection of human rights, economic development, equitable and inclusive access, gender-sensitive and resilient services, support for conflict-affected persons, and climate change.” “We also do specialized projects but we primarily focus on these areas.” We assist more vulnerable groups such as women, children and persons with disabilities. We also help refugees, migrants, people affected by conflict, and other groups. Telemedicine is also important in the education sector.
He says that in April 2024, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) launched a four-year program to improve air pollution and public health outcomes with the help of EUR 4 million from the EU. “150 packaging companies in Georgia were assisted in their transition to a circular and green economy by the EU-UN Initiative for Private Sector Competitiveness. Around 1,500 internally-displaced and conflict-affected woman benefited from the EU4Dialogue Project and became more successful and self-sufficient. The ENPARD-4 Project strengthens inclusive growth and improves the well-being for people and communities in rural Georgia.
Trebucq says, “We view these areas from different angles.” “The legislative level provides direct support to the people, while community projects are implemented through various NGOs. The collaborative efforts are aimed at addressing the immediate challenges of the country and its long-term development needs. “Our assistance to Georgia currently exceeds $50 million per year. We also try to provide additional funding on top of that.”
What are the current roadblocks or difficulties that the UN is currently facing in Georgia?
The UN has been focusing on the past few years because of the extreme uncertainty, massive risks, impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, food security, inequalities and climate change challenges.
The UN has supported Georgia’s efforts towards inclusive, sustainable and equitable development. Georgia has accomplished a lot. Georgia is a country with a high-middle income, but now is the time for new growth opportunities. Georgia is a country with a lot of resources and educated people. It also has a strategic position that connects Europe and Asia. Not to mention the hydro-power industry. Georgia must transform some of its assets into improved manufacturing and production that will benefit all. To reduce extreme poverty in rural areas, it is important to spread development to more people. We support the Sustainable Development Goals in many countries, including Georgia.
I think Georgia will seize this opportunity and show its people the benefits of progress.
What will Georgia’s goals and achievements be on UN Day?
On United Nations Day we will highlight several goals and achievements related to Georgia’s partnership with the United Nations. The Sustainable Development Goals are the first. The UN system in Georgia is working together to achieve the SDGs. It focuses on sustainable development, increased well-being, capability, and social equality for Georgians. The UN will also focus on its support and partnerships in order to achieve various national priority areas, such as economic well-being and health, human rights and education, agriculture and industry, environmental protection and gender equality. Also, the Summit of the Future as well as the groundbreaking Pact for the Future.
What was the Summit of the Future and what role did Georgia have?
The Summit of the Future held at the United Nations Headquarters in September 22-23 offered an opportunity to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow. The Summit of the Future saw world leaders adopt a Pact for the Future that includes 56 concrete measures to address pressing global problems. The Pact for the Future outlines a vision for the future and commits world leaders to accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It also aims to reform the UN Security Council, the international financial architecture and promote international peace. The Summit adopted a landmark Declaration on Future Generations pledging to put the well-being and future generations first. The Summit endorsed the Global Digital Compact which outlines a bold vision of digital cooperation and Artificial Intelligence Governance to accelerate sustainable development.
Georgia actively participated in global discussions and side events at the Summit. Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgia’s Prime Minister, spoke at the Summit of the Future and highlighted peace, digital cooperation and security. This reflected his commitment to multilateralism, collaboration and global issues. We are particularly pleased with the commitment of the Georgian government to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, in collaboration with international community.
This summit could pave a way for future gatherings focusing on similar themes. It will ensure that global governance remains responsive and flexible to new challenges.
What are the areas of development that the Pact for the Future will bring to Georgia and how will it be implemented?
All the themes of the Pact are relevant for Georgia, including peace, security, sustainable development and climate change, as well as digital cooperation, human right, gender and youth, and transformation of global governance. The Pact is focused on addressing climate changes, which aims to mobilize funds for renewable energy and adaptation. This is especially relevant for Georgia where reducing carbon footprints is essential for sustainable development. The Pact promotes the use of digital technology to improve governance and facilitate growth. In Georgia, initiatives could be taken to improve digital infrastructure, which can be crucial for healthcare. It can also ensure a broader access to services, online resources, and innovation. This creates social equity and economic opportunity. The Pact emphasizes the commitment to achieve the SDGs which aligns with ongoing UN efforts to enhance social equity in Georgia. This includes mobilizing resources, and strengthening stakeholder partnership to advance development goals.
The Pact for the Future is a comprehensive roadmap for addressing global issues and inequities with an inclusive lens. The Pact for the Future focuses on digital cooperation, intergenerational injustice, youth empowerment, human rights and financial inclusion. It aims to address current challenges and strengthen societal resilience in the face of future economic, environmental and social shocks. This initiative will revitalize the Sustainable Development Goals and build on existing efforts.
What role or accomplishments do you hope to fulfill as a newly appointed UN Resident coordinator?
The UN can play a role in helping a country overcome hardships, promote development and progress. We are now starting a new cycle for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026-2030). We need to focus more on strategic priorities in order to link the Sustainable Development Goals with national development policies and work together within the UN system to achieve accurate results that reflect current needs and priorities of the country. I see my role as creating an environment that is conducive to collaboration, where UN agencies are able to come together and develop shared strategies, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the SDGs.
I wish the Georgian people and the Government of Georgia as well as our national and international partners, a Happy United Nations Day.
Interview with Shelbi Ankiewicz
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