The Government of Georgia and the United Nations have signed the 2026-2030 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Agreement. The document was signed by Prime Minister of Georgia and Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia.

In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Irakli Kobakhidze emphasized the importance of the 5-year framework agreement, which, on the one hand, is based on national priorities and on the other, reflects the spirit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Head of the Government highlighted the 30-year cooperation between Georgia and the UN, noting that joint efforts have significantly strengthened the country’s institutional capacity, contributed to the promotion of welfare, supported reforms and fostered peacebuilding.

“This year, as we mark the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, the world continues to face significant challenges. Despite global, economic and geopolitical difficulties, it can be said that over the years our country has transformed into a state that is not only a recipient of assistance but also a reliable partner and an example for others. All of this has been achieved through consistent reforms and a policy focused on peace. For the first 10 months of 2025, the average economic growth rate stands at 7.6%. According to assessments by international financial institutions, this high growth trend will continue in the coming years. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), economic growth will average 5.1% over the next five years. These trends support Georgia’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”, - said said Irakli Kobakhidze.

He also discussed the vision of the Government for transforming Georgia into a high-income country in the medium term.

“One of the most important priorities for the Government of Georgia remains poverty reduction and increased employment. According to data from the third quarter of 2025, approximately 1.4 million people are employed in the country. Meanwhile, compared to the 30% poverty rate in 2012, the figure has dropped to a historic low of 9.4% as of last year. Despite significant improvements, further reduction of poverty and inequality remains a central task of Georgia’s socio-economic development agenda. In this regard, the Government has a clear vision that envisages Georgia"s transformation into a high-income country in the medium term. These indicators reinforce our belief that the country"s development path is correctly defined. Georgia has established an effective governance system that creates a solid foundation for economic progress and public well-being. The fundamental basis of this success is our core principle of ensuring a peaceful and predictable environment, which is essential for economic development”, - noted the Prime Minister.

He emphasized the role of the newly-signed five-year cooperation framework with the UN in implementing the ambitious agenda of the Government and expressed gratitude to the UN team for their partnership: “I thank the UN team, which-through close dialogue with the Government of Georgia-aligned its vision as closely as possible with our national priorities. The selected areas reflect our aspirations to reduce disparities between urban and rural regions, significantly promote decentralized governance, strengthen human rights standards and support the development of inclusive social protection and education systems. It is very important that this document aligns with our national priorities. I would also like to thank the entire UN team. I am proud to have been a member of this team for eight years and to have witnessed firsthand how sincerely the UN officials worked to contribute to Georgia"s development. My thanks go to everyone who contributed to shaping this agreement and achieving this important outcome”.

Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia also addressed the audience. In his assessment, a new and significant stage is beginning in the 30-year history of deep partnership between Georgia and the United Nations: “In the early years of our cooperation, the UN supported Georgia in addressing challenges related to conflicts, economic difficulties and the restoration of an independent state. Three decades later, Georgia is an upper-middle-income country demonstrating strong economic growth, significant progress in reducing poverty and playing an important role in ensuring regional connectivity”.

According to a referenced quote, genuine development is not prosperity for the few; it is opportunity for the many - an opportunity grounded in social justice, decent work and human dignity, and this is precisely what the agreement is dedicated to.

“The Cooperation Framework is a commitment shared between us, the Government of Georgia and all partners - to implement decisive reforms to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as only five years remain to meet these goals both in Georgia and across the world. It is also a pledge to uphold Georgia"s international obligations in the areas of human rights protection and the fight against climate change. Its purpose is to promote green and inclusive development and to reduce inequalities among people in Georgia, especially between urban areas and the regions.

As the UN Secretary-General recently stated, true development is not prosperity for the few; it is opportunity for the many, grounded in social justice, decent work and human dignity. That is exactly what this agreement is dedicated to. This Cooperation Framework offers everyone a platform for joint action. Together with the Government, the UN agencies in Georgia have identified key priorities and conducted an extensive consultation process with all partners in Georgia, including a large group of young people. We are immensely grateful for all their ideas and recommendations. We are ready to continue working with them in a participatory and inclusive manner to ensure meaningful support for Georgia’s development… I look forward to the successful implementation of the new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework over the next 5 years. It will be based on strong, coordinated partnerships, solidarity and the potential of shared responsibility. I would also like to address the people of Georgia - you can count on the UN”.