2020-01-21
Panel Discussion has been organized today by the Government Administration and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Combatting Inequality and Facilitation of Development in Georgia. Event was launched by Natia Turnava, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and Louisa Vinton, UNDP Resident Representative to Georgia.
Discussions were related to the current challenges and progress made by the country towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Giorgi Sakhokia, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister of Georgia and Lela Akiashvili, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Georgia on Human Rights and Gender Equality attended the event.
As noted by Giorgi Sakhokia, irrespective of many challenges, Human Development Index of Georgia has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years. Positive trend has been maintained and Georgia has a status of a country with a high level human development. Country index has been increased by 17.5% since 2000 through 2018. Life expectancy indicator has also been increased. Per Capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been increased as well. Within the region and Eastern Partnership of the EU (EaP), Georgia stands out with its leading position of human development index and its composition data.
Irrespective of the fact that inequality has remained a challenge, along with an equal distribution of the above-mentioned progress among all layers of the society in the country.
"Government of Georgia has been actively working in line with its pre-defined program towards combatting the current challenges. Georgia acknowledges the challenges faced and takes responsibility over the development of a policy, which will ensure equal opportunities and welfare for every citizen of the country" noted Giorgi Sakhokia.
According to the participants of the panel discussion, policy has been defined well towards the attainment of SDGs. Technical Analysis developed by the UN and Government Administration, 93% of the SDGs have been reflected in the National Strategies, whereby 63% are within the scope of the EU Association Agreement (AA) alone.
It was mentioned at the meeting that focus is recommended to be made on several key priorities to accelerate the progress towards the SDGs.
In the opinion of Lela Akiashvili, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Georgia on Human Rights and Gender Equality, significant and key challenges are related to equality and therefore Government of Georgia is starting to work on the development of a new Strategy on Human Rights from 2020. One of its key priorities will be to combat the inequality and to strengthen the social rights in the country.
"Human Rights Council is already working towards combatting the current inequality, especially for gender equality, protection of the rights of people with disabilities and strengthening rights of the child" noted Lela Akiashvili.
Discussion also engaged officials from line ministries that bear particular responsibility over carrying out tangible measures for combatting inequality and achieving the SDGs.