2015-11-20
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili attended a signing ceremony in honor of the 70th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN), during which he delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of the UN's role in supporting democratic reforms and international order.
"The UN family membership is greatly beneficial for Georgia; we appreciate your recommendations and are grateful for your continuous support," stated Prime Minister Garibashvili.
In his speech, the Prime Minister outlined the principles of the UN Charter, which Georgia adopted in 1992, and explained the role that the Charter and UN play in the maintenance of international order and peace.
"The United Nations is a symbol of international cooperation in the world and bearer of the global peace flag, which is especially significant in light of recent developments. Last week's acts of terror and barbaric violence in Paris, Beirut and Egypt, which, unfortunately, is so frequent, have shaken the world," explained Prime Minister Garibashvili.
He continued, "The goals of United Nations are: to protect this generation from war, which has twice caused our generation unprecedented bitterness in human history; to promote the belief that basic human rights and dignity of all human beings (men and women) are protected as well as the equal rights of large and small nations; to insure the favorable conditions for protecting justice and fulfilling obligations, which are derived from various treaties and other sources of international law and promote social progress and improve the living standards."
Prime Minister Garibashvili reaffirmed his satisfaction over Georgia's status as an elected member of the UN Human Rights Council, and stated that Georgia valued the recent cooperation with United Nations groups at the Geneva Peace Talks.
He also thanked the UN for its role in the improvement of the conditions for IDPs and refugees from the occupied territories of Georgia.
UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative for Georgia Niels Scott thanked the Prime Minister for supporting UNDP activities. He emphasized the important contribution of Georgia's Donor Coordination Service to enhanced cooperation with the UN.
"The United Nations continues to support the Georgian government through its funding, to strengthen the rule of law, human rights, democratic values, to promote sustainable economic growth and strengthen social justice," noted Niels Scott.
He also stressed the importance of the Solidarity Fund of Georgia, a fund initiated by Prime Minister Garibashvili.
The Prime Minister and UN Resident Coordinator for Georgia recently signed the 2016-2020 UN Partnership Plan for sustainable development of Georgia, which the Prime Minister hopes will increase the UN's role in the region and world.
After the signing ceremony, Niels Scott hosted an official dinner for the Prime Minister, to celebrate the anniversary. Members of the Georgian executive and legislative branches, the Prime Minister's administration and the diplomatic corps also attended the dinner.
Prime Minister's Press Office