The National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG) held three regional working meetings focused on social policy issues, involving representatives from the municipalities of Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kakheti. These events were conducted within the framework of inter-municipal cooperation platforms, aiming to facilitate the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and effective practices in the planning and implementation of local social policies.

The working sessions covered several key topics. Participants thoroughly discussed the methodology for mapping social services, the potential for introducing a digital tool to assess the needs of children and families with children, and the delivery of delegated personal assistant services to municipalities. Special attention was given to reviewing the legal and administrative framework for this service, as well as its practical implementation, existing challenges, and local experiences.

The meetings commenced with opening remarks. NALAG’s leadership addressed the participants, including the Association’s Vice-President and Mayor of Dusheti Municipality, Manana (Matsatso) Narimanidze, and the Deputy Executive Director, Lasha Archvadze. The working sessions were moderated by NALAG expert Nino Zurabishvili, who presented insights and discussed modern approaches to local social policy.

The events were attended by representatives from the respective regions’ municipalities, including deputy mayors, heads of social services, and officials responsible for children’s rights, as well as representatives from the Georgian Ministry of Health and the Care Agency.

Active discussions took place among participants, covering both theoretical issues and the sharing of practical experiences. The meetings of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Kvemo Kartli platforms concluded with on-site visits to organizations and institutions providing social services in the municipalities, where participants gained firsthand insight into local practices.

Participants expressed gratitude to NALAG representatives for organizing and supporting the meetings. They noted that the platform created by NALAG provides municipalities with an opportunity to collaboratively develop strategies to address common social policy challenges.
According to NALAG’s leadership, the Association will continue to organize similar meetings in the regions and actively promote inter-municipal cooperation in the future.