Nino Rukhadze, the executive director of the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia, participated in the 14th forum on local economic development, “Healthy City—Green, Ecologically Clean Environment, Flexible and Sustainable Urban Development.”
The two-day event, which was opened by Tbilisi Mayor and NALAG’s President Kakha Kaladze, included several sessions.
Nino Rukhadze gave a speech at the session “Local Government in Legal Terms” and talked about the critical role of self-governments in the European integration process.
According to the association’s executive director, municipalities implement 70% of EU legislation. Therefore, it would be fair for local self-governments to be involved in the negotiation process with the EU from the beginning. Nino Rukhadze also emphasized the necessity of sharing the experiences of partner organizations that have already undergone this process. Without this, the interests and needs of municipalities might not be properly addressed, placing a heavy burden on local self-government.
“For municipalities to be involved in the process of integration with the European Union and have a purposeful character, it is necessary to prepare the ground in advance. In particular, it is appropriate to conduct a study that will allow us to analyze all 35 areas around which negotiations between Georgia and the European Union should occur. As a result, the so-called chapters of the negotiations, which outline the largest share of directives that will ultimately be implemented and performed by municipalities, are provided. Municipalities should be involved in the negotiations to implement these directives,” said Nino Rukhadze.
At the end of the conversation, the head of the association highlighted the role and goals of NALAG. The organization’s mission in the legal field is to develop mechanisms that enable municipalities to engage in legislative activities. Additionally, NALAG’s priority is to create conditions and advocate for the involvement of local governments in negotiations with the European Union.
The 14th Forum of Local Economic Development was held on June 6-7 at the “Paragrafi Tbilisi” hotel. NALAG’s Vice President, Giorgi Tkemaladze, and Georgia’s First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Levan Davitashvili, addressed the participants. Mikheil Sarjveladze, the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia, also spoke at the event.
Members of the Parliament of Georgia, representatives from various state agencies and local governments, international organizations, diplomats, and foreign guests attended the forum.
Since 2007, the Local Economic Development Forum has been a platform for exchanging advanced ideas and making effective decisions. Annually, the city hosts local and international speakers, experts in various fields, and representatives from municipalities and academic circles.
The forum addressed modern trends and the evolving needs of urban development, highlighting the necessity for full city involvement and proactive actions.