The Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, titled “The Role of Peace in Sustainable Socio-Economic Development,” was held in Tbilisi, with participation from Nino Rukhadze, the Executive Director of the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG).
The forum lasted two days and included various thematic panel discussions, one of which was dedicated to the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Georgia.
During her speech at this session, Nino Rukhadze emphasized the crucial role that local self-governments play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Local self-government is the structure closest to citizens. Therefore, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is impossible without the involvement of local self-governments,” noted the head of NALAG.
Nino Rukhadze introduced the forum participants to NALAG’s activities in this area, including mechanisms to support municipalities aimed at integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into local policies and budgets.
According to Nino Rukhadze, the association actively works on data-driven planning, conducts trainings and provides consulting services, and develops practical tools and guidelines, enabling municipalities to better plan social services.
The head of the association also discussed initiatives implemented with UNICEF’s support, including methodologies for researching services accessible to children and families with children, child-oriented budgeting methodologies, and the development of a digital data collection tool, which has already been implemented in several municipalities, including Poti and Khashuri.
“These tools not only facilitate the analysis of local needs but also enable municipalities to take more targeted steps to support vulnerable groups, such as children and families with children,” stated NALAG’s head.
In conclusion, Nino Rukhadze highlighted the importance of sharing successful experiences and the role of platforms already operating through the efforts of the association and its partners, including NALAG’s Best Practice Competition, supported by the European Union since 2018.
“Our goal is to strengthen local authorities and promote policies that genuinely address the needs of the population, creating a foundation for sustainable development— inclusive, peaceful, and just at the local level,” noted Nino Rukhadze.
The same panel session also included participation from Beka Vacharadze, the Mayor of Poti Municipality, and Nino Liparteliani, the Chairperson of the Khashuri Municipality Council. The local government leaders presented their experiences in planning sustainable municipal services, collecting child-oriented data, and implementing food safety management practices (HACCP system).
Alongside NALAG and municipal representatives, the panel session featured participants from the Tbilisi City Hall, the Administration of the Government of Georgia, UNICEF, UNDP, UN-Habitat, and the Parliament of Georgia.
The Tbilisi Regional Forum on Sustainable Development was opened on June 5 with welcoming remarks by Tbilisi Mayor and NALAG President Kakha Kaladze, alongside Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
Within the framework of the Tbilisi RFSD, the capital annually hosts both local and international speakers, experts from various fields, and representatives from municipalities and academic circles. The event aims to share experiences, modern approaches, and ideas, fostering collaboration and creating sustainable, long-term perspectives for city development. The forum addressed topics such as sustainable economic development, 8,000-year-old traditional winemaking, accessibility and innovations in healthcare services, renewable energy use and development, circular economy, modern trends in the construction sector, and more.