The United Nations and the World Bank have launched a new joint programme with the Government of Georgia to strengthen employment opportunities and expand social protection systems across the country. The initiative aims to support inclusive growth, build resilience, and help ensure that economic progress translates into shared prosperity for all.
The programme, titled “Escaping the Middle-Income Trap through Decent and Productive Jobs and Social Protection,” was launched in Tbilisi with representatives from government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and academic organizations. Partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Georgia’s institutions and creating better opportunities for workers, families, and vulnerable communities.
The initiative will be implemented by the World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and UNICEF, with strategic coordination and support from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Georgia. The Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia will serve as the primary national partner. The programme is supported by the Joint SDG Fund and the World Bank Social Protection Response Umbrella Trust Fund.
The programme will focus on several key priorities, including strengthening Georgia’s unemployment insurance system, improving labour market integration for vulnerable groups, expanding active labour market policies, and modernizing job-matching services using artificial intelligence and data-driven tools.
“The United Nations Country Team is a strong supporter of inclusive and sustainable development in Georgia that leaves no one behind,” said Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia.
“This Joint Programme reflects a unique partnership between UN entities, the World Bank, and the Government to accelerate much-needed systemic reforms, promote decent work opportunities, and strengthen comprehensive social protection systems. Together, we are committed to delivering tangible and lasting benefits for all people in Georgia.”
“Strong employment and social protection systems are essential to building human capital and boosting productivity, which are prerequisites for Georgia to transform economic growth into sustained prosperity,” said Rolande Pryce, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus.
“By working together, we are leveraging global expertise to generate the evidence and policy solutions Georgia needs to expand decent and productive jobs, strengthen social protection, and better prepare people—especially women and youth—for the future of work.”
The programme represents an important example of multilateral collaboration to improve opportunities for workers seeking decent employment, young people entering the labour market, women balancing care and work responsibilities, and vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons.
Running through 2027, the initiative will bring together technical expertise and investment to strengthen Georgia’s human capital and support long-term labour market reforms. Continued coordination between partners and inclusive social dialogue will be key to maintaining momentum and delivering lasting results.
Original publication: https://georgia.un.org/en/311116-stepping-decent-jobs-and-social-protection-georgia
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds, and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
