Virtual meeting of UN Youth Theme Group, Youth Agency on Youth Development

The expanded virtual meeting of the UN Youth Theme Group was held on June 19 on the initiative of the Youth Agency and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The UN Youth Theme Group on Youth Development (UN TG) was established in Georgia in 2019 to strengthen the coordinated action to support the achievement of Georgia’s national and international commitments towards youth development, and support establishing a partnership platform in this area. The UN TG unites UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNHCR and ILO, co-chaired by the Youth Agency and UNFPA. Considering the major developments in the youth field and striving to support the Youth Agency’s coordination efforts, it was decided to expand the UN Theme Group on Youth Development by inviting up to 60 international development partners, donors and international NGOs interested and active in a youth development area.

A discussion was held on priorities and plans of the Youth Agency and International organizations active in the area of youth development, elaboration of the National Youth Strategy 2020-2030, and the draft Youth Policy Concept 2020-2030 for Youth, with Youth and by Youth was presented.

“The youth are the key renewable resources of the human capital of any country. The goal of the Youth Agency is to create a youth ecosystem in Georgia, assisting the youth to become competitive citizens who meet the modern demands, and who will be able to take an active part in the economic and social life of the country. It is of the utmost importance for the Agency to have a support of partner governmental and international donor organizations, and to share their experience and recommendations,” said Rezo Charkviani, the Agency Chairman.

“We are happy that the process initiated by UNFPA is going on successfully, and that the youth issues remain one of the key priorities for UN agencies in Georgia. It is worth mentioning that despite the circumstances that emerged due to COVID-19, our team pursues its active work. Investing in youth development is a very important step for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and we are ready to continue our close collaboration with the government in this direction,” – stated Lela Bakradze, Head of the UNFPA Georgia Country Office.