From Words to Action: The UN Sustainable Development Goals Forum

On October 31, representatives from 25 countries gathered in Tbilisi, for an international Forum ‘From Words to Action: Implementing SDG 16+ at the local and national level’ at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel. From October 31 to November 2, the Forum discussed best policy and practice in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on SDG 16: Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies.

“Georgia has been honored with the opportunity to host this important international event,” said Mikheil Janelidze, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. “This year marks the 25th anniversary of Georgia’s membership in the United Nations. Over this period, despite all difficulties, we have managed to transform our country from a UN humanitarian aid recipient to a model state that assumed the Open Government Partnership (OGP) chairmanship this year. Throughout the past decade, Georgia has achieved tangible progress in building strong state institutions and ensuring a free civil society, free media, free markets, social cohesion, and the rule of law. The global sustainable development agenda provides us with a great chance to consolidate our achievements, share our success and learn from each other’s experiences”.

Head of the United Nations in Georgia, Niels Scott, stressed the role of international partnership and cooperation in achieving the SDGs. “The United Nations and UNDP globally lead in support to states to strengthen democratic governance and sustain peace towards achieving the SDGs. Our support helps build the capacity of governments to deliver, and provides them with essential tools for social engagement and effective delivery,” Scott said.

The 16+ Forum Annual Showcase in Tbilisi focused on a range of topics to ensure that the full breadth of Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies is featured during the discussions. Six plenary sessions, organized throughout the Forum, demonstrated the successes and challenges faced by the countries as they, in partnership with civil society, strive to improve governance, ensure rule of law, fight corruption, introduce innovation to public services, resolve conflict, and work towards sustaining peace.

The Open Government Partnership (OGP) was highlighted, as was opening civic spaces for accelerating national development. The participants discussed the experience of Georgia, the current OGP chair country, noting how the sustainable development agenda comes together with Open Government priorities. Forum participants also visited the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, Public Service Hall and customs clearance zone, and met with representatives of the Georgian media and civil society.

“On behalf of the 16+ Forum, we are incredibly grateful to all our partners and particularly to Georgia, as our host and as a global leader in advancing the SDG 16+,” said Bonian Golmohammadi, Secretary-General of WFUNA.

The Showcase was hosted by the Government of Georgia, the Administration of the Government of Georgia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice, in partnership with WFUNA and co-organisers and supporters: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Government of Sweden, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), GIZ, Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Tetra Tech ARD and civil society partners: the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) and the United Nations Association of Georgia (UNAG).

The 16+ Forum was launched in New York, USA in 2016.

Maka Lomadze