In a historic gathering of the 76th meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili highlighted the need for global cooperation on the world’s most pressing challenges and in promoting security within his region and abroad.
Beginning his speech, the Prime Minister stated that he brings the “same Georgian spirit of cooperation and global engagement that motivated our country to join the UN.” He specifically pointed to the shared responsibility to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the rampant harm caused to the global economy. “As we continue our effort to build back better from the pandemic with a sense of unity, we have to come together to meet the needs of the world.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the pressing need to meet the challenge of global climate change, and specifically addressed Georgia’s plan to make the UN’s 2030 Agenda a reality in his country. “In bringing about the changes needed to keep pushing ahead, my government has a plan for 2030 that aligns perfectly with the UN’s 2030 Agenda,” he said, and added that, “We stand for a more sustainable environment; protecting the rights of all people; greater economic fairness and resilience; and a revitalized UN, among many other aspirations shared between Georgia and the UN.”
Responding to the call by US President Joe Biden for increased global cooperation to meet shared challenges, Prime Minister Garibashvili discussed the actions undertaken by Georgia to promote global security. He began with the measures introduced by the Georgian government to promote relations between Tbilisi and the people within the occupied regions through the “A Step to a Better Future” initiative. “We want to see the same opportunities and prospects for development and prosperity for the young generation in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions,” the Prime Minister said, and that “We believe that only through sustainable peace and security will our fellow citizens have a better future.”
The Prime Minister then went on to discuss the diplomatic mediation of his government and the US State Department with Armenia and Azerbaijan that lead to the exchange 15 Armenian prisoners for a map of landmines. Going even farther, the Prime Minister Garibashvili outlined his vision for peace in the region through revealing his “Peaceful Neighborhood initiative.” “This format will facilitate dialogue and confidence-building, and lead to the implementation of practical solutions to regional issues of common interest with our US and EU partners,” the Prime Minister said.
In a truly unique gathering of the UNGA, amidst a global pandemic and a pressing security environment, the Georgian Prime Minister reemphasized his country’s commitment to the multilateral principles of the UN to address the world’s most complicated issues. Whether they be in tackling the ongoing pandemic, the fight against climate change, or promoting peace in even the most complicated issues, Georgia has placed itself as a valuable partner in addressing these concerns.