President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili Addresses the Regional Ecological Summit

The President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, delivered a speech at the Regional Ecological Summit.

In his address, the President expressed gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and its President for organizing this important summit. He emphasized that strengthening environmental governance, advancing climate policy, and promoting green and inclusive growth constitute an integral part of national strategic documents.

"Today, environmental issues are no longer confined to policy discussions, they are shaping our economies, our societies, and the everyday lives of our citizens.

From climate change to water security, from biodiversity loss to pollution, these challenges are interconnected and increasingly strain the resilience of our societies and the stability of our economies.

In this context, Georgia brings a clear vision grounded in strengthening environmental governance, advancing climate action and promoting green and inclusive growth. These priorities are embedded in our national policies and reflect a firm commitment to the principles of sustainable development," stated the President.

He also spoke about the expansion of protected areas in Georgia and noted that the country is in the process of transitioning toward a circular and resource-efficient economy.

Over the last decade, we have significantly expanded our protected areas, which now cover more than 13 % of the country, while conserved ecosystems reach approximately 23 %.

Looking ahead, we aim to increase this figure to 30 % by 2035, in line with global ambitions.

Georgia is also transitioning towards a more circular and resource-efficient economy.

In January 2026, country has introduced restrictions on the import, production, and sale of selected single-use plastic products - an important step in reducing environmental pollution.

Reforms in water management are another key priority. We are investing in infrastructure to improve access to safe drinking water and expanding wastewater treatment capacity to better protect our rivers and natural ecosystems.

Agriculture and rural development remain central to our sustainability agenda. We are committed to modernizing irrigation systems, advancing climate-smart practices, and introducing innovative technologies.

We expect these efforts to generate positive impacts domestically, while also contributing to stability and progress across the wider region," highlighted Mikheil Kavelashvili.

According to the President, sustainable development for Georgia is not merely an international obligation, but a key priority of state policy.

"The South Caucasus is emerging as an area of growing strategic importance, with increasing potential for connectivity and cooperation. As a country that has historically connected regions, cultures, and markets, Georgia continues to build on this role by fostering a stable and predictable environment, one where long-term development can deliver tangible benefits for all actors.

For Georgia, sustainable development is not just an international pledge, but a major priority of national policy. Therefore, the UN Sustainable Development Goals are an integral part of the country's long-term development vision.

Our cooperation with the United Nations plays an important role in this process. Georgia was among the first countries to present its Voluntary National Reviews at the High-Level Political Forum, reflecting our early and consistent commitment to the 2030 Agenda.

However, effective governance systems and strong institutional capacity are of little value without peace and stability. We believe this is particularly important in the context of today's highly unstable global environment, which presents significant challenges to development and international cooperation.

Georgia remains firmly committed to promoting peace, stability, and constructive dialogue, which have underpinned its strong economic performance in recent years.

This stability is anchored not only in economic performance, but also in strong institutions, a predictable policy environment, and a firm commitment to the rule of law and international obligations.

Coupled with its strategic location and active participation in regional and international initiatives, Georgia reinforces its role as a trusted bridge, supporting connectivity, energy security, and broader regional cooperation.

In conclusion, Georgia remains committed to collaboration with all partners to help build a more resilient and sustainable future," stated the President of Georgia.