UN Public Service Day 2023

Georgia's Civil Service Bureau, UK Government, and UNDP Join Forces to Foster Sustainable and Highly Qualified Civil Service

June 23, 2023

UN Public Service Day 2023 in Georgia — Proto: UNDP Georgia/Nino Zedginidze

Georgia's Civil Service Bureau, with support from the UK Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), marked the annual UN Public Service Day by initiating a robust conversation aimed at developing a sustainable, professional, and highly-qualified civil service in Georgia. The event held on 23 June brought together a diverse array of participants from public agencies, diplomatic missions, and international organizations.

Teimuraz Chikhradze, Head of the Civil Service Bureau, and Revaz Javelidze, Head of the Administration of the Government of Georgia, inaugurated the discussion with their welcome remarks, setting the stage for a productive dialogue.

H.E. Mark Clayton, British Ambassador to Georgia, and Nick Beresford, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia, emphasized the crucial role of civil service in shaping a democratic, equal, and just society.

"An effective civil service is essential for building a prosperous society. The ongoing reform strengthens Georgia’s civil service, promotes its institutional excellence, and equips civil servants with powerful tools for professional and career growth."

Teimuraz Chikhradze, Head of the Civil Service Bureau

Every country needs a highly-qualified, professional and effective civil service if it is to tackle the challenges of an increasingly competitive world and deliver services for its people in an inclusive manner. The UK is proud to partner with Georgia’s civil service as it continues to grow and develop. Our partnership is rooted in core values of good governance in accordance with the highest democratic standards, and is guided by the best interests of the Georgian people,"

H.E. Mark Clayton, British Ambassador to Georgia.

"A well-functioning civil service is the backbone of a thriving nation. Our collaboration with the UK Government and the Civil Service Bureau aims to strengthen Georgia's public administration system, promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency, while ensuring equal opportunities for civil servants."

Nick Beresford, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia

The event included an engaging panel discussion, shedding light on the accomplishments of the ongoing Public Administration Reform and addressing the challenges faced by Georgia's civil service in creating an enabling environment for professional growth and career development. The conversation featured Lela Chikovani, First Deputy Minister of Defence of Georgia; Zviad Barkaia, Deputy Head of the Administration of the Government of Georgia; and Manana Narimanidze, Mayor of Dusheti Municipality.

Through this discussion platform, the Civil Service Bureau, supported by the UK Government and UNDP, aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote best practices, and chart a path forward for a sustainable civil service that can effectively serve the needs and aspirations of the Georgian people.

###

Since 2016, the United Kingdom and UNDP have been steadfast supporters of Public Administration Reform in Georgia, working in close collaboration with various public agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners. This support is focused on advancing key reform areas, including policy planning and coordination, human resource management, civil service reform, and public service delivery.

The second phase of the initiative, valued at GBP2,550,000, will continue through 2025 fostering effective governance, empowering civil servants, and enhancing public service delivery in Georgia.

###

Media contacts

Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org, +995 599 196907
Elene Sakvarelidze, UNDP, elene.sakvarelidze@undp.org, +995 599 003944
Ekaterine Siradze, Civil Service Bureau of Georgia, esiradze@csb.gov.ge, +995 577 244599