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David Songulashvili Meets UNECE Executive Secretary in Nairobi, Kenya
As part of the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili, held a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Ms. Tatiana Molcean.
The First Deputy Minister, Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Mr. Giorgi Macharadze, attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Minister Songulashvili thanked UNECE for its long-standing, results-oriented cooperation with Georgia and emphasized the progress achieved in improving air quality, protecting water resources, strengthening environmental data systems, and controlling industrial emissions.
“UNECE is our strategic partner in advancing environmental reforms. Its support plays a vital role in Georgia’s progress in improving air quality, enhancing transparency of environmental information, and strengthening environmental governance,” noted Minister Songulashvili.
UNECE Executive Secretary Mrs. Tatiana Molcean emphasized Georgia’s achievements in improving atmospheric air quality, protecting water resources, and implementing UNECE conventions, while focusing on Georgia’s progress in transboundary water cooperation.
On behalf of UNECE, Ms. Tatiana Molcean reaffirmed the organization’s readiness to continue close cooperation with Georgia and provide further support.
The discussion also focused on key results achieved through cooperation with UNECE, including: strengthening emission inventory and forecasting systems; alignment with EU standards in air-quality monitoring and data management; expansion of the monitoring network with 15 automatic and 3 mobile stations; adoption of the Euro 5 standard and stricter fuel-quality control; and enforcement of the new Law on Industrial Emissions, which is fully aligned with EU directives.
“Georgia stands ready to continue close, results-driven cooperation with UNECE to ensure sustainable development and environmental protection both in our country and across the region,” the Minister stated, expressing gratitude to UNECE for its objective and positive assessment of Georgia’s environmental progress.