The United Nations and the World Bank, in partnership with the Government of Georgia, have launched a new joint programme to strengthen employment opportunities and expand social protection systems across the country. The initiative, titled “Escaping the Middle-Income Trap through Decent and Productive Jobs and Social Protection,” aims to support inclusive growth, build resilience, and ensure that economic progress benefits all segments of society. The launch in Tbilisi brought together representatives from government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and academic organizations, reaffirming their commitment to creating better opportunities for workers, families, and vulnerable communities.
The programme will be implemented by the World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and UNICEF, with strategic coordination from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Georgia. The Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia will act as the primary national partner. Funding and technical support come from the Joint SDG Fund and the World Bank Social Protection Response Umbrella Trust Fund.
Key priorities of the initiative include strengthening Georgia’s unemployment insurance system, improving labour market integration for vulnerable groups, expanding active labour market policies, and modernizing job-matching services using artificial intelligence and data-driven tools. Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, highlighted the programme as a unique partnership aimed at accelerating systemic reforms, promoting decent work opportunities, and strengthening social protection systems to deliver tangible benefits for all Georgians.
Rolande Pryce, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus, emphasized that robust employment and social protection systems are essential for building human capital and boosting productivity. The programme leverages global expertise to support policy solutions, expand decent jobs, strengthen social protection, and prepare women, youth, and other vulnerable groups for the future of work.
Running through 2027, the initiative represents a multilateral effort to improve opportunities for workers, young people entering the labour market, women balancing care and work responsibilities, and internally displaced persons. Technical expertise, investment, inclusive social dialogue, and continued coordination between partners will be key to achieving long-term labour market reforms and sustainable human capital development in Georgia.
