Georgia: The National Urban Forum of Georgia (GNUF) was organized by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and the Agency for Space and Urban Development, as well as with the support of the UN Housing Program (UN-Habitat) on June 20-21, 2024.
The two-day Forum, hosted at the Expo Georgia fairgrounds in Tbilisi, featured discussions on integrating sustainable development goals into the national spatial arrangement concept. It promoted coordination among stakeholders involved in spatial and urban development and raised awareness about spatial planning.
The event was opened by Levan Davitashvili, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development. He spoke about the importance of spatial planning in the country’s development process.
He said, “Spatial planning and development are of the utmost importance for the country, especially at this stage, when the Georgian economy is characterized by rapid growth.”
Levan Davitashvili also mentioned, “It is important that spatial planning follows this process adequately to avoid chaotic disruption and achieve sustainable development over time, which will increase the country’s competitiveness. ”
The Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Nino Enukidze, delivered a crucial address to the forum participants, providing a comprehensive review of the spatial and urban development situation.
Ioane Menabde, the head of the Spatial and Urban Development Agency, presented a presentation on the country’s spatial and territorial planning process and current and planned projects in this direction.
The participation of international and local experts enriched the first National Urban Forum of Georgia. Over two days, they engaged in in-depth discussions on developing the concept of national spatial arrangement and integrating sustainable development goals. Panel sessions were dedicated to exploring various aspects of spatial and urban development. The action plan developed within the Forum will be presented at the World Urban Forum (WUF).
The 1st National Urban Forum of Georgia (GNUF) aimed to determine better ways to achieve sustainable development goals, strengthen cooperation between spatial and urban documentation development, review natural environment challenges, and raise public awareness about spatial planning.
