At this online event, participants discussed the findings and recommendations of Georgia: Towards Green and Resilient Growth, a recent report prepared by the World Bank in collaboration with the Government of Georgia. The report explores opportunities for enhancing natural capital, the government's priorities, and resource allocation needed to facilitate a greener economic recovery and sustainable growth.
The event will also include presentations by representatives of the World Bank, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, followed by a moderated round table discussion.
The discussion will highlight areas for aligning Georgia’s national strategies with sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and will explore how Georgia’s commitments to climate change pledges under the Paris Agreement and greening sector developments can be aligned with the provisions of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.
This virtual public event will be held via Zoom. The working languages are English and Georgian. Simultaneous translation will be provided.
4:30 – 4:50 pm | WELCOME ADDRESS |
| Sebastian Molineus, Regional Director for the South Caucasus, World Bank Steven Schonberger, Regional Director, Sustainable Development for Europe and Central Asia, World Bank Ekaterine Mikabadze, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Nino Tandilashvili, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Facilitator: Madhavi M. Pillai, Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist, World Bank The welcome address will conclude with a group photo. Please turn on your cameras. |
4:50 – 5:00 pm | SESSION 1: GEORGIA: TOWARDS GREEN AND RESILIENT GROWTH |
| The session will present the findings and recommendations of Georgia: Towards Green and Resilient Growth, a recent report (in English and Georgian) prepared by the World Bank in collaboration with the Government of Georgia, which explores opportunities for enhancing natural capital, government priorities, and resource allocation needed to facilitate greener economic recovery and sustainable growth. Presenters: Elena Strukova-Golub, Environmental Economist, World Bank Camilla Erencin, Environmental Economist, World Bank |
5:00 – 5:15 pm | SESSION 2: GREEN AGENDA OF THE GOVERNMENT OF GEORGIA |
| This session will examine the COVID-19 recovery plan and green agenda of the Government of Georgia and how economic recovery measures can be aligned with national and international goals on climate change, biodiversity, and wider environmental protection to leverage green investments, boost innovation, and create jobs. Presenter: David Advadze, Head, Sustainable Development Division, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia |
5:15 – 5:30 pm | SESSION 3: GEORGIA’S CLIMATE AGENDA AND UPDATED NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS |
| This session will present how the climate agenda and recent update of NDC of the Government of Georgia set ambitious targets in GHG emission reductions and affirm the country’s commitment to global climate efforts taking into consideration the country’s resources and capacities.
Presenter: Maia Tskhvaradze, Head, Climate Change Division, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia |
5:30 – 6:00 pm | SESSION 5: GREEN DEVELOPMENT ROUND TABLE |
| Panelists representing academia, civil society, and development partners reflect on the presentations, what in their view should be the priorities for greening Georgia’s economy, and how their respective sectors can contribute to this important agenda. Panelists: Norberto Pignatti, Lead Economist, International School of Economics (ISET) at Tbilisi State University Giorgi Abulashvili, NGO Energy Efficiency Center Alexandre Darras, Attaché, Team Leader Connectivity, Energy, Environment & Climate Change Delegation of the European Union to Georgia Moderator: Darejan Kapanadze, Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank |
6:00 – 6:10 pm | Q&A |
| Q&A Session – feel free to post your questions in the Zoom chat Moderator: Darejan Kapanadze, Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank |
6:10 – 6:15 pm | WRAP-UP AND CLOSING REMARKS |
| Kseniya Lvovsky, Practice Manager, Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy, Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Sustainable Development Department, World Bank |
