“Strong institutions, effective governance and quality public services represent essential prerequisites for the country’s sustainable development,” said Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, addressing the UN Public Services Forum.

According to the PM, Georgia has been implementing public governance reform in accordance with European public governance principles since 2015.

“I am happy to greet you at the opening of the UN Public Services Forum, which Georgia hosts for the first time. It is a great honor and responsibility to host this significant international forum. I would like to thank the Georgian Ministry of Justice, the UN Economic and Social Affairs Department and all partners who spared no effort to organize this forum at the highest level.

I would like to congratulate all public officials and servants on Public Services International Day and commend you for serving the state daily with professionalism, responsibility and commitment.

This day reminds us once again that strong institutions, effective governance and quality public services represent essential prerequisites for the country’s sustainable development. With this aim in mind, Georgia has been implementing public governance reform consistently in accordance with European public governance principles since 2015 to ensure the establishment of more effective, accountable and citizen-oriented state institutions.

One of the most successful outcomes of the reform is the Public Hall model, which over the years has emerged as an outstanding example of citizen-centred public service delivery. At present, 127 Public Halls operate across Georgia, where citizens have access to over 500 public and private services.

A significant step forward in this direction was the introduction of a unified system of municipal electronic services, which is already operating in 63 municipalities. As a result, citizens and businesses have access to local government services in various regions both remotely and through the “one window” principle,” he said.