Georgian gov’t presents new system of national-level policy making

The Georgian government has presented a new, national policy planning and coordination system, which was designed ‘in line with European standards,’ to make government activities ‘more result-oriented, measurable and effective,’ the government of Georgia administration reports. 

At an event organised by the Georgian government today, which was attended by state officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of international organisations, head of the government administration Natia Mezvrishvili said that the new system will ‘boost the effectiveness of reforms.’ 

She said that the government has confirmed a new approach to making, monitoring and evaluation of national policy documents and a guidebook, which “significantly changes the process of strategic planning and coordination.” 

Mezvrishvili stated that the new system is expected to encourage ‘important institutional changes both in the short and long-term perspective.’ 

She said that the national policy planning and coordination is part of the national public governance reform, which is being carried out by the current Georgian government since 2015 per the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. 

UNDP head in Georgia called the new system 'unique in the region and far beyond.' Photo: UNDP Georgia. 

The new system will make the government activities much more effective. It will increase the level of coordination between state agencies, and the process will be headed by the administration of the government of Georgia. The system will boost the accountability and transparency [of state agencies] towards the civil sector and our partners. It will be mandatory to hold public discussions around the policy document which is also an important component,” Mezvrishvili stated. 

She said that very soon an electronic system will be launched which will make the policy planning and coordination process ‘fully automated,’ ensuring more ease in communication between state agencies. 

 In her speech Mezvrishvili spoke about the importance of public servants, thanking the UK government and UNDP in support to retrain 300 public servants.

The video of the presentation has been released by the government of Georgia press office. 

UNDP head in Georgia Luisa Vinton stated that the public service reform is crucial for the success of other, major reforms in the country. 

The new system presented is a true achievement, an unique approach not only in the region, but also far beyond,” Vinton said. 

British Ambassador to Georgia Justin McCenzy Smith stated that Georgia has shown itself to be ‘truly impressively progressive,’ in reforming its public service over the past several years. 

He said that he was ‘impressed by the firm decision of the Georgian state government’ to reform the field.