Georgian Education Minister highlights youth policy at UN forum in New York

Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Givi Mikanadze, has addressed an international gathering at the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 in New York, outlining government efforts to strengthen youth engagement and expand access to services, his office said on Thursday.

Mikanadze presented recent initiatives aimed at developing youth policy, stressing that supporting young people remained a priority for the Georgian government. He said the country’s strategy was aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and focuses on increasing participation across public life.

The minister noted that more than 20,000 young people in Georgia benefited each year from state-backed programmes, including camps, forums, festivals and volunteer initiatives. Around 100 youth projects have already been funded in 2026, both in the capital, Tbilisi, and in regional areas.

He also highlighted that the budget of the Youth Agency of Georgia has reached a historic high this year, which he said reflected the importance placed on youth development and empowerment.

The forum, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Council, aims to support progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and to strengthen the role of young people in that process.

Held annually, the ECOSOC Youth Forum brings together youth ministers, young delegates and representatives of partner organisations from around the world. This year’s theme is “Innovation, unity and transformation: youth shaping the path to 2030”.

The event included plenary meetings and thematic sessions, offering participants the opportunity to engage in discussions on a range of policy issues. Around 100 youth ministers, sector leaders and young delegates from nearly 100 countries took part.