UN Coordinator: Georgia welcomed about 30,000 Ukrainians over past two years, offering them “protection, dignity, hope”

Didier Trebucq, the UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, on Wednesday highlighted that Georgia had welcomed approximately 30,000 Ukrainians over the past two years, offering them “protection, dignity, and hope”.

In his remarks at the Ukrainian House in Tbilisi, Trebucq noted that with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government, and CARE Caucasus, Ukrainian refugees in Georgia had launched 19 new businesses.

“Today we’ve gathered at the Ukrainian House, and I’m very pleased because we are awarding certificates to 19 new businesses established by Ukrainian refugees here in Georgia. I want to highlight this initiative, carried out by UNDP with CARE Caucasus and supported by the German Government. This is significant, considering Georgia has welcomed nearly 30,000 Ukrainians over the past two years and has provided them with protection, dignity, and hope”, the Coordinator said.

Trebucq described the space as a symbol of solidarity and hope for displaced Ukrainians.

“They undergo training to rebuild their lives, start businesses, and learn the language. This support has enabled them to create jobs and contribute to economic development”, he pointed out.

The UN coordinator further emphasised that refugees should not be seen merely as statistics, but as individuals bringing valuable skills and talents to their host countries.

“Today we want to reflect on the ability of displaced Ukrainians in Georgia to contribute to the country’s economic development and social cohesion. I want to congratulate the UN agencies - especially UNDP - for their work on this initiative, alongside the German Government and CARE South Caucasus. We are grateful to the Ukrainian people for accepting us and for embracing our support”, Trebucq concluded.