Georgian President: environmental protection no longer just political debate

Georgian president Mikheil Kavelashvili on Wednesday said that environmental protection was no longer merely a topic of political debate but a factor directly affecting economies, societies, and the daily lives of citizens, during his address at the plenary session of a regional ecological summit in Astana.

In his address, Kavelashvili thanked the Government of Kazakhstan and its president for organising what he described as an important summit.

He emphasised that strengthening environmental governance, advancing climate policy, and promoting green and inclusive growth are integral parts of Georgia’s national strategic documents.

“Today, environmental protection is no longer just a subject of political discussion; it directly affects our countries’ economies, as well as the daily lives of our societies and citizens.
Climate change, water security, the risks of biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution - these challenges are closely interconnected and increasingly threaten the sustainability of our societies and economic stability”, Kavelashvili noted.

“In this context, my country offers a clear vision based on strengthening environmental governance, advancing climate policy, and promoting green and inclusive growth. These priorities are an integral part of our national strategic documents and confirm our firm commitment to the principles of sustainable development”, he concluded.

The summit is attended by the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, and Armenia, as well as the prime minister of Azerbaijan. Speakers at the forum also include leaders of various international organisations