On June 5, 2023, CENN hosted an event dedicated to World Environment Day and CENN’s 25th anniversary, in which diplomatic missions, international development organizations, government agencies, local civil organizations and the business sector participated.
“World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment that was initiated by UNEP 50 years ago.This year, we unite under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”. This is a great occasion as we come together to recognize the importance of our planet’s and region’s well-being and the urgent need to address pressing environmental challenges of our time. Since 1998, CENN has been working with local communities and governments on regional initiatives to promote sustainable development and green growth. Since our inception, we have implemented more than 250 projects in the South Caucasus and laid the foundation for a greener future for all. We are honoured to celebrate CENN’s 25th anniversary on World Environment Day, which calls on the global community to create positive change through environmental actions.” – said Nana Janashia, CENN Executive Director.
The event was opened with welcoming speeches by: Nana Janashia, CENN Executive Director; Otar Shamugia, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia; Solomon Pavliashvili – Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia; Pawel Herczynski, Ambassador of the European Union in Georgia; Rian Harker Harris, U. S. Embassy Tbilisi, Deputy Chief of Mission; Maaike van Koldam, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Georgia; Marko Soldic, Charge d’Affaires of the Norwegian Embassy; Alexander Karner, Head of the Coordination Office for Technical Cooperation of the Austrian Embassy/Tbilisi; Lidija Christmann, Head of Development Cooperation German Embassy; Erik Illes, Head of Development Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden in Georgia; Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia; Irina Ghaplanyan, Senior Climate Change Specialist, World Bank Group.
“The state is obliged to take care of environment protection. Recently, we have implemented a number of important reforms, including those legislative initiatives, some of which we have already adopted, and some of which are at the stage of discussion in the parliament. The approval of these bills will be another step forward both in terms of environmental protection and in the direction of our integration with Europe. In all this, of course, public involvement is important. We have a good cooperation with our host today – CENN. CENN, our long-time partner, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. I want to congratulate all the employees of the organization. Our common goal is the European integration of our country, the unification of our country in the European family. For this purpose, we are consistent and making progress in fulfilling all the obligations stipulated in the Association Agreement. I am sure that with our joint efforts, we will achieve a common goal and our country will become a member of the European family”, mentioned Otar Shamugia, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.
Sessions celebrating World Environment Day and CENN’s 25th anniversary were planned for the event. During the first part of the event, as part of World Environment Day celebrations, representatives from key embassies in Georgia active in environmental protection provided opening remarks to present their objectives and plans to advance environmental issues in Georgia. The session highlighted the role of different countries and their organizations in supporting Georgia’s environmental agenda and advancing SDGs. It offered insights into the strategies and initiatives that various stakeholders in the environmental sector pursue. The session also provided an opportunity for guests to learn about potential areas of collaboration.
“Take care of the earth and she will take care of you” is a quote we often hear. But do we really listen? Today on world environment day it is time to listen and finally time to act. This day serves as a global reminder that the well-being of our planet is linked to our own well-being. I would like to extend my gratitude to the people of Georgia, to Georgian government and to CENN for their unwavering commitment to environmental protection. European Union supports Georgia in achieving its environmental goals and aligning national commitments such as the Paris agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. Together with CENN we have successfully implemented more than 25 projects that have enhanced environmental awareness, protected natural resources and empowered youth and local communities. Through joint efforts we have improved environmental policies and governance, strengthened climate resilience and fostered sustainable livelihoods in Georgia. The European Union with CENN and other key partners will continue to advocate green policies, invest in renewable energy, promote sustainable consumption and support initiatives that empower local communities.“ -noted Pawel Herczynski, Ambassador of the European Union in Georgia.
As part of CENN’s 25th anniversary celebration, this session reflected on the organization’s achievements and contributions towards promoting sustainable development and green growth in the Caucasus region. The session provided insights into CENN’s strategy, approach, and impact over the past 25 years.
The second part of the event was devoted to panel discussions, within which the invited moderators and speakers discussed such topics as: Georgia’s climate change policy, green economic growth and sustainable rural development, and youth, education and civic activism. Among the panellists were representatives of public agencies, as well as civil and business sectors.
About World Environment Day:
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5, at the initiative of the United Nations Environment Program, and aims to unite the entire world’s population under environmental goals. The theme for World Environment Day 2023 is “Beat Plastic Pollution”.
Contact person:
Ana Petriashvili, Team Leader for Communications, CENN
E-mail: ana.petriashvili@cenn.org