The 35th session of the State Commission on Migration Issues was opened by the Chairman of the Commission, Minister of Justice of Georgia Paata Salia.

In his opening remarks, the Minister highlighted the Government of Georgia’s migration policy and emphasized the importance of migration-related issues within the framework of national priorities, as well as the broader regional and international agenda.

According to Paata Salia, the evolving nature of contemporary migration processes — shaped by security considerations, economic development needs, and demographic challenges — requires the state to pursue a flexible, evidence-based, and forward-looking policy. Such an approach is essential to effectively address emerging challenges while making full use of the opportunities associated with migration.

During the session, participants heard a presentation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia on recent legislative amendments in the field of migration. These amendments were developed through effective cooperation among the member agencies of the State Commission on Migration Issues and the Parliament of Georgia.

The members of the Commission also reviewed the outcomes of the UN International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), where the Georgian inter-agency delegation presented the country’s experience and reforms in the field of migration to international partners.

The expanded session was attended by representatives of relevant state institutions, international organizations, and the Public Defender’s Office of Georgia.

The State Commission on Migration Issues is a consultative body of the Government of Georgia chaired by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. The Secretariat of the Commission is carried out by the LEPL State Services Development Agency.

The results of the Forum were summarized by the Minister of Justice of Georgia, Paata Salia, and the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua.

“Over the past few days, we have discussed the core issues shaping modern public governance and defining its future. These include digital transformation, innovation, transparency, inclusiveness, and improved access to public services. Sharing experiences in these areas will contribute to the sustainable development of public services,” said Paata Salia.

The Minister of Justice thanked participants for their contributions to the success of the event and noted that hosting the UN High-Level Public Service Forum in Tbilisi represents international recognition of the reforms Georgia has successfully implemented over the years.

The Forum concluded with an award ceremony recognizing the best innovative projects aimed at improving access to public services.

The awards were presented by the Minister of Justice of Georgia, Paata Salia, and the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua. In total, 12 winning projects were selected across four categories from among 700 innovative projects submitted by participants from 62 countries.

The UN Public Service Forum was held in Georgia for the first time, organized by the Ministry of Justice.

During the three-day event, global leaders and international experts discussed key challenges and innovations in modern public service delivery

Minister of Justice Paata Salia presented Georgia’s citizen-centered public service delivery model and ongoing digital transformation efforts at the UN Public Service Forum in Tbilisi.

The Forum continues in a roundtable format, where the Minister of Justice engaged with delegates and responded to their questions. He highlighted the development of both physical and digital infrastructure that ensures universal access to public services across the country.

In particular, it was noted that 127 citizen-oriented Public Service Halls operate nationwide, providing access to both public and private services. In addition, 20 mobile Public Service Halls serve 90 villages, helping to overcome geographical barriers. Public service facilities have also been established within penitentiary institutions to ensure access for all citizens. The needs of ethnic minorities are taken into account in service delivery.

More than 400 public and private services are available online through the unified electronic portal MY.GOV.GE. The “smart contract” system is also in place, enabling remote registration of private property. These digital innovations are further supported by Georgia’s Digital Governance Strategy for 2025–2030.

“We will continue to innovate, expand, and improve our services so that public services remain accessible, efficient, and citizen-centric,” said Paata Salia.

Held on June 23–25 in Tbilisi, the UN Public Service Forum brings together global leaders and international experts to discuss citizen-centered and innovative approaches to public service delivery.

The high-level event represents international recognition of Georgia’s ongoing reforms aimed at building accessible and efficient public services.

Within the framework of the UN Public Service Forum, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua visited the Tbilisi Central Public Service Hall.

The high-level guest was introduced to Georgia’s successful public service delivery model, based on the “single window” principle and the Public Service Hall concept, by Deputy Minister of Justice Lana Morgoshia and Chairman of the Public Service Hall Vakhtang Zhvania.

Li Junhua was briefed on Georgia’s digital and innovative initiatives aimed at improving public service delivery, as well as on measures designed to ensure inclusiveness and equal access to services. These include the Mobile Public Service Hall and the Business Assistant program.

It is noteworthy that the Public Service Hall has received a number of prestigious international awards, including the United Nations Public Service Award (UNPSA), in recognition of its outstanding achievements in service delivery.

Minister of Justice Paata Salia held a bilateral meeting with Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. The Minister thanked Li Junhua for his support and cooperation in organizing the high-level forum.

Paata Salia noted that Tbilisi has become a global platform for discussing innovations and future directions in public service delivery.

According to the Minister, the theme of this year’s forum — “Transforming Public Institutions: Promoting Innovation, Accountability, Engagement and Inclusivity” — fully reflects the reforms Georgia has implemented in the field of public service delivery. These reforms focus on modernizing public institutions to provide more efficient, inclusive, and citizen-centered services.

As part of the forum, the Minister also held bilateral meetings with representatives of other participating countries.

At the conclusion of the meetings, Paata Salia expressed confidence that the partnerships and cooperation established through the forum would create new opportunities for the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices. He emphasized that Georgia is ready to share its unique experience in developing fast, efficient, and accessible public services, including digital and remote service delivery mechanisms.

The Minister also highlighted the Ministry of Justice’s leading role in Georgia’s digital transformation process and underscored the importance of digital governance in strengthening cooperation between the state and citizens, while ensuring faster and more effective service delivery.

Deputy Minister of Justice Tamar Zodelava participated in the workshop “Digital Public Infrastructure, Digital Identity and Data Security in the Process of Public Service Delivery.”

In her remarks, the Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of innovation and effective governance in strengthening public institutions and improving citizens' quality of life.

According to Tamar Zodelava, digital transformation is no longer limited to the adoption of new technologies. Rather, it is about strengthening governance, enhancing public trust, improving the delivery of public services, and placing citizens at the center of public administration.

Deputy Minister of Justice Giorgi Dgebuadze opened the workshop “Promoting Inclusive Public Administration through Digital Inclusion and Participatory Governance.”

In his address, Giorgi Dgebuadze emphasized that, in line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, progress is meaningful only when its benefits are accessible to everyone. He noted that the development of digital innovation helps ensure equal access to public services for all members of society and prevents anyone from being left behind in the digital era.

Tbilisi is hosting the UN Public Service Forum for the first time. This year's Forum is held under the theme: “Transforming Public Institutions: Promoting Innovation, Accountability, Engagement and Inclusivity.”