Georgia’s stability is fundamental to the country’s sustained economic and democratic development. Further, U.S. foreign policy goals seek the peaceful restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The 2008 conflict with Russia was the most recent and serious setback in an almost twenty year post-civil war period characterized by pervasive insecurity and periodic flashes of violence associated with Georgia’s occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. U.S. assistance was critical to getting Georgia back on its feet after the war and spurring a sustainable recovery.

USAID’s programs continue to promote a more stable and integrated society capable of participating in the democratic process as an essential part of Georgia’s continued development. Increased engagement and confidence building efforts will reduce tensions with the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and may help Georgia make progress toward peace and eventual reconciliation. Greater integration and inclusion of Georgia’s minorities, women, peoples with disabilities, and internally displaced persons will contribute to inclusive economic growth and citizen participation in governance.

Current programs:

Preservation of Abkhaz Language by Abkhaz and Georgians (PALAG)
Sep 2015 – Sep 2017
Center for Civil Integration and Inter-Ethnic Relations
The goal of the activity is to foster people-to-people reconciliation between Georgians and Abkhazians through protection and promotion of the endangered Abkhazian language.  This will be accomplished through: 1) mobilizing Georgian and Abkhaz academic and civil society around the common interest of preservation and revitalization of Abkhaz language; 2) connecting young people, potential leaders from Abkhazia and Georgia, to respect and advocate universal human values, encouraging them to foster mutual respect, tolerance and peaceful cohabitation; and 3) facilitating the meaningful dialogue on issues of common interest between diverse groups of society, including educational professionals, academics and young scholars and fostering the people-to-people cooperation.

Horizons Project - Strengthening Community Resilience in Abkhazia
June 2016 – June 2021
UNDP
Horizons aims to expanded opportunities for dialogue and confidence building between youth, professional groups, civil society organizations, and associations in Abkhazia with those in undisputed Georgia. Horizons facilitates relationships between youth and professionals to engage on topics such as education, health, science, and technology.  Horizon’s focus areas include:  improving the healthcare system through expanding HIV/AIDS prevention; improving maternal and child health care services; and increasing learning and social participation opportunities for youth in Abkhazia.