As the U.S. government continues its steadfast support of Georgia’s integration into western political and economic structures, USAID’s five-year Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) guides our partnership with Georgia.
Georgia continues to face a precarious geopolitical situation, sitting at the crossroads of Asia and Europe and between Russia and Iran. Despite these challenging circumstances, Georgia has remained determined to integrate with Euro-Atlantic institutions. The progress Georgia has made on this path over the last decade has not been easy, but in many spheres, Georgia has turned out to be a leader in advancing critical reforms.
USAID’s development assistance is designed to strategically capitalize on Georgia’s successful reforms and development gains while addressing challenges related to political polarization and a regional context that threatens to undermine the country’s development gains. The CDCS reflects the priorities of the U.S. National Security Strategy, and it is aligned with the Georgian government’s reform agenda and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The CDCS focuses on three development objectives: (a) resilience to external malign influence strengthened; (b) fragile democratic gains consolidated through enhanced citizen-responsive governance; and (c) inclusive high-value employment opportunities provided through increased economic growth.
To implement the CDCS, USAID works with a broad range of partners and stakeholders, drawing on multiple opportunities that the Agency’s policies present (e.g. the Private Sector Engagement Strategy, expanded government-to-government mechanisms, and the New Partnerships Initiative, to name a few). This means integrating more local partners into procurement, supporting country-led solutions and co-creating development interventions, scaling up institutional capacity development of strategic partners, promoting innovation, and increasing engagement of youth, women, persons with disabilities, and members of minority ethnic and religious minority communities.
By the end of the strategy, USAID will have laid the foundation for a legacy that advances Georgia’s path to Euro-Atlantic integration; supports Georgia in protecting itself from external malign influence; and helps Georgian citizens benefit from improved governance, rule of law, and high-value employment opportunities.
Additionally, USAID is helping Georgia to strengthen its resilience. USAID supports Georgia to develop its conflict-affected communities, mitigate the impact of disinformation, diversify its trade partners, and improve its energy security and cybersecurity. USAID programs provide greater economic opportunities, support social inclusion of ethnic, religious, and linguistic communities, and create platforms for greater civic engagement.
For more information about USAID programs in Georgia, visit our Program Descriptions page.
