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ISTANBUL

Georgian Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs, Mikheil Sarjveladze, said Wednesday that protecting families is not only a national obligation but a global responsibility.

Speaking to Anadolu after participating in the International Family Forum hosted in Istanbul by Türkiye’s Ministry of Family and Social Services, held under the theme “Protecting and Empowering the Family in a Globalized World,” Sarjveladze expressed his delight at attending the event.

He emphasized that in today's ever-changing world, families face a wide range of challenges and that the forum provided a valuable platform for dialogue and the resolution of shared concerns.

“This forum comes at a crucial time,” Sarjveladze said. “From digital transformation to economic pressures, families are being affected from all sides. Such platforms not only enable knowledge-sharing, but also help renew our collective sense of responsibility.”

He stressed that protecting families goes beyond domestic policy, it is foundational to global sustainable development, social cohesion, institutional strength, and policy priorities. “Protecting the family is a global responsibility,” he reiterated.

Families facing global threats

Sarjveladze highlighted the increasingly complex and interconnected threats facing families today, including low birth rates, migration, economic hardship, and the digital world's impact on children.

“Our response to these multifaceted risks must also be multidimensional,” he said, outlining Georgia’s policy efforts.

“We’ve expanded social aid programs, introduced targeted support for large families, increased investments in maternal and child health, and reformed labor laws to better support working parents. Our goal is to ensure every family thrives in a safe, supportive environment.”

International cooperation essential to tackle problems

In the face of cultural shifts, demographic changes, and the digital age, Sarjveladze emphasized that no single country can protect families.

He advocated for international cooperation and common principles to guide policymaking.

“We need joint frameworks and coordinated solutions that both respond to current realities and preserve families' dignity, stability, and future. Georgia firmly supports multilateral cooperation with countries, international organizations, and all sectors of society in this area,” the Georgian minister said.

Expressing support for the forum

Sarjveladze thanked Türkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for their efforts to strengthen the family institution and for organizing the forum.

“It’s an honor to be here representing myself and my country. I would like to once again express our appreciation and respect to Türkiye and President Erdogan.”

He also underlined the importance Georgia places on its relationship with Türkiye.

“We reaffirm our strong commitment to deepening our future cooperation and friendship. Our partnership with Türkiye serves as a valuable regional model in the protection of families.”