Tbilisi.On February 17, 2024, the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies (Rondeli Foundation) launched the school for young political party staffers.  The school is a part of the EU-funded project ''Supporting Free and Fair Elections Cycle in Georgia.'' The current cohort involves 28 young representatives from 14 political parties, both parliamentary and non-parliamentary. Throughout the three-month course, the group will attend a series of lectures covering diverse topics from policy analysis to foreign policy, economics, and other nationwide issues. More... Source: Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

The web portal CsoGeorgia.org releases a weekly newsletter of grants competition, contests, vacancies, fellowships, and tenders for civil society organizations, and for any interested person.  Newsletter...

Tbilisi.The Institute for the Development of Freedom of Information publishes a new blog. The blog reviews the coordinated actions of Sockpuppets around Georgian politics in the popular encyclopedia - Wikipedia. " The first instance of suspicious user activity was reported on May 25, 2022, when ArsenalAtletico2017 became notably active on Wikipedia, particularly regarding Francis Parker Yockey. During this period, they focused on editing articles related to Yockey's works. According to Wikipedia's investigation, the last 500 user activities of ArsenalAtletico2017 were directly or indirectly linked to Yockey and his work. Shortly after this surge in activity, a new user named DerTag14 emerged on Wikipedia, also engaging in writing about Yockey and even creating a separate section about him in an article titled 'Esoteric Nazism'. However, DerTag14 was exposed as a sockpuppet, leading to the banning of the account." More... Source: The Institute for the Development of Freedom of Information

European Union in Georgia joins Georgia in celebrating the first Constitution of 1921, a progressive document guaranteeing broad local governance, rights of minorities and equal rights for men and women. Despite its short life due to Soviet occupation, it laid the foundation of today’s independent Georgia. More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Tbilisi.On 20 February 2024, the Georgian Young Lawyers‘ Association, Social Justice Center, Institute for Development of Freedom of Information and Studio Monitor held a launching ceremony for the EU-funded project – “Promoting greater civic awareness and engagement in judicial reforms and facilitating increased access to justice through holistic multi-agency action”.  The event centred around the purpose of the Project, its possible outcomes and activities. In addition, the Panel Discussion was organized with regards to the Georgian justice reform. As human rights are at the core of EU values as well as the EU-Georgia relationship, this project is a good example of EU support for Georgia’s advancement in Human Rights Practices, Democracy, and Rule of Law. More... Source: georgian young lawyers' association

Racha.On February 16, 2024, Konstantine Khidureli, the lawyer from the Ambrolauri Legal Aid Center of Rights Georgia, held an information meeting on the issues of gender equality and violence against women at Ambrolauri's first public school. The meeting was conducted in a discussion format, with special attention given to the prevention of violence against women and the importance of qualified legal assistance. Participants discussed possible causes of domestic violence, the protection of victims, and the need for psycho-emotional support.  The information meeting was held with the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program. More... Source: Rights Georgia

Tbilisi.In the framework of the Enlargement Package, the EU Delegation to Georgia is preparing the Annual Report 2024 on Georgia. The EU is inviting civil society organisations, international organisations and development partners who play a key role in Georgia’s European Integration process to share written contributions for our analysis and in-depth assessment. More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Tbilisi.Transparency International Georgia (TI Georgia) published the latest study on the economic dependence on Russia in September 2023, which explored the situation of the first half of 2023.  The present study fully reflects the data and trends observed in 2023. "Economic dependence on Russia poses a threat to Georgia because Russia traditionally uses economic relations as a lever for political pressure on independent countries. Due to this, it is important to know the level and tendency of the dependence of the Georgian economy on Russia. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine War has made observation on Georgia’s economic dependence on Russia even more relevant." More... Source: Transparency International Georgia 

Tbilisi.The Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG), with the support of European Union and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), is proud to present the fifth edition of the annual Corporate Social Responsibility Excellence Contest – Georgia’s Responsible Business Awards "Meliora." Meliora 2024 aims to applaud companies operating in Georgia for their most inspiring and outstanding projects and initiatives in the realms of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, contributing to positive transformations in Georgia. More... Source: The Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia

Tbilisi.The Institute for the Development of Freedom of Information publishes the article "The unresolved problem of high-level corruption in Georgia". "Under current circumstances, the State Security Service is responsible for investigating anti-corruption cases in a general manner. In order to address the existing challenges in the country in terms of corruption, especially high-level corruption, it is crucial for this function to be removed from the Security Service and for it to be transferred to the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Granting the Anti-Corruption Bureau investigative functions will by itself create the need for increasing its independence, accountability, and level of trust. Guaranteeing the above-mentioned is impossible without amplifying the role of the Parliament in both appointing and dismissing the head of the Bureau." More... Source: Institute for Development of Freedom of Information

adjara. On February 14, the House of Free Journalists held a public meeting in Khelvachauri municipality. This activity/event is implemented by Independent Journalist’s House within the project of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association “Creation of the Social Capital by Empowering CSOs and Enhancing Local Networking” with the support of the programme of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) “Strengthening Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership”, co-funded by the government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union”. More... Source:  Independent Journalists' House

Tbilisi.IDFI held its Third Winter School on Rule of Law and Human Rights. 24 participants took part in the Winter School, including both students and civil servants. The Winter School program was largely related to Georgia's integration into the European Union, the conditions set by the European Union. More... Source: Institute for Development of Freedom of Information

Tbilisi.The overall goal of the project is to increase awareness about the importance of artistic freedom and its connection to the general country development, human rights and European Integration through international advocacy, various awareness raising activities and increased opportunities for Georgian artists. ‘’Free ArtExpress’’ is supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Georgia. The views expressed in relation to the project may not reflect the Embassy’s position. More... Source: Human Rights House Tbilisi

Tbilisi.The Reforms and Research Group is launching a new project "Election School" with financial support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom South Caucasus for the 2024 parliamentary elections. The purpose of the "Election School" is to facilitate the provision of information about the changes, the pre-election environment and voting day procedures and other important issues to the subjects involved in the 2024 parliamentary elections. The Reforms and Research Group thanks the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom South Caucasus for its support. More... Source: The Reforms and Research Group

Imereti. Local Democracy Agency Georgia organized information sessions at College Iberia and Kutaisi American Corner for youth in Kutaisi. The aim of the sessions was to provide young individuals with insights into the objectives and activities of the "Voice of Youth in Local Self-Governance" project. The participants were provided information about initiative groups being established as part of the project, and how they can participate.  Meetings were conducted within the framework of the project “The Voice of the Youth in Local Self-Governance" project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) More... Source: Local Democracy Agency Georgia

Tbilisi.The United Nations Development Program, with funding from the Government of Norway, is launching a new project in Georgia to reduce plastic pollution so that every citizen can fully enjoy the right to access a clean and healthy environment. The participants of the event were addressed by Douglas Webb, acting head of the United Nations Development Program in Georgia; Rebecca Lim, Deputy Ambassador of Norway to Georgia; Laurent Nicol, CEO of CENN; and Alverd Chankselian, Head of the Waste and Chemical Substances Management Department of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia. More... Source: UNDP Georgia

Tbilisi.The Good Governance Forum, #GGFORUM2024 explored critical topics shaping democratic societies and paving the way for transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance. Officials, experts, and civil society representatives from different countries discussed key obstacles hindering functional democracies, including corruption, organized crime, and money laundering.  They also highlighted Georgia’s progress in reforming public administration and fostering gender equality in politics. Organized by the IDFI, the Good Governance Forum received support from the European Union, the UK, Sweden, UNDP, and USAID. More... Source: UNDP Georgia

Tbilisi.CENN, with support from the United Nations Development Programme and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, is launching the "End Plastic Pollution in Georgia" project.  This one-year initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of stakeholders and raise public awareness regarding circular models for plastic waste management. Encourage companies and organisations to avoid or reduce procurement and consumption of single-use plastic (SUP) items, replace them with more sustainable and durable products and establish circular practices. The campaign is organised with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Norway, under the initiative: “LEAD: Leadership, Equality, Advocacy, Democracy” More... Source: CENN

Tbilisi. The coalition "for independent and transparent justice" is contacting you with a request to organize a workshop.  The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the implementation plan of the court's part of the recommendations of the European Commission, in particular, to discuss the reform implementation deadlines, issues and the scope of the reform in general.  Also, the coalition presents its own views on judicial reform. More... Source: Transparency International Georgia

Kakheti. Shuki Movida is an initiative of MAC Georgia, the main goal of which is to collect and share stories through Facebook and other online platforms.  The protagonists are persons with disabilities and their families living in Georgia.  These individuals tell their personal stories with incredible sincerity.. The stories are accompanied by photo portraits, bringing special clarity and poetry to the stories. Within the framework of Shuki Movida, we have collected 250 photo portraits and stories from 11 regions of Georgia to date. The exhibition will held on February 8 and 9, in Lagodekhi. More... Source: Shuki Movida

Mstketa-Mtianeti. Association "Anika" held working meetings with representatives of the local council, the municipality, the PWDs community, and other interested parties in Dusheti municipality. A project presentation was made during the meetings. Moreover, at the meetings, a discussion was held about the needs of PWDs and future plans. The project is being implemented with the financial support of the GIZ, with a partner organization "Temi Kedeli" of Sighnaghi region. More... Source: Association "Anika"