Kvemo Kartli. At the end of August, representatives of the business, public and civil sectors in Bolnisi and Dmanisi had meeting. They talked about how create a platform that will make it easier for representatives of the private and public sectors to talk about each other’s needs and to discuss the country’s important economic trends and opportunities for the development of the economic potential of the municipality. During focus group meetings, representatives of the sectors expressed a high interest in the development of a public-private dialogue (PPD) platform at the municipal level and expressed their desire to be involved in the creation and development of such a space.  More… Source: USAID Local Governance Program

Kvemo Kartli. Adapted municipal service center was opened in Rustavi that will improve the quality of life of citizens and businesses, by offering them more than 200 municipal services in one place.The Municipal Service Center will be one of the first such places, where all services at the municipal level will be in one space for Rustavi residents. The Center will significantly simplify relations with citizens and transform the process of receiving services more efficient, that will save time for our fellow citizens. The USAID Local Self-Government Program played an important role in the process of creating the municipal service center. More…  Source: USAID Local Self-Government Program

Tbilisi. Georgia's climate commitments under the #UNFCCC were the focus of the meeting bringing together the representatives of the Georgian Government, international and non-government organizations and expert. Discussing the groundwork for the Fifth National Communication and the First Biennial Transparency Report, the meeting participants emphasized climate change mitigation strategies and the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The meeting was part of the wider initiative to assist Georgia in crafting its report for the UNFCCC aligning with its international commitments. Implemented by the Environmental Information and Education Centre and the Regional Environmental Centre Caucasus (REC Caucasus), this partnership is supported by UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Source: UNDP

Tbilisi.Opinion Festival and World of Tolerance planning event - First-ever Opinion Festival Tbilisi! At the festival, you will discover 5 distinct stages focusing on the following themes: Entrepreneurship; Education; Strengthening resilience; Democracy, Human rights, rule of law; Future prospects of Georgia. In addition to captivating and diverse discussions, the evenings will come alive with the rhythms of live music.  Save the date: September 9, 2023 Time: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Venue: Rike Park, Tbilisi  All are invited, and participation is free of charge. Interested attendees can indicate their interest by clicking "Interested" or "Going".  More…  Source: Opinion Festival

Information Integrity Coalition is an informal association uniting 15 civil society organizations, dedicated to enhancing the resilience of the population against disinformation in Georgia. The Coalition monitors disinformation sources, actors and narratives, and responds to the challenges of the hybrid warfare. To learn more about the Coalition's work, check out its website https://infointegrity.ge/en.

Tbilisi. Are you looking for funding opportunities in the cultural and creative sectors. Check out this interactive guide, answer a series of questions based on the sector you are working in to find the relevant funding sources from the EU that best suit you: https://bit.ly/3XOVwNJ Source: https://www.facebook.com/EUinGeorgia

Tbilisi. Today started 7th Tbilisi International Conference - “Putinism Defeating”, organized by McCain Institute, George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC). Live... Aganda...

Now in its over thirteen years, Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) allows Georgian secondary school students in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades to study at an American high school and live with an American host family. The FLEX program is fully funded by the U.S. Department of State program and is administered by American Councils for International Education in Georgia. The program will offer scholarships to secondary school students from Georgia for the 2024-2025 academic years. Scholarship recipients will be provided with a round-trip ticket from their home to the United States and back as well as a monthly allowance for living expenses. While in the U.S., Georgian students will have the opportunity to share Georgian culture. They will learn about the United States firsthand by participating in family life, school study, and extracurricular activities. Recipients of FLEX scholarships are selected by an independent panel of experienced educators in the United States based on merit demonstrated in the application materials. Merit is determined by evaluating the online application, recommendations, English language proficiency, and an applicant’s demonstrated preparedness for a yearlong exchange experience. We invite all students to participate in the competition who: (1) Are presently studying in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades and have good academic standing; (2) Were born between January 1, 2007, and July 15, 2009; (3) Are eligible to receive a U.S. visa; (4) Have not lived in the United States for more than three months in the last five years; (5) Are citizens of Georgia; (6) Have previously studied English or demonstrate English language abilities. The FLEX program is open to all high school students who meet the requirements of the program, including students with disabilities. Over 270 disabled students have already studied in the U.S. in this program. The age/grade requirements for disabled students differ from the requirements for other applicants. Disabled candidates must be born between February 15, 2006, and July 15, 2009, and must be studying in 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The first and second rounds will be held online, semi-final – interview, and testing- will be held offline. Applicants can participate in the recruitment process from any location that has Internet access, using either a mobile device or a computer. The standards for the program will remain very high and we expect competition to be strong. The first round of testing is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria above and will take place online from August 1 until September 28, 2023. It includes a preliminary online application and three essay questions that must be submitted within 10 days of starting the application.  Eligible applicants can apply here... After submitting the preliminary application, all students will automatically be invited to take part in Round 2, which consists of an online English language test. Round 3 will include an interview, two more essay questions, a comprehensive English language test, and the full application. Students who advance to this stage will be contacted by the American Councils Georgia office. More information about the program can be found at the following link... Source: georgia.americancouncils.org

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...

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...

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. Under the leadership of the Open Society Georgia Foundation, 9 civil society organizations regularly evaluate the state of fulfillment of 12 priorities defined by the EU. “The fifth edition of their assessment document – EU CANDIDACY CHECK reflects the progress achieved by the Georgian authorities in this context until the period of August 1, 2023, as well as the current state of play and the steps to be implemented in the future by the authorities so that Georgia gets the EU Candidacy Status. According to CSOs’ assessments, at this stage, one priority is fully implemented, two priorities are mostly fulfilled, seven priorities are partially fulfilled, and two priorities (deoligarchisation and political polarization) defined by the European Union are to be fulfilled. The previous EU CANDIDACY CHECK documents have shown that civil society assessments are largely in line with the interim assessment presented by the EU on 22 June 2023. From June 20 to August 1, 2023, small progress has been made in terms of fulfilling the priorities such as media pluralism and involvement of CSOs in decision-making. In the first context, the President pardoned Nika Gvaramia, and on the other hand, the government considered certain recommendations of the civil society in the process of developing a number of draft laws”. Read more… Source: osgf.ge

Tbilisi. The UNICEF shares the tips on how to look after yourself and others online. “Being online can present lots of great opportunities to connect, learn and share what’s important to you, but it comes with challenges too. If social media or the internet has ever made you feel stressed, envious or lonely, or experience feelings of lower self-esteem or social anxiety, know that you’re not alone. Here are five tips on how to look after your mental health and be kind online. Avoid doomscrolling Be mindful Protect yourself and others online Choose kindness Stay present and connected IRL”. Read more… Source: www.unicef.org

Tbilisi. The UNICEF shares the tips for a very hot summer. “Heatstroke occurs due to long stays outside during high temperatures, and as a consequence of a direct exposure to sunshine, as well as a consequence of staying in an enclosed space, due to damp and overheated air, i.e. in public transport, an automobile, or an overheated apartment. Even though a parent may feel comfortable at a certain temperature, this should not necessarily imply that the child feels the same way, since he/she is yet to have his/her thermoregulation stabilised. Newborns, infants, and toddlers should be taken out early in the morning and later in the afternoon. It is not advisable to take young children out during the hottest period of the day, from 10AM to 5PM. The child should be dressed in loose-fitting clothes made of natural materials (cotton, linen), with his/her head covered with an obligatory cotton cap, or a hat. Always have with you a bottle of water that you should offer the child frequently, at least a sip or two (instead of water, this can also be a mild lemonade). Never leave children in your car, or other type of vehicle in the sun – not even for a couple of minutes!” Read more… Source: www.unicef.org

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...

Adjara. With the initiative of our Committee of concerned citizens, the electronic petition for the implementation of the “Municipal Program of Sterilization-Castration of Pets” in Kobuleti City Council has been launched. The purpose of this petition is to establish a pet sterilization-castration program in Kobuleti starting from the 2024 budget year, providing free services for citizens during the first two years, and to establish a shelter for homeless animals by 2025. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. On July 21, 2023, at the Writers' House of Georgia, the Institute for the Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) presented the updated website of "Stalin's Lists".  “”Stalin's Lists” include data, archival materials and photographs about the victims of the "Great Terror" of 1937-1938 in Georgia. The “Stalin's Lists” database combines information on 3616 persons who were tried directly by the decision of Stalin and other members of the Politburo. The platform allows interested people to find information about their ancestors who were victims of the repressions of 1937-1938”. Read more… Source: idfi.ge

Tbilisi. UNICEF spoke with adolescent psychologist Dr Lisa Damour about how parents can best navigate this time, providing teens with opportunities to grow and engage in new experiences, while helping them to stay safe. “Teenagers’ interest in new experiences is natural and a key part of what helps them grow. By pushing boundaries, teens develop independence and become increasingly self-reliant. But sometimes teenagers can take risks that put their safety and those around them in danger. It can be a worrisome time for parents, but it’s important to remember that teens are built to seek independence and freedom. It's a sign of their healthy development”. Read more… Source: www.unicef.org

Tbilisi. On July 18-19 "Transparency International-Georgia" organized trainings for the members of the parliament, assistants of deputies and employees of political fractions on the following topics: The rule of procedure of the parliament and ways to improvement; Anti-corruption legislation;  The main challenges of media legislation; Searching for corruption facts through public databases and Internet resources; The role of the opposition and implementation of parliamentary control. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

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. With the assistance of TI Georgia’s legal team the Kutaisi court of appeal ruled in favor of Vazha Tavartkiladze, dismissing the case and rejecting the allegation that he had violated the law. Previously, the Batumi city court had imposed a fine of 1000 Gel on him for the inscription displayed on his window, which read “Zonder Mayor of Batumi is an Enemy of the People”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Samegrelo. Elmira Jinjolia is one of 80 conflict-affected people in Georgia who benefit from the EU’s and UNDP Georgia’s support. Project helped Elmira enroll in an entrepreneurship training programme, participate in a grant competition and made the business idea of opening a coffee shop into a reality. Read more… Source: The EU’s page on the social network