Tbilisi. Economic Policy Research Center and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, with the support of the Lietuvos ambasada Sakartvele/ლიეტუვის საელჩო საქართველოში, present the second episode of our new podcast - EUფორია. In this episdode Gigi Gigiadze and Zaza Shengelia are hosting Vano Chkhikvadze - EU Integration Programme Manager at ღია საზოგადოების ფონდი I Open Society Georgia Foundation.  The discussion was focused on the details of the 12 recommendations received by Georgia, their significance and the degree to which they have been implemented at this stage. More... Source: Economic Policy Research Center 

10 October is World Mental Health Day  Dispelling myths about mental health can help break the stigma and create a culture that encourages people of any age to seek support when they need it.  Here are the most common myths and facts about mental health.  More... Source: UNICEF Georgia

IDFI: “On October 4, 2023, Freedom House released the report Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence”.  According to the Freedom House report, Internet freedom declined in Georgia by 2 points compared to 2022, but the country still ranks Free.  The report mentions that the country’s telecommunications regulator ordered ISPs to block 480 websites, primarily because they violated copyright law, over a five-year period, even though the government has not provided any clear guidelines on the procedure for website blocking.  In addition, neither the ComCom, ISPs, nor state bodies proactively publish statistical data on website blocking. It is noteworthy that these observations were made based on IDFI’s report.  More... Source: IDFI

Tbilisi.Georgian-Ukrainian Platform conducted survey. “Dear Ukrainians who live in Georgia! We ask you to spare 2 minutes to fill out the survey that will help make the work of the Ukrainian House effective and useful for all The survey is carried out with the support of the Center for Counseling and Training (STS) within the framework of the STAR Initiative project, funded by the European Union and the Conrad Adenauer Fund. The survey of Ukrainians living in Georgia is carried out with the support of the Counseling and Training Center (CTC), within the framework of the project "Civil Society Initiative" (STAR Initiative) financed by the European Union and the Conrad Adenauer Foundation. More… Source: Georgian-Ukrainian Platform

Tbilisi. An easy-to-read guide to health care for children and adults with Down syndrome has been compiled by the Georgian Down Syndrome Association with the support of the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program, as part of the project entitled "Advocacy for healthcare services for people with Down syndrome". This health care document has been produced for the parents and family members of children and adults with Down syndrome in order to give them with fundamental medical information regarding the health of children and adults with Down syndrome in language that is straightforward and easy to comprehend. More... Source: Georgian Down Syndrome Association

Adjara. Over 200 participants from the Eastern Partnership gathered in Batumi for a dynamic Urban Forum, organised by the EU, UNDP, and its partner. The Future-Fit Cities Forum addressed the intricate challenges faced by the municipalities, to pave the way for greener, more inclusive, and resilient cities that harness the power of public-private partnerships to drive growth and innovation. more... source: European Union in Georgia

The research carried out within the framework of the "Transparency International - Georgia" parliamentary monitoring project covers the activities of the Gender Equality Council (hereinafter - the Council) in the Parliament of the X Convocation, from June 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 (hereinafter - the reporting period).  Within the framework of the study, the activities of the Council were studied and evaluated in the following areas:  gender analysis of legislation;  working on legislative initiatives;  supervision and monitoring of activities of accountable bodies in relation to gender issues;  response to high-profile facts and events;  Statements considered and accepted. The research is based on public information requested from the Parliament, as well as data available on the website of the Parliament and observations of our organization. More... Source: Transparency International - Georgia

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. On 5 October world celebrates Teachers' Day.  Teachers hold the power to ignite change, and the EU, alongside its dedicated partners, is committed to empowering and equipping them with the skills needed to shape the future of education and introduce innovative solutions for a sustainable tomorrow. More... Source: EU

Kakheti. European Union in Georgia and UNDP Georgia's #HumanRightsTalks now in Lagodekhi with a thought-provoking discussion on the right to education.  The event will take place as part of the People & Planet Festival designed around a series of interactive and engaging activities.   Speaker: Lado Apkhazava, a renowned teacher and the first winner of the National Teacher Prize. More... Source: UNDP Georgia

Tbilisi.An extended working meeting was convened to address the urgent needs of internally displaced and conflict-affected women and youth.  The event was organized in collaboration with UN Women and civil society organizations, aiming to promote the implementation of the National Action Plan and its localization by discussing the needs identified by internally displaced women and youth affected by the conflict. More... Source: Women's Information Center 

Tbilisi. Within the framework of the project "Civil Society STAR Initiative", LDA Georgia held a meeting with the members of the gender equality council of Tkibuli municipality about public and private cooperation. The following issues were discussed at the meeting:  General overview of corporate social responsibility;  The importance and positive results of corporate social responsibility;  State and corporate responsibility;  State agencies and civil society organizations; More... Source: LDA Georgia 

Tbilisi.The course is led jointly by the Tolerance and Diversity Institute (TDI) and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, University of Oslo Universitetet i Oslo (UiO)   This is the first certified course in Georgia fully focused on FoRB and its relation to other rights.  The course consists of four online modules and the final one-day workshop to be held in a physical space.  During the course tutors, experts from the Oslo Coalition under the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, University of Oslo, University of Oxford and the TDI will discuss the right to freedom of religion of belief for all, theoretical foundations of this right, international standards, its relation to other rights, domestic legislation related to FoRB in Georgia and beyond.  More... Source: The Tolerance and Diversity Institute

Imereti. Local Democracy Agency Georgia, within the framework of the project - "Civil Society STAR Initiative", provided a consultation with members of civil society organizations and active citizens of Kharagauli municipality.   At the meeting was given the information about the grant competitions announced in the Imereti region;  also, was introduced the documents prepared on the basis of the needs of civil society organizations operating in the Imereti region. More... Source:  Local Democracy Agency Georgia

On September 26-27, representatives from IDFI and The USAID Economic Governance Program held other meetings within the framework of the Regional Campaign in Ozurgeti and Zugdidi. In both municipalities the representatives from the public and NGO sectors participated in the meetings and discussed both existing problems and challenges in public-private dialogue, as well as examples of good practices. More... Source: IDFI 

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. “Generation of Independent Georgia: In Between Hopes and Uncertainties- Youth Study 2023” - initiated and funded by Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung (FES), South Caucasus Regional Office. Study presents a country wide empirical research, which provides analytical insights into the young generation’s perceptions, awareness, expectations and approaches towards the changing realities. The study determines challenges young people face and identifies urgent tasks within the society.  Study... source: Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung

Tbilisi. 25 Georgian journalists underwent a 2-day training program within the EU-funded EU4IM project and delved into crucial topics, including reporting on events in hostile environments, stress management techniques for high-risk situations, and essential first aid. The goal of this training was to empower journalists with practical skills and, through virtual reality (VR) technology, arming them with the tools needed to navigate and mitigate risks while covering protests and riots. source: EU

Tbilisi. Georgian CSO's appeal to the President of the European Commission. “ (…) Given the complex geopolitical situation that presents Georgia with pressing security issues, granting candidate status to Georgia would be crucial in enhancing Georgia's security during these challenging times and allowing Georgia to devote more efforts to democratic reforms.  We, the civil society organisations, express our hope that the EU Commission recommends granting EU membership candidate status to Georgia. This would mark another milestone toward fulfilling Georgia's historic choice, serve as a catalyst for continuous democratic reforms that strengthen institutions, and bolster Georgia's, as well as Europe's, security”.  More… Source: grass.org

On 26 September we celebrate linguistic diversity with the European Day of Languages!  "Language is not just a means of communication, it's a vital part of every country's rich cultural heritage. That's why the EU proudly maintains 24 official languages and celebrates the European Day of Languages together with the Council of Europe every year to honour linguistic diversity, promote language learning, and foster intercultural understanding" More... source: EU

Tbilisi. Mestumre is embarking on a remarkable journey that will span six months, touching the lives of individuals from eight elderly houses across Georgia.  This training will equip volunteers with the essential skills needed to ensure that their interactions with the elderly are not only pleasant but also constructive throughout the project.   more... source: MAC Georgia

Tbilisi.Transport plays a major role in air pollution.  On this European Mobility Week join us to promote zero-emission mobility to reduce pollution!  more...  source: EU