Tbilisi.The Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC) organized a training of trainers for selected representatives from twenty educational institutions in Georgia. The training aimed to promote the first volunteer digital web platform www.volunteer.ge, to encourage interested individuals to join the volunteer system and enable them to implement volunteer initiatives using the platform.  During the training, participants were introduced to the goals and rules of the platform www.volunteer.ge, which will enable them to carry out various volunteer activities with students in their regions. The training was conducted by the executive director of EDEC, Natia Namicheishvili, and web administrator, Nata Kapatadze.  The training was organized within the framework of the European Union (EU) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) funded project “Civil Society STAR Initiative: Sustainable, Transparent and Accountable Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the Development of Georgia” (2021-2025). More... Source: The Education Development and Employment Center

Imereti.On March 1, 2024, Rights Georgia, with the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program, held an informational meeting with pupils from various schools in Chiatura at the Chiatura Legal Aid Center. The meeting was held in a discussion format. Participants emphasized the importance of preventing violence against women and providing qualified legal assistance.  They also discussed the protection of minors who are victims of domestic violence and their need for psycho-emotional support. Special attention was paid to the discussion about the causes of femicide and gender stereotypes. More... Source: Rights Georgia

Samcxe-Javakheti.On February 29, 2024, a meeting with representatives of the private sector held in Akhaltsikhe within the framework of Society Biliki’s project Development of Local Employment Policy – Improvement of Disabled People's Rights”. At first, Victor Baramia, the representative of the European Foundation, welcomed the participants of the meeting, and then Marika Mgebrishvili, the head of Society Biliki spoke about the activities carried out within the project and the future plans. Social entrepreneur Nino Giorgadze shared the experience of successful practices and social responsibility of the business sector with the participants of the meeting. The project “Development of Local Employment Policy – Improvement of Disabled People Rights” is supported by the project "Advocacy for the Implementation of the Law on the Rights of People with Disabilities", which is implemented by the Coalition for Independent Living in cooperation with the European Foundation and the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley. More... Source: Society Biliki

Samegrelo.The central park is now offering a multifunctional adapted space to citizens, fostering inclusivity and sustainability, and applying system thinking for urban transformation. The new infrastructure features a large digital screen, decorative constructions and installations, and a playground and chess tables accessible for persons with disabilities. Thanks to the EU and UNDP support under the EU-funded #Mayors4EconomicGrowth #M4EG Facility, Poti Municipality created this vibrant space using a system-thinking approach and human-centred design to reimagine the city and make it more attractive for citizens. More... Source: UNDP Georgia

Tbilisi.Get ready to celebrate Europe Day at our public event in Expo Georgia, Tbilisi on 11 May, 2024! Stay tuned to our page for all the details and be sure to join us on 11 May! Check out last year’s Europe Day activities here. More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Tbilisi. Georgian Down Syndrome Association is  commencing the 13th campaign in relation to World Down Syndrome Day. Every year, on March 21st, Georgian Down Syndrome Association, as organizations that are working on issues related to Down syndrome, collaborate on international platforms to create a global message that serves as a focal point for the community, people with Down syndrome, their family members, supporters, and the civil, private, and public sectors to plan their work processes and the upcoming year. As a vital cog in the worldwide wheel, the Georgian Down Syndrome Association is part of this year's worldwide message and challenges everyone to work together in order to end stereotypes with joint efforts. More...  Source: Georgian Down Syndrome Association

Tbilisi. The OECD, in collaboration with the EU and EBRD, has recently published the SME Policy Index: Eastern Partnership Countries 2024. The report offers a thorough assessment of SME development practices and associated policies in Georgia and other EaP countries, and provides recommendations. See more… Source: EU

Tbilisi.UNDP, in collaboration with Georgia’s Civil Service Bureau, unveiled new research shedding light on prevailing attitudes towards human rights and gender equality in civil service. It analyses civil servants’ attitudes towards workplace equality practices within the civil service, examines perceptions of fundamental values of human rights, equality, and inclusion, and reveals the gaps in understanding of human rights and their respect, protection, and fulfilment. The study was conducted by the 'Applied Research Company' and supported by UNDP in partnership with the European Union, Norway, Sweden, and UK Aid from the UK Government. More... Source: UNDP Georgia 

Tbilisi.The EU has adopted the 13th package of against Russia.  It focuses on further limiting Russia's access to military technology and on listing additional companies and individuals involved in Russia's war effort. More... Source: European Union in 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...

Imereti.Local Democracy Agency Georgia recently conducted information sessions at Kutaisi University and Akaki Tsereteli State University, engaging a vibrant group of students and other young people. These meetings spotlighted the "Voice of the Youth in Local Self-Government" project, delving into its objectives, activities, and how to actively participate. A key focus was on the formation of youth initiative groups, sparking a strong interest among attendees, a majority of whom eagerly signed up on the spot. More... Source: LDA Georgia

Tbilisi.On February 27th, 2024, IDFI and the USAID Economic Governance Program held a public-private dialogue on the private sector needs regarding open government data, within the framework of which authors presented the results of the study prepared on this topic. This study was one of the first analytical works to adapt the methodologies used in EU countries and consider Georgia’s economic indicators in order to assess the size of the direct and indirect open data market in Georgia, as well as to reveal the sectors with high impact and high potential in open data. More... Source: Institute for Development of Freedom of Information

Tbilisi. Watch the statement of the EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski on the World NGO day. "NGOs make valuable contribution to Georgia’s EU integration. They serve as a vital bridge between citizens and political leaders.  They amplify the voices that might otherwise go unheard. On the occasion of the world NGO day, let me reaffirm the European Union’s commitment to support NGOs’ work in Georgia and beyond." More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Tbilisi.NGO Dopomoga Ukraini is among 11 Georgian & Ukrainian recipients of the History Keepers awards for their contributions to helping fight against Russian disinformation, supporting solidarity to Ukraine and strengthening resilience-building during wartime.  Visit www.dopomoga.ge - a comprehensive platform aiding Ukrainian citizens across Georgia with information about social, medical, educational and other services available to them. More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Tbilisi. The Civil Society Institute, backed by the European Union and working with the partner organizations, hosted the conference “Social Entrepreneurship Development Perspectives in Georgia”. The primary objective of the conference was to facilitate a meaningful dialogue among stakeholders interested in the social entrepreneurship ecosystem regarding the current landscape and future development prospects. The event aimed to provide a platform for decision-makers, social enterprises, supporting organizations, and experts to exchange knowledge and experiences in the realm of state support for social entrepreneurship. The conference was held on February 23, 2024, at the Tbilisi Marriott Hotel (13 Shota Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi).  Highlights of the conference encompassed:  International experience of state support of social entrepreneurship;  Key recommendations for state support of social entrepreneurship;  Present state and future outlook of state support for social entrepreneurship at the national level in Georgia;  Current practices and perspectives of social entrepreneurship support at the local self-government level. During the conference, international experts shared insights from various countries, underscoring the positive outcomes achieved through state support for social entrepreneurship. On the other hand, local speakers highlighted current state support schemes in Georgia, emphasizing existing initiatives and the need for continuous improvement. The conference was organized with the support of the European Union and "Bread for the World" within the scope of the ongoing project " Advancing Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable and Inclusive Society". The project is implemented by the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG) in partnership with Social Enterprise Alliance (SEA), Civil Society Institute (CSI), Impact Europe (Formerly EVPA), Georgian Civil Development Association (GCDA), Democratic Development Union of Georgia (DDUG), the LEPL Youth Agency.

Tbilisi.Within the framework of the project supported by European Union in Georgia, more than 150 professionals - social workers, judges, lawyers - participated in the workshops organized by UNICEF aimed at promotion of efficient implementation of Article 26 of the Code on the Rights of the Child and the establishment of uniform practices.  Article 26 of the Code regulates the issue of separation of a child from the family and considers it permissible only when the life, health or safety of the child is in immediate danger, and even then the decision must be taken with the approval of the court. Professionals and invited specialists shared with each other information and experience on basic concepts, principles, approaches and ways of cooperation in order to establish a uniform practice and protect the best interests of the child. More...

Tbilisi.CSRDG within its EU-funded social entrepreneurship project has awarded the best young ambassadors of social entrepreneurship from Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Guria, Svaneti, Kakheti, and Imereti regions. The ambassadors introduced social entrepreneurship to the youth and residents of rural areas as a unique approach to overcome local social, economic, and environmental challenges in a sustainable manner. More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Imereti.Local Democracy Agency Georgia held an online consultation meeting with representatives of civil society organizations and active citizens of Tkibuli municipality. The purpose of the meeting was to research the needs of civil society organizations operating in Tkibuli. he meeting was held within the framework of the project "Civil Society STAR Initiative'' , which is supported by the European Union (EU) and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). More... Source: LDA Georgia

Tbilisi.On 24Feb2022 Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the Ukrainian people have shown the world examples of courage, resilience and unity. This 24 February, join the event to mark 2 years since the beginning of Russia's war in Ukraine🇺. More... Source: Human Rights House Tbilisi

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.With the support of UN Women, the Tbilisi Municipality – City Assembly and City Hall have taken a significant step forward by approving an Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Mechanism. This is the first case of the local authority implementing such a document. The approved document unequivocally prohibits sexual harassment, whether perpetrated by employees of the municipality or political officials. It outlines clear protocols for identifying, addressing, and imposing respective sanctions in cases of sexual harassment. UN Women remains committed to supporting other municipalities and central governmental entities in their efforts to combat sexual harassment. More... Source: UN Women Georgia