The Civil Society Institute, backed by the European Union and working with partner organizations is hosting the conference “Social Entrepreneurship Development Perspectives in Georgia”. The primary objective of the conference is to facilitate a meaningful dialogue among stakeholders interested in the social entrepreneurship ecosystem regarding the current landscape and future development prospects. The event aims 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 will be held on February 23, 2024, at the Tbilisi Marriott Hotel (13 Shota Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi). The event starts at 11:00 AM GMT+4.  Highlights of the conference will encompass: 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. Event participants will include officials from the Youth Agency, the State Procurement Agency, Enterprise Georgia, and representatives from the city halls of Tbilisi, Ozurgeti, and Lagodekhi. The event will feature a diverse panel of speakers including local and international experts in the field, such as Salome Kusiani from the Social Enterprise Alliance; Ana Jikia from the Civil Society Institute; Toby Gazeley, representing the Euclid Network - European Social Enterprise Network; and Jakub Schimanek, who will share valuable lessons from Poland's support frameworks. The conference is being held with the support of the European Union and "Bread for the World" within the framework of the ongoing project "Development of social entrepreneurship for a sustainable and inclusive society". The project is implemented by a consortium led by the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG). The partners of the project are: 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. Contact us: (+995) 598 743512 tamar@civilin.org Tata Botchorishvili

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.The collaborative initiative between Georgian Down Syndrome Associationassociation and  Media and TV Art College, titled "Solidary media vision among youth," has been successfully finished. There were ten training sessions conducted as part of the project. Experts and activists with disabilities were invited to educate the graduates and students on appropriate ways to report on individuals with disabilities and topics concerning them. The project was implemented with the financial support of Skills Agency Georgia. More... Source: Georgian Down Syndrome Association

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

Kakheti.In partnership with the EU and Georgia’s Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure, UNDP supported Lagodekhi Municipality in rethinking its citizen service area. Introducing a new approach with a one-stop-shop service concept, citizens can now access a wide array of municipal services all in one convenient location. From social and legal aid to infrastructural and architectural consultations, the new service area supports the Lagodekhi community every step of the way. This initiative has become a reality thanks to the EU-funded programme "EU for Integrated Territorial Development" #EU4ITD, marking a milestone in enhancing public service delivery in Georgia’s regions. More... Source: UNDP Georgia

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

Kvmeo Kartli. EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, visited the Marneuli municipality and the village of Samshvilde, and met the diverse communities of Georgia’s regions. Diversity, inclusivity, and equality are values that play a great role in Georgia’s EU path. The Ambassador was welcomed by the Mayor of Marneuli, Kenan Omarov and the Marneuli Municipality Council Chair, Amiran Giorgadze. In Samshvilde village, the Ambassador visited the EU-supported "Orbis Bude" social enterprise that promotes sustainable tourism and fosters inclusivity through employment More... Source: European Union in 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

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. UN Women is hosting a two-day workshop on “Monitoring Human Security – a Gender Sensitive Monitoring Tool”. The workshop is designed for the representatives of the Public Defender’s Office of Georgia (PDO) and the representatives of civil society organizations.  The seminar is facilitated by an international expert Zara Jarvinen, who is the author of the tailor-made methodological tool - “Manual on Gender Sensitive Monitoring on Human Security” designed specifically for the use of the PDO and CSOs.  This workshop aims to build the capacity of the representatives of the PDO and the CSOs to assess, monitor, analyze and report on human security of the conflict-affected and internally displaced population from a gender perspective, including through a joint and cooperative manner.  This initiative is part of the UN Women project “Accelerating Implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Georgia”, funded by the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) of the UK Government. More... Source: UN Women Georgia

Imereti. CHCA another productive session with the members of the Gender Equality Council of the Khoni Municipality.  CHCA delved into important discussions surrounding SMP, aiming to address crucial issues and pave the way for positive change. CHCA is thrilled to announce that these efforts are part of the larger project, "Integrated Territorial Development of Khoni Municipality," spearheaded by the City Hall of Khoni Municipality and Charity Humanitarian Center "Abkhazeti" (CHCA). With generous financial support from the European Union for Georgia (EUD), CHCA is empowered to make tangible strides towards a more equitable and thriving community. More... Source: CHCA

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

Racha.On February 12, 2024, the Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC), in partnership with the NGO Abkhazintercont (AIC), held an information meeting within the framework of the project "Citizens for Local Development", the purpose of which was to introduce the project to local self-government and civil society representatives.  The representatives of Oni Municipality City Hall, City Council, Gender Council, civil organizations, and other interested persons attended the meeting. The project team also met Sergo Khidesheli the Mayor of Oni municipality, and Bachana Markoishvili, the chairman of the city council, who pledged their support to the project.  The goal of the project "Citizens for Local Development" is to promote the solution of acute problems in two communities of Oni and Tkibuli municipalities (Sakao and Tsukhati), with the partnership of local self-government, private and civil sectors and the active involvement of the rural community.  The project "Citizens for Local Development" is implemented with the support of the USAID Local Government Program, which is implemented by the Education Development and Employment Center with the partnership NGO Abkhazintercont. More... Source: Education Development and Employment Center

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