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

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