Tbilisi. According to the TI Georgia, for the first time in 20 years, the Government of Georgia opted out of participating in the monitoring round of the OECD's Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (OECD/ACN). Georgia is the only country that did not endorse the monitoring, unlike Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia. “The signatory organizations call on the Government of Georgia to resume participation in the monitoring process initiated under the Istanbul Action Plan (IAP) program and to continue cooperation with the OECD's Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (OECD/ACN)”. Read more… Source: transparency.ge

Batumi. On June 21-22 CSI organized a kickoff event of the project Strengthening Civic Engagement and Participatory Governance Capacities in Local Governments The event was attended by the 20 representatives of the public city halls and councils of four target municipalities (Batumi, Chokhatauri, Marneuli and Dmanisi). The project aims at enhancing the capacity of four partner municipalities to routinely monitor and evaluate public participation in local decision-making processes. თhe kickoff participants got familiarized themselves with CSI’s web-based “Benchmarking Methodology” tool which will help local authorities to recognize the importance of self-assessment and strive towards improving relationships with and strengthening trust among the communities they are to serve. The participants from different municipalities shared their experience and challenges regarding citizen engagement with each other and planned next steps on how to proceed with the upcoming self-assessment process. The project Strengthening Civic Engagement and Participatory Governance Capacities is a part of USAID Local Governance Program which is financed by United States Agency for International Development USAID.

Tbilisi. Coalition for an Independent and Transparent Judiciary reacts to the amendments in the Organic Law on Common Courts. “On June 13, the Parliament of Georgia adopted amendments to the Organic Law of Georgia on Common Courts in the third reading. The Georgian Dream’s stated purpose of adopting the amendments was to fulfill the recommendations of the European Commission. However, according to the Venice Commission’s opinion, the draft law did not meet its recommendations concerning the judiciary.  That is why the Coalition calls on: The President of Georgia to submit the Law to the Venice Commission for urgent opinion; and The President and the Parliament of Georgia, if necessary, to use the constitutional mechanisms that will ensure the reflection of the fundamental justice sector reforms in the law in accordance with the Venice Commission’s recommendations”. Learn more… Source: idfi.ge

Samegrelo. In Mukhuri village, Khabaleri district 35 families are requesting the much-needed paving of roads and installation of drainage channels. With the support of the TI Georgia’s Committee of Concerned Citizens, they have submitted the request to Chkhorotsku City Hall. The organization urge Chkhorotsku City Hall to promptly address our appeal and fulfill the rightful demands of Mukhuri residents. 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. On June 26, the USAID Local Government Program will hold informational meetings for those who have questions about their grant competitions. To attend the meeting, fill out the registration form… The program will share the link of the online meeting with you via e-mail. Read more… Source: The USAID Local Government Program’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. This year UN Women continues to support Grace Hopper Award initiated by The USAID Economic Security Program and TBC Bank. The winners have been awarded in six nominations of Grace Hopper Award, who have made significant contributions in strengthening the field of technology, introducing positive changes, and creating innovative products or services for women's empowerment. The following individuals and organizations have been recognized as the 2023 winners of the #GraceHopperAward: Nana Janashia: Emerging Leader Award. Tamar Bosikashvili: ICT Champion Award. Bizon.ge • ბიზონი: Tech Startup Award. Technovation Girls Sakartvelo: Program Award. ForSet • ფორსეტი: Industry Award. Nino Gamisonia: Supporter Award. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. On June 14, Civil Society Institute (SCI), in partnership with European Center for Non-for-Profit Law (ECNL) and Partners Georgia held a discussion meeting, which aimed at increasing the engagement of civil society and consolidation of CSOs’ visions around Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). See more… Source: civilin.org

Tbilisi. On June 19th, 2023 the UN Women facilitated a Working Group Meeting on Gender-Related Aspects of Social Reforms.  “At the meeting, Expertise France presented an update on the advancements they have achieved in developing amendment packages for minimum wage provisions, social insurance, and unemployment benefits. The meeting aimed to provide informative updates to non-governmental organizations and development partners regarding the ongoing progress and foster the exchange of substantive feedback”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. According to the IDFI, the new law significantly changed the balance between the personal data protection and the transparency and established new standards of publicity, which should be considered a positive development. The parliament took into account a number of IDFI’s recommendations and the norms, which in many cases were the basis for limiting access to information by public institutions, were changed and replaced with unambiguous regulations. Read more… Source: idfi.ge

Samtskhe-Javakheti. According to the Transparency International Georgia, a significant number of property declarations from 202 officials in Samtskhe-Javakheti municipalities contain various violations. Click here to view a detailed breakdown of the types of violations identified… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Shida Kartli. On June 13, 2023, the USAID Civil Education Program 2022-2023 academic year summary event was held in Gori. “Ms. Marika Mgebrishvili, the head of the Association of Society Biliki, Ms. Marina Ushveridze, the director of USAID's civic education program, Ms. Nana Termakozashvili, the head of the educational resource center of Gori welcomed to the guests. At the event, Lia Gorelishvili, the representative of Society Biliki made an overview of the program's one-year results. The students of partner schools of Shida Kartli made presentations about the successful civic club, student self-government, small grant projects, and cooperation with the private sector. Lela Tsurtsumia, the regional coordinator of the National Forum of Civic Education Teachers, spoke about the resources offered to teachers and the planned activities. Pupils of Khidistavi Public School presented Eco Puppet Theater on the theme “Rights”. At the end of the meeting, supporters and active students were rewarded. Representatives of partner schools, educational resource centers, local government, business, media, and non-governmental sectors of the Shida Kartli region attended the meeting. USAID Civic Education Program,  is implemented by PH International with the financial support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The program is supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. In the Shida Kartli region, the partner organization of the program is Society Biliki”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. Are you going to Tbilisi Open Air on 23-25 June? You can see the European Union there spreading the festive spirit among the youth.  “We are bringing something unique and engaging for you! Join our life-size Intellectual game, “European Way: Evropis Gza” hosted by Davit Gorgiladze and get ready to dive into an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, learning, and lots of laughter! The game is created by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung South Caucasus with our support”. Read more… Source: The EU’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...

On June 14, Civil Society Institute (SCI), in partnership with European Center for Non-for-Profit Law (ECNL) and Partners Georgia held a discussion meeting, which aimed at increasing the engagement of civil society and consolidation of CSOs’ visions around Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). Latest report of Council of Europe’s Anti-Money Laundering Committee (MONEYVAL) was discussed at the meeting as well as Georgian National Risk Assessment Report and its action plan, which is currently being work on by the Georgian government. Georgia received the lowest ranking in the report in regards to its preventive measures against potential risk of noncommercial sector being wrongfully used.  At the meeting it was underlined that CSOs are not involved in the process of assessing preventive measures, which can lead to the introduction of such measures and regulations that might negatively affect the CSO environment in Georgia.  International experts and local CSO representatives participated in the meeting during which potential measures to prevent risks according to FATF recommendations, as well as mechanisms to increase active participation of CSOs and development of self-regulation measures were discussed. Second topic of the meeting focused on the cooperation between NPOs and banks, including National Bank of Georgia’s AML/CFT policy in regards to NPOs.

Tbilisi. Organized by the members of the Committee of Concerned Citizens of TI Georgia’s Akhaltsikhe office, the organization applied to the local government with the request to arrange a sports field in the village of Arzne in Adigen. The letter is signed by locals. “In a mountain village with 16 households, where more than 30 children live, there is no sports infrastructure, recreational and entertainment space”. TI Georgia calls on the City Hall of Adigeni Municipality to consider the appeal in a timely manner and take this issue into account when making changes to the current year's budget. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Kakheti. Unlocking the potential of our youth is a vital step in shaping a society that cherishes equality, embraces diversity, and champions advocacy. That is why UNDP embarked on a journey to Kakheti Euroclub with the captivating photo exhibition “Faces of Diversity”. “During our engaging discussion with the local youth, we were truly inspired by their fascinating initiatives addressing human rights, gender equality, and inclusion. While visiting Kvareli Municipality, we met with more than hundred students from five different public schools. Our discussions revolved around the right to education, the safeguarding of minority rights, and the engagement of young individuals in shaping democracy. We drove into the accomplishments attained in these areas and addressed the prevailing challenges that demand our attention. After the insightful meetings in Marneuli, Tetritskaro, Akhaltsikhe, and Kvareli, we will continue our engagement with youth in other regions of Georgia. The series of discussions with youth is supported by Norway and Sweden as part of UNDP’s ongoing projects for gender equality, minority rights, and social inclusion”. Read more… Source: The organizations page on the social network

Tbilisi. According to the USAID Local Government Program, various marginalized groups in Georgia do not have equal access to or control over resources and suffer from structural poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to state services. Social exclusion of certain groups is multidimensional, encompassing socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, and political factors.  “While certain strategies and state implemented programs have considerably improved the level of integration, their decision-making ability and authority is minimal at both central and municipal levels of government.  Local Governance Program’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Plan is designed to understand and deal with the complexities of aiding with better outcomes for the underrepresented groups. The Local Governance Program provides an opportunity to work with at least 22 partner municipalities throughout Georgia to ensure the underrepresented groups participate and benefit from decentralization and public sector reforms”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. Transparency International Georgia won another case.  “The Kakhadze family, eco migrants living in jvariketi, khulo, had their application for compensation denied by the agency after their home was destroyed by a landslide.  TI Georgia’s lawyers challenged this decision in courts, ultimately resulting in the agency agreeing to reconsider the Kakhadze family’s compensation application”. Read more…  Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. GCSD launched a fantastic STEM Camp from May 24-27 at Buckswood School as part of SHE's GREAT project! Fifty enthusiastic participants from various public schools from Sachkere, Senaki, Zugdidi, Bolnisi, Marneuli, Tserovani, Akhatsikhe,  and Tbilisi joined this engaging event. They all share a strong interest in the fields of science and technology. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network