In 2021, GIP renewed its Space for Discussion series held within the framework of its ongoing project “Promoting Youth Transformational Leaders in Georgia” financially supported by USAID.
The Space for Discussion (SfD) is a series of meetings and an additional opportunity for the participants of the “Emerging Leaders School” (ELS) to meet the experts of different fields as well as the representatives of public and private sectors. The participants choose the discussion topic themselves and have an opportunity to get the answers to the questions of their interest from the invited professionals and decision-makers.
In 2021, the Space for Discussion meetings are being organized in each region targeted by ELS2021: Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Tbilisi and Gori.
In April, 2 online discussions were conducted in total. The first one, which took place on 7th of April, was mainly targeted towards the youth of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneli regions. The discussion revolved around the topic of Building the high power electric dams and their influence on the environment – how to find a common ground?. It was organized for the two ELS groups in western Georgia, Zugdidi and Kutaisi. As this is one of the timeliest and debated issues for the above-mentioned regions, the discussion focused on building hydroelectric dams in Georgia, challenges and benefits for the region and potential solutions for these challenges. Representatives of governmental and non-governmental sectors as well as civil society organizations from the above mentioned regions participated in the discussion:
Imereti/Racha-Lechkhumi:
- Murman Margvelashvili – Independent expert, the head of research team at World Experience Georgia (WEG) and Prof. at Ilia State University
- Davit Chipashvili – Green Alternative
- Zaal Gorgidze – the Chairman of Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association Imereti Branch
- Varlam Goletiani – Leader of protest against Namakhvani HPP
Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region:
- Nugzar Gabelia – representative of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Governor’s Office
- Levan Mebonia – Chairman of the Board of Directors, LTD. “Engurhesi”
The second discussion took place on 28th of April and revolved around the issue of The implication of the compromise agreement on Georgia-EU relations. The discussion was organized for the two ELS groups in Eastern Georgia, Tbilisi and Gori. The main focus during the discussion was on ongoing debates about the agreement, why it is important and what it brings for Georgia-EU relationships. Experts also touched upon the challenges of polarization in the country and its implications for Georgia’s aspirations to join the European family.
Speakers:
- Kakha Gogolashvili – Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International studies, Rondeli Foundation
- Tornike Sharashenidze – Professor at GIPA
- Teona Akubardia – MP/Strategy “Agmashenebeli”
The project “Promoting Youth Transformational Leaders in Georgia” is being implemented with the financial support of USAID/Georgia.
