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• Prime Minister I. Garibashvili departs for Munich Security Conference

  Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, together with a delegation, has departed for the Federal Republic of Germany where he will participate in the Munich Security Conference.

  The Head of Government will attend the opening session of the 59th Munich Security Conference. Participation in a thematic panel discussion is also scheduled.

  Within the scope of the conference, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili will hold high-level bilateral meetings.

  Led by the Prime Minister, the delegation consists of Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze, and Head of the Government Administration Revaz Javelidze.

  Press Service of the Government Administration
• 1st National Peace Convention Held to Promote Unity

  PASAY CITY—The 1st National Peace Convention was held on January 25, 2023 with the theme, “Peace Builds One Nation, One Future: Peace is Here”, attended by over 1,500 peace advocates to build a holistic roadmap towards the attainment of national unity through peace in consonance with the Marcos Administration’s agenda.

  Dr. Ronald Adamat, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Founding Chairman of Volunteer Individuals for Peace (VIP), spearheaded the event.

  "We want peace to reign in our country. We want peace to be the language everyone of us will speak and every Filipino and every foreigner will understand. Today, let's declare peace as a pandemic. Infect people not to rest in peace but to live in peace," said Dr. Adamat.

  Dr. Adamat is the first Filipino recipient of the prestigious Mahatma MK Gandhi Prize for Non-Violent Peace awarded last year in recognition of his contributions to peace-building including the higher education

  In attendance also is Chairman Lee Man-hee of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a 92-year old Korean war veteran.

  “Peacebuilding in Mindanao after conflict is becoming known worldwide. This is the case of transforming death into life for peace. Starting with Mindanao and the Philippines, when we unite in love, peace will come to our world. For this reason, everyone in the Philippines has to become one and work together as messengers of peace,” said Chairman Lee.

  The two peace advocates first met in 2017 during HWPL World Peace Summit held in South Korea. As an expression of their shared commitment to promoting peace, CHED and HWPL signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in 2018 to integrate peace education in the higher education curricula.

  The convention commenced with the first Plenary Session followed by parallel sessions in the afternoon. The parallel sessions were conducted separately for five sector groups—lawmakers and non-government organizations, academe and youth, religious and ethnic groups, women, and media. Each session drafted a resolution which contained their solidarity with the organizers’ peace-building efforts.

  The five resolutions were consolidated during the second Plenary Session to call for President Bongbong Marcos to proclaim January 24 as ‘National Peace Day’ or “Truce Day”.

  The date January 24 was proposed in commemoration of a civilian-led peace agreement signed at General Santos City in 2014 to boost reconciliation among the local communities. It was proposed by Chairman Lee to mediate between the existing conflict in Mindanao at the time. The date was later declared as ‘HWPL Peace Day’ by then Maguindanao governor Toto Mangudadatu in 2015 and BARMM Chief Minister and MILF Chairman Ahod Ebrahim in 2016.

  The organizers believe that the declaration of a National Peace Day shall be the mechanism by which every year, peace-related activities are observed and celebrated across the country.

• The exhibition "TurkmenTel-2022" opened in Ashgabat

  The International Forum on Telecommunications, Telemetry, Information Technologies and Broadcasting Equipment - "TurkmenTel-2022" began in Ashgabat, in the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

  At the official opening ceremony, Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers Mammetkhan Chakiyev read out the welcome address of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the participants of the XV International Exhibition and Scientific Conference "TurkmenTel-2022"

  The opening ceremony was attended by the country's leadership corps, representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations, the media, who got acquainted with the industry exhibition that unfolded in the expo center of the CCI. The exhibition with the participation of Turkmen and foreign companies presents achievements in the field of information and communication technologies.
  In the afternoon, the conference will begin, which will bring together Turkmen participants and about 100 foreign delegates from 30 organizations and companies representing 18 countries in a hybrid format.

   

• Ambassador Degnan’s Remarks to Media at the Women in Comprehensive Defense Conference

  Question about the event 

  Ambassador Degnan: This conference is an important opportunity to bring together international and Georgian experts to talk about NATO’s comprehensive defense concept and Georgia’s approach to implementing that concept. Women play a central role in the comprehensive defense concept, and we will be discussing that more in the course of today’s conference. There are many examples in Georgia’s history when women have demonstrated the important role that they play in supporting the defense of their country.

  That goes all the way back to King Tamar and many battles throughout this country where women have been essential in supporting the defense effort. This is just a modern version of that to ensure that the whole of society is prepared, whether it’s for a natural disaster like a flood or an earthquake or some kind of attack or malicious event. So there are many different aspects to NATO’s comprehensive defense concept, and we’ll be exploring those today.

  Question about the European Parliament resolution 

  Ambassador Degnan: The United States is not part of the European Parliament. I can say that we weren’t involved in drafting this resolution. I can say that we also regret the continuing polarization of the political environment here in Georgia, and we would certainly agree with the call for the political stakeholders here to come together and implement ambitious democratic judicial and anti-corruption reforms. This is work that is underway, and it needs to be done in an inclusive fashion. I think Georgia has a very good track record of submitting draft legislation like this to the Venice Commission and other European expert bodies for their feedback on whether it does indeed meet European Union standards. At a time when the next very important step on Georgia’s path to its European future is at hand, candidate status, it seems particularly important and worthwhile to submit draft legislation to the Venice Commission to get their assessment of whether the legislation that’s been prepared is compatible and meets European standards. The United States will continue, as we have for the past 30 years, to support the clear will of the Georgian people to live in a secure, stable, prosperous democracy. That is why we are such strong supporters of the people of Georgia’s aspiration for European Union membership and a Euro-Atlantic future. I would hope that all of Georgia’s political leaders, including the ruling party and the opposition, would come together now and make sure that the work that is being done for candidate status is going to meet European Union standards. This is the moment, and I sincerely hope that Georgia’s leaders will accomplish this goal for the people of Georgia.

  Question about a news report on European Business Association 

  Ambassador Degnan: I don’t know Mr. Lee, and I’m not familiar with the European Business Association, so I really don’t have a comment on this.

  By U.S. Embassy Tbilisi 
• USAID and Visa starting a new partnership aiming at supporting SME Development and Strengthening Digital Ecosystem in Georgia

  November 4, 2022, 10:15am, HotelPullmanTbilisi – the USAID Economic Security Program and Visa signed a memorandum of understanding for starting a new partnership aiming at supporting the strengthening of small and medium-sized businesses and the digitization of their activities, inclusive economic growth and extension of digital capabilities and access for citizens.

  As part of the framework of cooperation, the USAID Economic Security Program and Visa will develop and implement joint programs that will focus on digital transformation, enhancement of digital literacy with specific focus on micro and small entrepreneurs, as well as on the economic empowerment of women and the integration of vulnerable groups.

  “We are delighted to launch cooperation between the USAID Economic Security Program and Visa to facilitate the strengthening and development of the country’s digital economy. Visa has global and long-standing experience in the digitalization of the economy, economic empowerment of women and support of financial technology and E-Commerce, all of which are also core values of USAID. The partnership will enable Georgian companies to implement smart digital solutions to achieve development goals and connect with the international market,” Mark McCord, Chief of Party of the USAID Economic Security Program said.

  „Today we are taking the partnership between Visa and the USAID Economic Security Program to a new level, to drive Georgia to the digital future. The expertise of both Visa and USAID Program will enable us to facilitate the digitalization of the country’s economy. For years Visa has been actively cooperating with the Government of Georgia, banks, financial institutions and donor organizations to assist the country’s advancement in terms of contactless penetrations worldwide. Strong multicultural organizations such as Visa and USAID play significant roles in bringing communities together and making progress, so I truly believe that our cooperation with USAID will contributes to Georgia’s economic advancement and bring value in coordination to your beautiful country, Georgia,“ Salvador Perez-Galindo, Senior Vice President, Head of Government Engagement for Visa CEMEA stated.

  “We at Visa are extremely honoured to sign Memorandum of Understanding with USAID Economic Security Program and are looking forward to our fruitful collaboration in various fields. The document envisages four strategic directions, namely women entrepreneurs’ economic empowerment, SME development and digitalization, FinTech and E-Commerce. I truly believe that the deepened partnership would enable us to further support and achieve a long-term positive effect of our mutual work for society,” Diana Kiguradze, Visa Country Manager for the Caucasus region said.

  The partnership between the USAID Economic Security Program and Visa will facilitate the extension of E-Commerce, financial inclusion and transactions, positioning Georgia as a regional hub and a safe place for investment.

  About USAID

  About USAID in Georgia: USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. Over 30 years of partnership with Georgia, USAID has supported the country’s transformation into a developing democracy that is increasingly integrated into Western political, security, and economic institutions.  Today, more than 35 USAID programs strengthen Georgia's resilience to malign influence, consolidate democratic gains through enhanced citizen responsive governance, and enable high-value employment through increased economic growth.  For more information, please visit: https://www.usaid.gov/georgia

  About the USAID Economic Security Program: a 5-year $23 million project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by DAI Global. The program is aimed at accelerating the broad-based growth of sectors outside of agriculture that show strong potential to create jobs, generate investment, and increase micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) revenues. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/EconSecProgram

  About Visa

  Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating payments transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.ge