On November 17, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State
University (TSU) hosted a conference “Georgian Diaspora – Present Days
and Challenges”. The Georgian government members, foreign diplomats,
Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze, Head of International Organization
for Migration mission (IOM), Iliana Derilova and Head of International
Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Violeta Wagner attended
the conference.
State Minister for Diaspora Issues, Gela Dumbadze, whose office has
organized the event, awarded Rector of TSU, Giorgi Sharvashidze with an
honorary medal “Everything that unites us makes us stronger.” In turn,
Rector Sharvashidze awarded State Minister for Diaspora Issues, Gela
Dumbadze and Justice Minister Tea Tsulukiani with the university medals
for their contribution to returning the Leuville Estate to Georgia as
well as for their special contribution to the development of Ivane
Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.
Rector Sharvashidze expressed his gratitude to the representatives of
Georgian Diaspora in France for handing over unique collections to the
center functioning at the University Library. At the same time, the
Rector noted: “It is very important that TSU hosts the forum of this
level; we hope that this cooperation will further continue and acquire a
permanent nature.”
Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze spoke about the importance
of Diaspora for the country: “The activities of our Diaspora are
important for our country’s domestic and foreign policies. We should
note those projects and events, which are being implemented by the
government in this direction to further strengthen relations between the
state and Georgian Diaspora.”
Justice Minister Tea Tsulukiani said that next year the government
plans to create a historical-cultural memorial in the Leuville Estate in
honor of the First Republic. So, Georgian art workers and students will
be able to visit the Leuville Estate.
State Minister for Diaspora Issues, Gela Dumbadze said that the
conference will imply three different working panels – The Leuville
Estate –Past, Present and Future; Education, Science and Youth, and
Diaspora Investments. “It is very important that so many foreign guests
have been invited,” he said.
The aim of the conference is to establish a common strategy on Diaspora
issues, to hold discussions between participants of the forum on
education and science, the Leuville Estate and its future, youth
programs and Diaspora investments.
