Given Georgia’s diverse ethnic composition, promoting the integration of ethnic minorities into the political, economic, and cultural sphere in Georgia is of paramount importance. In 2021, the government of Georgia approved a ‘State Strategy for Civil Equality and Integration 2021-2030′, which aims to further strengthen civil equality and integration in the country. In promoting pluralism, inclusivity, and tolerance, the media typically plays a crucial role as a platform for diverse voices and perspectives to combat stereotypes and build a more cohesive and inclusive society.

Building on its previous project in Georgia on ‘Promoting Pluralism and Combating Stereotypes’ in 2022, the Foundation will continue its engagement in 2023 with representatives of the media and minority groups from different regions to provide a forum for empowerment, critical discussions and exchange. In collaboration with a local partner, the Civil Council on Defense and Security (CCDS) based in Tbilisi, the Foundation will organise a series of events in various regions in Georgia, including in Samtskhe Djavakheti, Qvemo Qartli, and Adjara. The objective will be to raise awareness among minority groups regarding their equal participation in economic, social, and political spheres, as well as to inform them about their minority rights. Additionally, the project aims to sensitise media representatives about the crucial role of media in a democratic society and to increase their awareness on disinformation and stereotypical media reporting, which perpetuate harmful narratives and reinforce prejudices towards minority groups. By addressing these aspects, the project strives to foster a more inclusive and informed media landscape in Georgia. The project will culminate in a conference to be held in Tbilisi, which aims to strengthen and expand the dialogue between the minority and media representatives from different regions as well as relevant legal experts and government representatives.

This project is implemented with the generous financial support provided by the German Federal Foreign Office as part of the programme ‘Expanding Cooperation with Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership Countries and Russia’.

01 May 2023 – 31 December 2023

Kathrin Maria Scherr

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Phone: +49 (0)6221 91404 34
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