On January 28, the Levan Mikeladze Foundation organized an online thematic meeting. The event was held within the framework of the project Planning Steps for a Peaceful Future, generously funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The project aims an in-depth understanding of various aspects of the transformation of relations between Georgians, Abkhazians, and Ossetians, and the development of a common vision. Local experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations participated in the thematic meeting. During the fifth thematic meeting, Vakhtang Charaia, an invited researcher to the Levan Mikeladze Foundation, presented a policy document “The economic cost/argument for conflict transformation in Georgia.” The speaker informed the audience about the economic costs of conflicts, including the damage to business, the public sector, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

After the presentation of the policy document, a discussion took place. Experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations discussed the arguments supporting the need for transformation. 

Throughout the project five thematic discussions were held, during which internal and external factors were discussed, directly or indirectly influencing the process of transformation of the Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-Ossetian conflicts. These include the ongoing alienation of torn societies, the role of Russia, the importance of expanding EU participation in regional politics, economic challenges, a changed security environment, and the newly formed risks and opportunities in the light of Georgia's national interests.