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.
29-01-2021
On January 20, 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 meeting, Mikheil Mirziashvili, an invited researcher to the Levan Mikeladze Foundation, presented a policy document “EU to Promote Conflict Transformation.” He discussed EU participation in regional geopolitics, tasks, and strategy influencing the process of transformation of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. The speaker shared with the audience a number of recommendations for expanding EU participation and reported on the expected results and challenges.
After the presentation of the political document, a discussion took place. Experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations discussed the importance of the EU's participation in the current geopolitical situation and its role in resolving conflicts in Georgia. Participants also considered the degree of EU involvement and potential in the conflict transformation process.
21-01-2021
On December 16, 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. In addition to the expert group, the next stages of the project are expected to involve relevant government agencies and political parties. During the third thematic meeting, Paata Zakareishvili, an invited researcher to the Levan Mikeladze Foundation, presented a policy document “Conflict Transformation: How to Manage the Russian Factor?” He discussed important features of Russia, its regional strategy, tasks, and interests influencing the process of transformation of the Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-Ossetian conflicts.
After the presentation of the policy document, a discussion took place. Experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations discussed the factors that facilitate and/or impede the transformation of the conflict in the current geopolitical situation, as well as the threats posed by Russia and further prospects for conflict resolution. The thematic meeting was moderated by Levan Geradze, the Director of the Peace Education Research Center at Sokhumi State University. A discussion of these issues will continue soon.
17-12-2020
On November 20, 2020, the Levan Mikeladze Foundation and the Frontline Georgia Club held a discussion on the recent events around Nagorno-Karabakh. The main topic of discussion was the changed security environment and the newly formed risks and opportunities in the light of Georgia's national interests. In particular, attention was drawn to the change in the military-political status of Russia and Turkey in the region, the prospect of the place and role of the West, as well as the influence of the transport corridors envisaged by the ceasefire agreement on the transit function of Georgia, the tourism industry and port infrastructure. Security and foreign policy experts took part in the discussion.
21-11-2020
On Wednesday, October 7, under the auspices of the Levan Mikeladze Foundation, the second thematic discussion was held within the framework of the project “Planning Steps for a Peaceful Future.” The project is implemented with the financial support of the National Endowment for Democracy and aims to improve relations between the Georgians, Abkhazians, and Ossetians. Ivliane Haindrava, a member of the expert group, presented a policy document: "Socio-Cultural Alienation between the Parties to the Conflict: How Dangerous is it to the Prospect of Georgian-Abkhazian and Georgian-Ossetian Reconciliation?" During the discussion, experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations discussed the danger of socio-cultural alienation between the parties, which over time may become an obstacle to the reconciliation of both Georgians and Abkhazians, as well as Georgians and Ossetians. The meeting was moderated by Mikheil Mirziashvili, Chairman of the Board of the Center for Development and Democracy. The next discussions within the framework of the project will take place in the near future.
9-10-2020
On September 29, the Levan Mikeladze Foundation organized a thematic meeting at the Information Center of NATO and the EU. 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. In addition to the expert group, the next stages of the project are expected to involve relevant government agencies and political parties. During the first thematic meeting, Natia Chankvetadze, an invited researcher to the Levan Mikeladze Foundation, presented a policy document “Factors Hindering the Transformation of the Conflict (s) for the Ruling Political Elite and Ways to their Elimination”. She discussed internal and external factors influencing the decision-making process in the direction of conflict transformation.
At the end of the meeting, a discussion took place. Experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations discussed the entity of conflict transformation, the main factors that facilitate and/or impede this process, and the prospects. The thematic meeting was moderated by Nino Kalandarishvili, the Chair of the Board of the Institute for the Study of Nationalism and Conflicts. A discussion of these issues will continue soon.
1-10-2020
The Levan Mikeladze Foundation (LMF) made a presentation of a research conducted as part of the project “Promoting Conflict Transformation” generously funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (USA). The meeting took place on July 15 at Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel. The project aims at promoting peaceful coexistence and building trust between Georgians, Abkhazians, and Ossetians. The study was conducted by Natia Chankvetadze, an invited researcher to the LMF.
During the presentation, the author of the study introduced the audience with results, goals, and recommendations of the project. Based on the results of the study, the researcher spoke about the various possibilities of conflict transformation and the prospects for their implementation.
During the study, semi-structured interviews have conducted with 21 Georgian experts, while the Abkhaz respondents filled out more than twenty structured questionnaires. During the research, three roundtable discussions were held in Zugdidi, Gori, and Tserovani, and a video-conference was held between five Georgian and three Abkhaz experts. In addition, one Abkhazian and one Ossetian expert prepared two separate analytical reviews of the topic in question.
The audience included representatives of the government and parliament, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations. Besides, local experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations participated in the discussion of the results.
16-07-2020
The Levan Mikeladze Foundation organized a public discussion on the topic of promoting conflict transformation. The meeting took place on December 19 at the Information Center of NATO and the EU and was attended by local experts and representatives of the Office of the State Minister on Reconciliation and Civic Equality. The event was held within the framework of the ongoing research project Promoting Conflict Transformation, generously funded by the National Endowment for Democracy.
As part of the discussion, Natia Chankvetadze, the invited researcher, provided the audience with the research goals and the available interim results.
Experts expressed an opinion on the transformation of the conflict, brainstormed on the steps that need to be taken in this direction. Special attention was paid to the potential hindrances and their impact on this process.
The event was preceded by roundtable discussions in Zugdidi, Gori, and Tserovani, where NGO representatives and local residents shared their views, hopes, and expectations regarding the transformation of the conflict.
20-12-2019
The Levan Mikeladze Foundation and a British NGO Peaceful Change Initiative (PCi) organized a discussion on the topic "Transformation of relations in the context of the Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-Ossetian conflicts in Georgia - a view of experts from Georgia." The meeting took place on November 1 at the Information Center of NATO and EU, which was attended by representatives of local NGOs.
Archil Gegeshidze, executive director of the Levan Mikeladze Foundation, offered introductory remarks followed by a discussion moderated by Anthony Foreman, Senior Adviser on Peacebuilding, PCi. Participants discussed the possibilities and prospects for the transformation of ethno-territorial conflicts in Georgia. Particularly, the exchange took place over following questions:
- How experts in Georgia’s peacebuilding community understand the concept of conflict transformation (what are the essential elements of a conflict-transformation approach; what “is” and “isn’t” conflict transformation)
- What practical initiatives have been attempted in the past – by government as well as civil society – in the conflict transformation paradigm?
- What have been the successes and failures of these attempts and what have been the critical factors that have contributed to failure or success?
Participants agreed that these topics need continued attention and therefore discussions must continue.
5-11-2019
On October 7, 17 and 22, The Levan Mikeladze Foundation organized four workshops in the Ferma village (Kaspi Municipality), in Bolnisi, in Marneuli and the Iormughanlo village (Sagarejo Municipality).
29-10-2019
