Issue no: 1127 • FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... EU to Help Build & Upgrade 100 km of East- West Highway NEWS PAGE 2 Georgian Patriarch Receives Moscow-Subordinated Representatives of Ukrainian Church

FOCUS POLITICS PAGE 5 ON TEACHING SUCCESS Vladimer Apkhazava makes Monument Building Top 10 for $1mln Global POLITICS PAGE 6 Teacher Prize PAGE 3 Sensational, Exceptional, Original – Ambiente 2019! Mamuka Khazaradze Leaves TBC Bank BUSINESS PAGE 8

BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA USAID WMTR II Program on Waste Management he Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TBC Bank, Mamuka Khaz- System in Georgia aradze, is leaving TBC Bank. Khaz- aradze announced his decision SOCIETY PAGE 9 through a statement posted on his Toffi cial Facebook page Thursday morning. “I have made the decision to leave TBC Bank where Mirian Khukhunishvili: I spent 27 years of my life,” reads the statement. Khazaradze addressed the public and briefl y The Maestro of Tbilisi explained the reasons which catalyzed his deci- sion. He wrote that the Bank has been under Youth Orchestra attack for the past few weeks, which resulted in huge losses for the shareholders, amounting to $200 million in one month. He also noted that the reputation of the Bank has been put into question. “Without any investigation or court decision, Image source: cbw.ge. Transcript source: IPN they seriously stained our reputation by accus- that I turned from $500 into the largest player I will not repeat what kind of attack our bank ing us of money laundering, the non-existence in the region." is facing. As a result, our international share- of which has been internationally recognized,” Here is the full transcript of his post: holders suffered a loss of $200 million in one he stated in the post, going on to highlght the "Dear friends, my Tbilisi team! month, so our country has been seriously dam- manner in which civil servants and government First of all, I want to thank you for your friend- aged. Without any investigation or court deci- bodies had dragged their feet regarding the case. ship, support and the job we did together for 27 sion, they seriously stained our reputation by Finally, Khazaradze stated that he had decided years. accusing us of money laundering, the non-exist- to leave the Bank. There are stages in life when we have to make ence of which has been internationally recog- “Accordingly, I made the decision to leave the important decisions. I have been through such nized. bank where I spent 27 years of my life, the bank stages and I am at another right now. Continued on page 2 CULTURE PAGE 15 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 EU to Help Build & Upgrade 100 km of East-West Highway

Last May, Factcheck.ge evaluated gov- BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE ernment promises that the road would be completed by 2020, in accordance with the government’s Four Point Plan. his Tuesday, February 19, “To fi nish the work by 2020, approxi- the European Investment mately 66.6 km of road have to be built Bank (EIB) and other EU each year whereas only approximately institutions signed a new 18 km of road have been built annually deal with the Georgian since Georgian Dream’s coming to power. Tgovernment committing funds to help Of importance is that the remaining por- build and upgrade transport infrastruc- tions of the high-speed highway are the ture in the country. ones which are the most diffi cult to The EIB will lend the Georgian gov- build,” explained Factcheck. As of May ernment €250 million, fully covered by 2018, just 190 km of the highway were the EU’s Comprehensive Guarantee, to paved, and a 167 km-long stretch was fi nance an extended upgrade of Georgia’s open to traffi c. At that time, the Roads East-West Highway. The East-West High- Department of Georgia planned for the way runs from Tbilisi to the Black Sea sections of road between Chumateleti Coast, and it is one of the country’s main – Khevi – Ubisa – Shorapani – Argveta thoroughfares. It is a direct part of to be completed between November 2021 Europe’s TEN-T (Trans-European Net- and December 2022, completing the work – Transport) infrastructure. East-West Highway. The EIB has fi nanced €250 million Image source: European Union In October 2018, the Georgian govern- worth of projects related to the East-West The project is expected to increase the increased competitiveness of Geor- and was originally called the “Tbilisi- ment signed an agreement with the Asian Highway since 2012. The new agreement Georgia’s connectivity to Europe by gia and enhanced transport functional- Senaki-Leselidze.” It was envisioned to Development Bank to fi nance the "East- is the largest so far. improving road safety and travel condi- ity,” said Prime Minister Mamuka run north to Salkhino, Abkhazia, but West Express Highway Improvement EIB Vice-President Vazil Hudák com- tions, lowering travel times and reducing Bakhtadze. construction plans on that section were Project.” The €255 million project is mented, “With this new loan the EIB is vehicle operating and maintenance costs, EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hart- halted after the 2008 War and the sub- designed to build 12 km of four-lane road consolidating its position as a top fi nan- while enhancing mobility and access to zell added, “Improved road networks, sequent occupation of Georgia’s Abkha- between Khevi and Ubisa, and to sup- cier of infrastructure in Georgia. We will social services and economic activities especially key ones such as Georgia’s zia region. Currently, the East-West port the development of the East-West contribute to improving mobility, a pre- for the Georgian population. Dozens of East-West Highway are crucial for eco- Highway is a complex of new and old Highway railroad. Due to complex geo- requisite for productivity growth, and temporary jobs will also be created by nomic development, connecting people road infrastructure, including the E-60 logical conditions, the project includes road safety along a major segment of the the road works. and facilitating trade and transit within (Poti-Tbilisi-Red Bridge) and the E-70 the construction of 35 bridges, with a East-West Highway. EU engagement will “The development and advancement Georgia and with the wider region.” (Poti-Batumi-Sarpi) highways. The total total length of 8.3 km, and 20 tunnels thus bring more tangible benefi ts to the of strategic transport infrastructure in The construction of the high-speed length of the East-West high-speed high- stretching 9.4 km. The project is expected Georgian people.” the country is particularly important for East-West Highway began in March 2006, way is 390 km. to be completed by June 2024. US 2019 Budget Bill Increases Financial Aid to Georgia On February 20, the Ministry of Foreign also addresses the US Treasury with BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA Affairs of Georgia reported that the the initiative to release instructions to document contained a number of sig- the international fi nancial institutions nifi cant passages regarding the de-occu- not to assist any program which violates he fi nancial aid for Georgia pation and non-recognition of the occu- or puts under question the territorial has been increased in the pied territories of Georgia. integrity and the state sovereignty of 2019 Fiscal Budget of the The draft bill states that no country Georgia. US (FY19 Consolidated will be able to benefi t of the fi nancial $275 million is to be allocated within Appropriations Act) and aid if the US Secretary of State deter- the scope of the ‘Fund against Russia’s Tnow amounts to $127 025 000 in total. mines that the country recognized the Infl uence’. The fi nancial aid will be dis- This is $22 million more in comparison independence of Abkhazia and Tskhin- tributed to different European and Asian with the last year. The given fi nances vali regions, occupied by Russia, and countries, including Georgia, which aims have been allocated in order to carry out established diplomatic relations with to advance the collaboration with the major foreign projects and related pro- these regions. EU and NATO and ameliorate the law grams. The Consolidated Appropriations Act enforcement and security forces. Image source: MFA of Georgia Mamuka Khazaradze Leaves TBC Bank Continued from page 1 relevant documents. Instead, I heard dispute with its regulator, especially if Accordingly, I made a decision to leave fully, I will be allowed to complete it. their comments only in the public space. the latter is not free in its decisions, the Bank where I spent 27 years of my On Tuesday, as I promised Parliament Unfortunately, none of the state civil I realized that the goal was to discredit despite the high degree of independence life, the Bank that I turned from $500 and society, I will attend a hearing of the servants, nor the PM nor ministers have me, I realized that they are fi ghting against granted by the law. into the largest player in the region. Parliamentary Committee to quietly expressed a desire to personally meet our success, I realized that the company's Today, the Bank's Supervisory Board Hopefully, this decision will positively discuss the case in detail. us and get information about a case that growth was to be limited in Georgia. took a decision to terminate the legal affect the Bank’s development in a stable At the same time, I will continue to is very important both for our team and Such an attack on me directly affects dispute with the National Bank in the and calm environment. I will dedicate legally defend my rights as a private our country, despite the fact that I per- our bank's reputation. interests of the Bank, its shareholders my energy to our country’s very impor- person in Georgia and abroad", reads sonally wrote to some of them and sent The Bank cannot be in a long court and depositors. tant project - the Anaklia project. Hope- the statement. SUBSCRIBE!

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 [email protected] +995 32 229 59 19  Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 NEWS 3 Vladimer Apkhazava Makes Top 10 for $1mln Global Teacher Prize who change the world,” said Jackman. BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE He shares his personal experience with impactful teachers, and notes “All of us go through insecurity, and doubt, trepi- ladimer “Lado” Apkhazava dation, along this journey of life. And projects. The authorities eventually came “We watched the announcement on exceptional models of special advance- is one of Georgia’s most those teachers that see the best in us, around to support Apkhazava, and in TV earlier this morning and I can barely ment in learning to the teacher's profes- remarkable teachers. His and are patient enough to allow us to 2017, he was awarded the inaugural Geor- express how it felt to hear my name. My sion and others. innovative and creative grow into them, they are like gold.” gian National Teacher Prize. family were absolutely thrilled. It took • Helping students become global teaching methods have Apkhazava teaches civics at Chibati Pub- He is known for his emphasis on inclu- a while to sink in and then we went to citizens and to provide education based impressedV parents and students all over lic School in the impoverished village of sion: widening school events to be acces- school, where everyone was just as on higher moral principles that enable the country and this year caught the eye Chibati in the Lanchkhuti Municipality of sible to all pupils, not only the highest excited," he told us. "I'm unconditionally them to work with the world where they of the Varkey Foundation, which awards western Georgia’s Guria region. His work achievers, and starting a “Democratic happy to be even a tiny part of Georgia's can potentially live and work with many the Global Teacher Prize under the patron- is made even more impressive in the con- Revolution” after school club that works success. I like that I can somehow help different nationalities, cultures and reli- age of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed text of the Georgian education environ- to make running the school an analogue my school, my community and my home- gions. bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice Pres- ment, where teachers have little to no of state administration processes. The land and present them to the rest of the • Improve the teaching professions ident and Prime Minister of the United resources, and have not to date been project was popular among both teach- world”. through the level of teaching, sharing Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. The encouraged to innovate. His biography on ers and students and Apkhazava, He shares the fi nalist stage with some best practices and helping colleagues Prize, as the Varkey Foundation explains the top-50 fi nalist webpage explains that expanded to 14 other schools. of the world’s best teachers, from nine overcome any challenge that they may it, “serves to underline the importance many of his students’ parents have left He has raised funds from private enter- countries: the UK, the Netherlands, Bra- face at school. of educators and the fact that, throughout Georgia to fi nd work abroad, sending prises and companies, and won grants zil, Japan, Argentina, the United States, • Recognition of teachers by govern- the world, their efforts deserve to be rec- remittances home. His students frequently to fi nance educational resources and Kenya, India, and Australia. ments, local teaching organizations, ognized and celebrated. It seeks to come to school without having eaten – spots in summer camps for the most The fi nal winner will be decided by school principals, colleagues, community acknowledge the impacts of the very best occasionally a child’s hunger is so severe vulnerable students. Apkhazava is also the Prize Committee, considering the members and students. teachers – not only on their students but that the school will call an ambulance to currently fostering eight teenage boys criteria: The prize money will be disbursed to on the communities around them”. treat them. Child labor is another problem who fl ed their homes due to domestic • Use of effective pedagogy, that is the winner on an annual basis for ten The winner will be announced on in the region. Many of Chibati’s students violence. practically useful and scalable to infl u- years, along with fi nancial advisory ser- March 24, 2019 at Dubai's Global Educa- drop out of school before graduation, mov- If awarded the Global Teacher Prize, ence the quality of education globally. vices. With minimum disruptions to tion and Skills Forum. The top prize is ing to Turkey in search of seasonal work. Vladimer says he would use the money to • The use of innovative teaching prac- their work in the classroom, the winner $1 million. Apkhazava responded to these chal- help schools in other regions of Georgia tices aimed at school, community or becomes a Global Ambassador for the In 2018, there were over 30,000 appli- lenges in his region with activism. Despite to purchase modern technology or foreign nationwide, and the use of which gives Varkey Foundation, attending public cations and nominations for the Global initial opposition, even from the govern- language textbooks. He has also discussed suffi cient reasoning to suggest that this events and delivering speeches at the Teacher Prize, including Apkhazava. ment, he has drawn attention to these adding cafeterias and a lunch option at practice will be effective in resolving public forums dedicated to improving This morning, the top 10 fi nalists for the issues, forcing those in power to confront schools, equipping 26 school yards with such challenges. the prestige of the teaching profession 2019 Prize were announced by Austral- them. He also uses the region’s harsh greenhouse farming equipment. • Reaching demonstrated results of worldwide. ian actor Hugh Jackman, and Apkhazava’s reality as a learning tool for his students, GEORGIA TODAY contacted Apk- teaching in the classroom. name was among them. “The real super- getting them involved in lobbying their hazava to get his impressions on this • Exposure to the community beyond For more information, visit www.globalteach- heroes are teachers; they are the ones local government and local activism incredible success. the classroom that provides unique and erprize.org. Zurabishvili, Frank-Walter Steinmeier Discuss Georgia-Germany Bilateral Relations ical framework. We are trying to renew gia’s ambitious aspirations toward the nomic reforms through which the coun- contact and improve relations with the European Union, closer ties with the EU try has demonstrated “impressive pro- population living on the occupied ter- structures and participation in infra- gress”. ritories in order to move the frozen structural projects could bring benefi ts After meeting the German President, situation into a different phase. Ger- for the country. Zurabishvili also met with Chancellor many’s role in Russia-Georgia relations He expressed hope that the environ- Angela Merkel to discuss Georgia-Rus- is crucial,” she stressed. ment will be stabilized and political sia relations, adding the friendly states In his address, Steinmeier highlighted actors, in accordance with a democratic of Georgia should infl uence Russia and that Georgia and Germany, aside from process, will cooperate, enabling the make it change its positions. economic and cultural ties, also share country to carry out the planned reforms. Zurabishvili arrived in Germany after bilateral political relations. The German Steinmeier noted that Georgia is now completing her offi cial visit to France President added that considering Geor- an exemplary country in terms of eco- on February 17-19.

Image source: President’s Administration tions with Germany are of key impor- BY THEA MORRISON tance. By promoting the Georgian culture, we want Georgia to join the European culture and the whole of Europe to see eorgian President Salome that Georgia belongs to the European Zurabishvili had a meeting family and that our path towards Europe with her German counter- should develop in this direction. To part Frank-Walter Stein- achieve this goal, we have hope in Ger- meier in Berlin. many,” she said. GDuring the face-to-face meeting, the The Georgian President also thanked sides discussed Georgia-Germany bilat- Germany for the economic ties and sup- eral relations and Georgia’s European port. aspirations. The special role of Germany, “Since the very fi rst day, Germany has being the EU leader country whose atti- been the second largest donor in terms tude toward Georgia is crucial, was high- of fi nancial aid for Georgia. This fi nan- lighted in Georgia’s EU integration pro- cial support continues to date. We hope cess. that our economic ties will be further Zurabishvili underlined that it is strengthened – more German companies extremely important for Georgia to have will penetrate the Georgian market, more a loyal friend such as Germany in the investments will be made. Our goal is heart of Europe. She added that Germany not merely attracting investments, but and France are those countries that will strengthening cooperation and connec- support Georgia to become a full-fl edged tions,” she said. member of the European family. Zurabishvili also noted that the role of She expressed hope that after her visit Germany in Georgia’s relations with to Germany, Georgia-Germany relations Russia is very important. will be further advanced. “The Georgian government continues During a special press-conference, promoting the non-recognition policy Zurabishvili thanked her colleague for of Georgia’s occupied territories that is the political support that Germany has also supported by our friend Germany. shown Georgia over the years. We hope that it will be possible to solve “Bilateral economic and cultural rela- this issue in a new, more advanced polit- GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 Why We Matter

BY VICTOR KIPIANI

eorgia matters to the Free World. As long as the lat- ter feels the need to uphold the system of values it defended throughout the GSecond World War and its long and cold aftermath of overt small wars, military stand-offs, covert subversions and innu- merable kinds of crises, Georgia matters. Indeed, the country’s importance is increasing as the global ‘order’ continues to drift towards an ever more ‘disorgan- ized order’ marked by growing compe- tition between major powers, all trying to ‘confi scate’ the rules and maxims of international law and interpret them according to their own view of how things should play out beyond their bor- ders. As we have said before, the trend is once again for a system of international relationships in which authority is based upon physical strength and presence rather than moral rectitude. This new competition, however, is no different from its Cold War predecessor, when the superpowers challenged each other not by direct means (although the Berlin Crisis came close) but instead by engag- ing in proxy wars or ideological strug- gles, using their allies and satellites to chip away at each other. Similarly, again, the fate of the so-called peripheries or ‘grey areas’ will continue to be decided by the struggle between the world’s major powers; we are but another tool in the box, lying alongside other more typical forms of competition ranging from Image source: wikiwand.com nuclear disarmament to trade and cur- rency wars. Considering this point, its response is deprived of the unity it the West in Georgia is not to be meas- respect based upon a balance of oppos- is clearly a need for a more strategic and Georgia can undoubtedly expect to face requires to be decisive. In practical terms, ured by military hardware or the number ing powers continues to be one of the united approach, and this in turn requires some strong headwinds as it continues this process of erosion sometimes results of troops as such, but instead by the main deterrents to all-out war. greater expertise and soundness when to sail towards its goal of becoming a in an ‘ideological war of attrition’, in the alignment of strategic interests through defi ning priorities and attempting to fully-fl edged member of the free world course of which major external actors the prism of partnership. Such an align- WE MATTER SINCE ECONOMIC achieving them through different actions (as we knew it, and whose essential lines try to persuade the populations of coun- ment of interests has the power to pre- SUCCESS MATTERS and transactions. Our policies sometimes we wish to maintain). tries in transition that other ideologies vent the country from falling under the The Marshall Plan was among the great- appear somewhat chaotic and impro- are weak, corrupt and unsustainable, and control of a revisionist power whose est achievements following the end of vised, and our attempts to build a fully RETRENCHMENT AND incapable of ensure their well-being. The interests and values are alien to those of the Second World War. Firstly, it coun- professional, autonomous and politically ITS CONSEQUENCES results of numerous surveys and polls the West and to raise Georgia above the tered the spread of communism across independent civil service so far seem to Recoiling from the salutary mission of clearly reveal the ongoing practice of rest. Western Europe, and secondly it gave have failed. This needs to change, and seeking to maintain liberal values and psychological warfare, employing the birth to the unique alliances that are the Georgian politics need to start providing freedoms by adopting a policy of retrench- most modern technology and subtle WE MATTER SINCE EU and NATO. But it would be a mistake the country with the means it requires ment will have severe repercussions for methods of ‘brainwashing’. In this regard, SECURITY MATTERS to believe that the Marshall plan cannot to follow a larger-scale foreign policy. the overall system of entertaining inter- we must point out that policies similar Georgia’s ability to defend herself needs and should not be repeated; on the con- Equally, however, the West needs to national relations in a civilized manner, to ‘America First’ risk amplifying the to be built up to a level where the coun- trary: it can and should be repeated in improve the way in which it understands particularly in regions bordering upon magnitude of attacks by non-democratic try can handle most situations and fi ght the right places, and Georgia is clearly and meets its commitments: the clear revisionist states. Retrenchment could, and revisionist regimes, and unwittingly a delaying action if a major crisis or one of these. Dramatically boosting the message should be that any erosion of in various instances, lead to dire conse- place ‘peripheral’ countries such as Geor- aggression occurs. All in all, increasing Georgian economy would send a signal Western interests in ‘peripheral areas’ quences that will be diffi cult to reverse. gia at a disadvantage. And in addition to Georgia’s capacity to resist is the joint that the West stands shoulder to shoul- will undermine the very premise of Should the West abandon its capacity all these consequences, today’s policies responsibility of the country and her der with pro-democratic governments Western civilization itself. In this regard, and willingness to be present wherever of retrenchment are speeding the tragic allies. A limited number of countries of and forces in Russia’s neighbourhood; it is critical to remember that the secu- its values could make a difference, this demise of the world that we, as a coun- the Eurasian periphery, and notably such overt support would also render rity and inviolability of what we have will embolden revisionism and strike a try, belong to, and have been striving to Georgia, require special treatment by democratic political competition on the become used to calling the liberal order— deadly blow to the linchpins of demo- reunite with since regaining our inde- NATO despite not being members of the ground irreversible, since economic aid i.e. the order of the free world—is organ- cratic regimes. The dire consequences pendence from the Soviet Union. Alliance (for the foreseeable future); this would of course be tied to far-reaching ically entwined with the stability and of retrenchment are already visible in is particularly true for countries in the reforms guaranteeing strong institutions, security of countries mistakenly treated regions that various Western scholars WE MATTER SINCE ‘grey areas’ around illiberal and revision- the rule of law, media pluralism and an as ‘peripheral’ to that order. Should the and politicians continue to qualify as DEMOCRACY MATTERS ist states. It is also essential to note that independent judiciary. Besides, a new West not stand up for Georgia as and ‘peripheral’—both in geographical terms Ensuring stability and democracy in strengthening Georgia’s security and ‘Marshall Plan for Georgia’ that would when required, avoiding real action in as well as relative to upholding and countries that the West formally terms defence capabilities, as a ‘checkpoint’ support the establishment of a new order order to evade trouble, it will inevitably defending their interests. The same is ‘peripheral’ ranks among the key factors on the border between the free and unfree in the former Soviet area—i.e. along the later fi nd itself in even greater trouble true when revisionist or ‘rogue’ regimes for preserving democracy in the West worlds, equates to strengthening those borders of revisionist Russia—through when the time comes to deal with a now- increasingly alternate between exercis- itself. Recognizing this interconnection of Warsaw, Berlin, London, Paris or Brus- the provision of a fi nancial and security overpowering threat. The difference ing the soft and hard powers at their in terms of a ‘spill-over’ effect implies sels. Stating that Georgia continues to package would underscore the renewed between acting now and acting later is disposal, thereby undermining the equi- more concentrated efforts to solidify be ‘an important ally in regional stability presence of Western political and mili- measured in a diminishing ability to act librium of power in peripheral regions institutional governance and the rule of and defence co-operation’ is very encour- tary alliances in key regions of Eurasia. and reduced levels of credibility and to the extent that, when the alarm is law in ‘peripheries’ that matter, and that aging, but such statements need to be The recent annexation of Crimea was trust. It is truly striking that many of the sounded for the free world to intervene, are rightly seen as fi tting into the West- translated into offi cial, concrete actions— clear proof that the ‘grey areas’ described free world’s current problems are the ern political, security and cultural con- and the sooner, the better. There can by various Western scholars and politi- result of its inability to act suffi ciently text, to which Georgia clearly belongs. also be no distinction between the secu- cians cannot be ignored without grave decisively—a failing for which the oft- But the different efforts that Georgia's rity of ‘rank and fi le’ countries and that consequences for stability and the over- stated desire to avoid risk can be no partners undertake to support govern- of more important ones: such a political all balance of power. Georgia’s Western excuse. Global developments in general, ments and help political actors to resist error would only play into the hands of partners need to act boldly in these areas and particularly those related to Eurasia, the subversive effects of revisionist and the opposition. The logic of competition if they are to effectively rein in the forces dictate the need for the West to defi ne intrusive policies are not just concerned between different states is upsetting, but that threaten this stability and balance. and adopt coherent long-term policies Georgia’s with supporting democracy on the simple: power respects power. Weaken- vis-à-vis the continent’s ‘peripheral areas’ ground: they also send a message to other ing or abandoning efforts to promote WHAT MUST (AND MUST on the borders of revisionist states. Such capacity to resist ‘peripheries’ deemed to be on the right the values of the free world in ‘grey areas’ NOT) FOLLOW policies should focus upon ‘good’ states track in terms of development that they and submitting to the provocative bluff There has clearly been some progress that overwhelmingly share the West’s is the joint are not alone. Additionally, these efforts of revisionist regimes diminishes the in the way in which Georgia has sought values and contribute to regional stabil- are also a clear signal to the free world real signifi cance of these values and to meet the challenges that she faces. ity and defence co-operation (even if responsibility of itself, demonstrating that the rumour of makes it easier for these regimes to The way we think, act and react has they do not always go along with every- its irretrievable demise is similar to the absorb ‘grey areas’ into their sphere of undoubtedly improved—but in our rap- thing). It is time for all of us to reject the country and story in the ‘Chronicle of a Death Fore- infl uence. Moreover, we believe that, as idly changing world, this is still not bigotry and to unite for a greater com- her allies told’. Yet maintaining and emboldening was the case during the Cold War, mutual enough, especially in the long run. There mon strength. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 POLITICS 5 Georgian Patriarch Receives Moscow-Subordinated Representatives of Ukrainian Church “The sides agreed that everyone should BY THEA MORRISON take care of the Orthodox people, and rushing on the topic of Ukraine will not bring happiness,” the Georgian Patriar- he Catholicos-Patriarch of chate stated. Georgia, Ilia II, hosted the Ukraine’s Church gained independence representatives of the from Russia when World Patriarch Bar- Ukrainian Church which is tholomew signed the Tomos on auto- subordinated to Russia. cephaly of the Ukrainian Church on TThe Georgian Patriarchate said the January 5. sides discussed the issue of the auto- The Ukrainian Church had been under cephaly of Ukraine, obtained by the Moscow’s jurisdiction since 1686, when, country in early January. under pressure from Russia, it abandoned The delegation was led by the Head of allegiance to Constantinople, the his- the Foreign Department of the Moscow- torical seat of the Eastern Orthodox subordinated Ukrainian Church, Met- Church, now known as Istanbul. ropolitan of Borispol and Brovarsky - The Tomos declares that the Metro- Anton. politan of Kiev and all Ukraine, repre- From the Georgian side, the meeting senting the Holy Synod of Ukrainian was attended by the Patriarch, his locum- bishops, should turn to the Patriarchate tenens Metropolitan Shio, archbishops of Constantinople for all decisions in and other clergy. future. The Patriarchate says the meeting was A group of Georgian citizens, part of unoffi cial and the purpose of the visit the opposition parties and some clerics was to provide the Georgian side with called on the Patriarchate of Georgia to information on the developments in recognize the independence of the Ukraine and its Church. Ukrainian Church from Moscow and to “It was said that after the transfer of congratulate the friend-state on its impor- the Tomos in various churches and tant achievement. regions, there is often a confl ict between In mid-February, Ukraine’s Foreign believers, which leads to great contro- Image source: Patriarchate of Georgia Minister, Pavlo Klimkin, stated that versy in the parish and the clergy,” the and keep the unity of the Orthodox peo- meeting that it was a ‘friendly meeting on various common issues concerning Georgia's recognition of the Ukrainian statement reads. ple,” the Patriarchate added. between friend churches,’ where the the Orthodox churches. Church autocephaly is just "a matter of The Georgian Church reports that Ilia In late January, the Georgian Patriarch main topic was the recent developments The Georgian Patriarchate reported time." II "thanked the guests and once again also received a delegation from the Ecu- in the Ukrainian Church. that the initiator of the visit was Con- “We believe we will gradually gain expressed his concern about the situa- menical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Mitropolitan Emmanuel said that the stantinople, adding the Georgian Patri- recognition from all Orthodox Churches...I tion." French Mitropolitan Emmanuel, a rep- purpose of the meeting was not to put arch is in no hurry to make a decision am 100% convinced that we will get rec- “He also called on the guests to inten- resentative of the Ecumenical Patriar- pressure or to infl uence but rather it was about the Ukrainian Church as the issue ognition and of course the Georgian sify prayer in order to solve the problem chate of Constantinople, stated after the of an informative nature and talks focused is so sensitive. Church is among them,” he said. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 Monument Building monument will remind the Tskhinval- tural monument of Armenia, and fur- OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA ians and visitors about the “historic ther stated that they would welcome brotherhood” of the Armenian and pilgrimages from Karabakh. Ossetian peoples. Apart from this, the On January 20, a month prior to the his week we witnessed de facto leader of occupied Tskhinvali opening of the Armenian Cross in three consecutive events got some guarantees from his colleagues occupied Tskhinvali, the bust of Mikheil that are linked with the from Karabakh on the issue of inter- Avakian, who participated in the War unexpectedly “discov- national recognition. The global Arme- of Karabakh, was erected in Bugasheni ered” “historic brother- nian diaspora will start working on the village of the Akhalkalaki region; this hood”T between the two breakaway issue of recognition together with the date is symbolic, as it is the National regions of Georgia. It is planned to Kremlin, they agreed; the hosts were Mourning Day in Azerbaijan dedicated erect an Armenian cross, the so-called quick to pay this kindness forward and to the bloody tragedy of Karabakh that Khkachkari, in occupied Tskhinvali. announced the masterpiece of Geor- took place in the 1990. Just as in case Although this is a religious monument gian religious architecture from the of Tskhinvali, the bust in Akhalkalaki by form, its importance goes far beyond 9th century – The Ksani Armazi Church is also presented under the veil of pat- that and is a political move, as the of St. George – would become a cul- riotism, but it is quite clearly political, serving, at the very least, the purpose of deteriorating relations between Georgia and Armenia. The main fi gure in this monument all of this, who would want to see the fact is far from pleasant for Moscow: building series is the separatist Kara- bust of a soldier in Akhalkalaki and the more confrontations in the Caucasus bakh and a period coinciding with the so-called friendship cross. It is harder equates to better chances for Russia change of government in Yerevan, as, to believe that it is in the interests of to defend and fulfi ll its political agenda. after Nikol Pashinyan came to power, offi cial Yerevan, which has a great infl u- Thus, all this is another provocation the hope for regulating the confl ict of ence on Akhalkalaki to this day and fully from Moscow in an attempt to desta- Karabakh, thus bringing about the long- controls the mountainous Karabakh, to bilize the relationship between Geor- awaited peace in the South Caucasus, have poorer relations with Tbilisi. gia and Armenia. became real. The meeting of Pashinyan From the very moment Nikol Pashin- Time has proven that everything new and Ilham Aliyev during the World yan came to government, he clearly is actually well-forgotten old. The storm Economic Forum in Davos was another stated that “The interests of large states of monuments within the inner politics move in this direction. The information should be ruled out from the relations of the Caucasus isn’t new either- you that spread after this meeting suggested of Armenia and Georgia; hence, the may remember the incident of 2017, that the world could witnessed an mutual relations between these two when visitors from Vladikavkaz came unprecedented breakthrough of this countries should be directed in a way to Kobi village to visit the graves of 10-year-old confl ict. It was after these that is in the interests and on the agenda their ancestors. At the time, these Rus- events that the issue of monuments of these two states, without any global sian citizens were not allowed onto became more popular in Caucasian political contexts”. Normalizing the the Georgian territory, which was fol- politics: one in Tskhinvali, another in relations between Georgia and Arme- lowed by a statement from the Ossetian Akhalkalaki, and all this crowned with nia is a step towards de-isolation of party in Geneva accusing Georgia of tenser relations between Yerevan-Tbi- Armenia, and today the strategic part- violating human rights and demanding lisi and Baku. It shouldn’t be hard to nership with Georgia is as important the recognition of the grave stones in Image source: japantimes.co.jp guess who is supporting and fi nancing for Armenia as ever. Obviously, this Kobi as the cultural heritage of Ossetia. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 BUSINESS 7 TMI Director Helene Lloyd on the 2019 B2B Luxury & MICE Workshop

Slovenia and its potential were put into BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA the spotlight in a presentation delivered by Slovenian Tourism Board represent- ative Anja Bezgovsek, followed by B2B ooms Hotel Tbilisi this year meetings and, that evening, by a cocktail hosted the third edition of gala at Tifl is Veranda, where the inter- the prestigious professional national participants were introduced luxury travel event B2B to a Georgian hospitality experience. Luxury & MICE Workshop. GEORGIA TODAY grabbed a chance AsR an established specialist travel indus- to meet and speak with Helene Lloyd, try event, the B2B Luxury & MICE Work- the Director of TMI, a British travel format, but the focus will also be on the carefully planned and not over exploited, such an important event, the TMI Direc- shop brings together a variety of luxury marketing and communication company promotion of Georgia. Instead of desk- as this can ruin a destinations reputation tor said the decision was made as a result hospitality and destination travel prod- which is part of Travel Consul global based meetings we will organize differ- and, in the long-run result in a mass of the high demand of the clientele of ucts in Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakh- Alliance www.Travelconsul.com. In ent Georgian experiences for the inter- tourism destination differentiated only her company and the great attractive- stan, and introduces them to new mar- Georgia TMI works in partnership with national and local participants to by price, this does not benefi t anyone ness of Georgia as both an inbound and kets, where travel and specifically Brandor Consulting to organize the pro- experience together. This will be more and can destroy the main attraction of outbound tourism market. The removal Luxury travel is emerging. fessional travel industry Workshop. fun and help to establish more relation- the destination.,” she told us. of the Schengen visa restrictions was The Workshop focused on luxury and “We are organizing B2B Luxury & MICE ships between the different business As to why Georgia was chosen to host another catalyst for the decision. up-market travel products including lux- Workshop in Tbilisi for the 3rd year run- partners. We will bring together inter- ury hotels and resorts, destination man- ning, but in fact it’s quite an established national buyers from Kazakhstan, Azer- agement companies and travel destinations event. It was fi rst launched in Almaty, baijan, Armenia as well as MICE agents such as national and regional tourism Kazakhstan 89 years ago and then from Russia. The workshop will provide boards and allowed local Georgian travel expanded into Baku and fi nally came to all participant with a taste of Georgia companies to have one-to-one meetings Tbilisi for the fi rst time in 2017. The key and to show case the destinations unique with top international exhibitors. aim of the event is to introduce interna- features including for eg how to cook a This year’s B2B Luxury & MICE Work- tional participants from different coun- traditional Georgian dish or how to sing shop brought prestigious new destina- tries and introduce them to different a polyphonic song”. We believe that this tions to the Georgian market for the fi rst potential partners in Georgia, so the more interactive approach, will help time, including the tourism boards of focus is on outbound travel and the B2B tourism professionals to fall in love with Catalonia and Tenerife, and saw the workshop is one way to open up the the destination and realize its huge return of the Slovenian tourism board. market. It accentuates the importance potential in the tourism sphere. There were also some new hospitality of networking and helps the companies Helene Lloyd also share her thoughts participants including international hos- to share their experience and ameliorate about Georgia as a tourist destination, pitality brands such as the Interconti- a number of skills which are necessary describing it as a colorful, historical and nental - Vienna Hotel from Austria, one in this industry, including sales and prod- interesting country, with very high poten- of Greece’s most prestigious Hotel Brands, uct promotion”, she said. tial for development to become a must- Grecotel and most importantly, the par- The Head of TMI also shared her future visit place in the future. “Georgia is very ticipation of S7, Russia’s 2nd largest and plans regarding Georgia, announcing authentic and that is key and it is vital most dynamic airline. Turkish Airlines that another project is scheduled to be that it is maintained. It has the potential also participated for the 2nd year run- carried out in Georgia in October this to give individual experiences to every ning. There was also a number of hotel year. “We’re planning another event in kind of visitor. The future of travel is and DMC representatives from Slovenia Georgia in Mid-October, 2019. This will about personalized experience and Geor- and Croatia, as well as travel products include meetings between different pro- gia can really excel in this sphere, but it from other European countries. fessional industry players, in a workshop is important that tourism in Georgia is GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 Sensational, Exceptional, Original – Ambiente 2019!

painting a huge EUR 8000 vase. BY SOPHO BOCHOIDZE Deskgram.net NUDE 20 different international designers topics discussed at the WFTO press here is no better place in work for the Turkish brand Nude – the conference during the fair, the artworks the world to discover third biggest glasswork company in the by refugees from all over the world unique products from 4,451 world, whose identity is Simple is Beau- introduced at the MADE51 conference, exhibitors from 92 coun- tiful. Their glass works aim to simplify even the topic of speed dating with an tries and connect with consumers lives, with simple forms but ethical style: everything said clearly moreT than 136,000 buyers from 166 with life within when you touch them. that there is a story behind each prod- countries. There is no better place to Nude glass work includes many differ- uct. Recycled products, waste issues, explore new trends, to feel the futuris- ent items, among them transparent vases products made by refugees and people tic ambience, to initiate new business with original forms that you can com- who connect them with local artisans, connections, increase knowledge and bine for an optical illusion. The design- social enterprises, brand “good&mojo’s” exchange information. 41% of the exhib- ers’ inspiration comes from Iris Apfel motto: you buy light, you give light to itors are self-employed entrepreneurs. (97), an iconic fi gure in fashion and people in need, the topics chosen by Ambiente gives you the opportunity to lifestyle. Prof. Mark Braun on the designers’ see and know how professionals care guided tours about keeping DNA and about their brand identity and at the Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH by Jean-Luc Valentin SKAZA brand identities – all these together same time how they manage to stay The Slovenian brand presented their showed without doubt that Ambiente ahead and integrate into the modern innovative product at Ambiente – a is far more than just a fair. world, how their products tell stories beautiful and effi cient kitchen composter Over the last few years, eight partner that inspire you, how important it is to of the next generation, the Bokashi countries have successfully showcased stay connected in a digital world. Organko 2. With this composter, your themselves at Ambiente. As India was As Messe Frankfurt has a great loca- kitchen becomes a place of green think- the partner country at Ambiente this tion and is easily accessible by any ing. Using powdered compost accel- year, you could see lots of beautiful transport, it is not diffi cult to fi nd, occu- erator with benefi cial microorganisms, wooden handcrafted items, textiles, pying total of 400,237 sq.m of hall area, the composter will transform biological lamps and lighting, ceramics, the fasci- 59,506 sq.m of outdoor areas and more waste into a: a) quality compost for your nating Bollywood style and even Bol- than 90 congress and conference halls. plants b) fermentation liquid for plants lywood stars too, as guests. More than The Frankfurt exhibition grounds are c) a biological cleaner for drains. Due 500 Indian companies participated in a “city within a city” with fi rst-aid sta- to the wonderful design, instead of hid- the show, including eco-friendly “Made tions, a 24-hour Operation & Security ing it, you might well want to place the in India” bamboo craft. centre, more than 1,000 WiFi Access composter in the center of your kitchen. For the fi rst time in 2020, the Dining Points, restaurants, bars, cafés and food area will be expanded to include a ded- stands. Ambiente’s super professional AMY MACKLE icated hall for exhibitors from the hotel, team takes care of everything - easy This young designer from Germany cre- restaurant and catering industry accessible corridors, hall to hall con- ates artworks from objects that are oth- (HoReCa). In this way, the world’s lead- nection signs, informative materials, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH by Pietro Sutera erwise seen as trash. You can’t tell what ing trade fair for consumer goods will stunning decorations, beautiful music, material has been used until you touch underline its position as an important a wide choice of cafes and relaxation it, but each piece is inspired by some- international HoReCa trading platform points, convenient services, interactive thing and that alone is an inspiration. for everything that matters in the hos- performances, digital brochures and pitality industry. Moreover, in 2020, it most importantly – well organized STYLE OF JAPAN will give this segment more space in exclusive guided tours! This last offers A new brand based in Obama city, Japan, the form of the new HoReCa Forum in in-depth glimpses into Ambiente trends is known for its varieties of chopsticks. Hall 6.0. In 2020, we can also look for- and gives you the chance to meet in They presented an intercultural dining ward to the exciting subject of “The person the representatives of global set which includes the whole set of world comes to Ambiente”, as the world’s brands, entrepreneurs and artisans, to chopsticks and spoons for all courses. leading trade fair will be presenting a see how their opinions vary and what Normally, Japanese eat their food with program in a new look and exceptional their story is. only one chopstick and they don’t use design. The press guided tour of the special different kinds for different courses, The next Ambiente will be held from exhibition “From Point of Sale to Point therefore this dining culture is revolu- 7 to 11 February 2020. The expectations of Experience” with Wolfgang tionary for Japan, too. are truly promising. Gruschwitz was truly an inspiration. The tour started with Gruschwitz shar- KOCKUMS ing his professional views and experi- A welcome return! In the late 18th cen- ences how his company (Waketo Mar- tury in Ronneby, Sweden, the Kockums keting Consulting) helps each retailer family started to manufacture pots, to successfully sell their products and Messe Frankfurt Exhibition Gmbh by Petra Welzel buckets and hospital utensils. In 1893, interact with buyers. “You need to go the company launched a whole new deeper because you are not only a seller, product line – enamelled cookware in For further information please contact: but a consultant. This should be the several different colors, though it was Zaira Soloeva main point in your mind when you sell. the soft yellow with the dark green edge Senior Project Manager Digitalization in stores is the same, now the Swedish people fell in love with. Offi cial Representative of Messe Frankfurt retailers can make a whole performance But then the 1960s brought Tupperware Exhibition GmbH in Georgia and Armenia in front of buyers such as cooking mas- and production at KockumsJernverk Deutsche Wirtschaftsvereinigung (DWV) terclasses, beauty trials and so on. So, had to stop. Today’s turn-around sees [email protected] they are not only deliverers of goods, a phasing out of plastic wares in Swed- but also advisors. You are not selling ish households, making room for qual- products, you are selling your advice. ity. Kockums has updated its color pal- They can fi nd any product through the ette and reintroduced the brand with a internet, anywhere in the world, so you new collection where traditional per- need to offer them special approaches, fectly meets new. Or visit the following website: interaction, connection,” Gruschwitz The things seen at Ambiente 2019, http://www.georgien.ahk.de told us. “In future, very soon, from two to fi ve years, cash desks will vanish, people will go fully digital in payments, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH by Jean-Luc Valentin so you need to stay connected with buyers. Make a theme, make a story, retailer has their own concept and each lector’s item, a contemporary icon of and you will sell your product. The only of their products has a story. the Delft Blue by Royal Delft. Proud real wealth in the world is not money Here are some of the highlights: Mary is composed of four different ele- but human relationships. We have to be ments: the skirt, body, the collar and connected, even in retail business”. ROYAL DELFT the head. She is available in both the GEORGIA TODAY explored the world Inspired by the Dutch Golden Age theme hand painted collection and the trans- of future trends on three platforms: din- year and driven by the desire to give fer collection. ing, living and giving at Ambiente 2019. the iconic Delft Blue by Royal Delft, in Blue and white ceramics is the identity Check out our top picks from Messe production since 1653, a contemporary of the Dutch: they were proud to have Frankfurt below. look and feel, Royal Delft presents ‘Proud them in the 17th century. Buyers can After browsing through thenumerous Mary,’ named after Mary Stuart II, the create their own identity; choosing from pavilions, you can already predict some wife of Stadholder William III. Mary II the various elements and creating a of the future inspirational trends, such was a great admirer and collector of Proud Mary that best suit his/her taste. as minimalism in design, warm color Delft Blue in the Dutch Golden Age. Most of the ornaments on the skirt are palettes, objects without function, inter- The name Proud Mary is not a coinci- from the 17thcentury. Visitors had the active goods that allows consumers to dence, it is the company’s wish that opportunity to see the artist of Royal create their own stories. However, each Proud Mary become a modern-day col- Delft at Ambiente and the process of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH by Jean-Luc Valentin GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 SOCIETY 9 USAID WMTR II Program on the Waste Management System in Georgia

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA

here is a wide range of major achievements the modern world is proud of, including huge accomplishments in the sphere of technologies Tand the development of infrastructure. However, even though life has in many cases been made much easier and more comfortable for people nowadays, pro- gress is also followed by particular draw- backs. Escalation of the amount of waste is one of the biggest challenges faced by the globe today. Waste disposal sites, covering huge areas worldwide, repre- sent a serious threat to the environment, intensifying the risk of the spread of numerous diseases. Waste management is one of the best solutions for the given problem, adopted by a number of coun- tries and contributing to the preservation of nature and urban environs in the very best way. Georgia is also supporting this initiative and is developing multiple projects supporting its waste manage- ment system, including the launch of separation sites for waste disposals. GEORGIA TODAY met with Nana Janashia, the Executive Director of CENN, a non-governmental organization work- ing to protect the environment and com- bat climate change by fostering sustain- able development throughout the South Caucasus, to speak about the importance of waste management in Georgia, and the present and upcoming projects in this sphere.

HOW SUCCESSFUL HAVE THE CARRIED-OUT PROJECTS it and then delivers it to recycling com- agement sector. Not only is infrastructure SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY? TO WASTE MANAGEMENT? PROVEN TO BE SO FAR? panies in Georgia and abroad. Paper and needed for the introduction of modern After signing the Association Agreement The waste management sector is at an Integrated waste management is a seri- glass are delivered to local companies, waste management approaches, but it is with the EU, the sector is progressively early stage of development in Georgia, ous challenge for the modern world. while plastic and aluminum are exported also necessary to equip the public with and actively being developed. The leg- but it is developing slowly but surely! Modern waste management consists of abroad to other countries, including relevant knowledge and skills in order islative basis of waste management has The introduction of modern waste man- the followings stages: reduce, reuse, Turkey and Ukraine. for them to play an effective and decisive been developed, and in particular, the agement principles has just begun and, recycle, energy recovery and landfi lling, We believe that this project is a good role in the decision-making process. Our Waste Management Code, the National therefore, implementing separated waste the latter being the least desirable stage example of fruitful cooperation between organization periodically assesses the Waste Management Strategy for 2016- collection is still quite a big challenge of waste management in the waste man- governmental, non-governmental and public’s opinion on waste management- 2030 and the National Waste Manage- for the country. According to legislation, agement hierarchy. private sectors. We understand that, related issues in the program’s target ment Action Plan for 2016-2020 was separated waste collection should have Piloting the separated waste collection currently, the number of separation regions. The results of the survey indi- developed in recent years. A number of been required to begin started February project is both necessary and challeng- corners is not suffi cient for the entire cate that public interest is high concern- legislative acts have been developed that 1, 2019 and introduced gradually. In addi- ing at the same time. We are pleased that population of Tbilisi, but we expect to ing the issue, especially the topic of lit- are necessary to enforce the aforemen- tion, it is important to develop an accu- CENN has established waste separation install more corners in the near future tering. On the other hand, public tioned documents. A number of landfi lls rate waste tariff policy in order to obtain corners at 25 locations in Tbilisi with in order to cater to more people. It is awareness about modern waste manage- that did not comply with standards have fi nancial resources to develop modern the support of USAID, in cooperation important that the private sector is ment approaches is quite low. There is been closed and many other steps have waste management approaches in the with Tbilisi City Hall and the Waste actively involved in this process via the still a lot of work to be done in order to been taken to modernize the waste man- country. Furthermore, as mentioned Management Association (WMA). Res- WMA, in the terms of its waste collec- make the population aware of refusing agement sector in the country. The before, it is a considerable challenge to idents can now dispose of their separated tion member companies. The WMA single-use items and substituting those WMTR program is actively working raise the awareness of the population waste - PET plastic, paper, glass and was established within the Waste Man- items with multi-use items, for example. with the government throughout this concerning modern waste management aluminum cans – at the separation cor- agement Technology in Regions In fact, reducing waste is the most impor- process. At this stage, the most impor- principles, but we expect that will change ner located closest to them. A WMA (WMTR) program implemented by tant factor in the modern waste manage- tant step is executing and monitoring as time goes on and perspectives are member company, Clean World Ltd., CENN with the support of USAID. ment approach. It is crucial that the the requirements set out and defi ned in modernized. After all, times are chang- collects the separated waste, processes It is important to provide information population is actively involved and prop- the legislative documents. Society can ing and it’s important to keep up with to the population about where the sepa- erly informed concerning waste separa- play a very active and constructive role the times! rated waste goes and how they can con- tion rules. For example, before a PET throughout the monitoring process. tribute to this process by participating bottle is placed in its appropriate bin in WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE in waste separation and protecting the the waste separation stand, it should be WHAT ARE THE PLANS REGARDING THE environment in general. The public emptied completely and have no liquid CHALLENGES FACED BY DEVELOPMENT OF WASTE should be made aware why they should inside. Strictly following the waste sep- YOUR ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT IN GEORGIA? spend time and energy separating their aration rules is important in order to IN IMPLEMENTING THE With the support of USAID, within the Public interest is waste and the benefi ts of doing so (e.g., make further recycling possible. WASTE MANAGEMENT WMTR program, we are planning to saving natural resources, creating jobs, In terms of public awareness, it is PROCESS IN GEORGIA? actively continue working with the gen- high [but] promoting a green economy and sustain- imperative to work with open-minded Our challenges are mainly related to eral public, especially youth. We also ing a healthy environment). I think such and innovative youth. As a result, the public awareness. It is necessary to work plan to collaborate with universities in awareness about pilot projects are important for large- USAID-WMTR program is actively and actively with the population to ensure order to integrate waste management scale changes. consistently working with schools and the effective introduction of modern issues into their curricula. Furthermore, modern waste enthusiastic students via various cam- waste management approaches. In addi- we plan to support the regions in intro- HOW HIGH IS THE PUBLIC paigns. tion, frequent governmental changes at ducing local separated waste collection management AWARENESS REGARDING local and national levels stifl es progress systems. WASTE MANAGEMENT HOW MUCH IS THE and makes it diffi cult to hold people approaches is IN GEORGIA? GOVERNMENT INVOLVED IN accountable. Public awareness is currently one of the THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING quite low major challenges facing the waste man- THE WASTE MANAGEMENT ARE THERE ANY DRAWBACKS GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 Civic Education for Youth & Other Steps Forward in the Georgian Education System

BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES

rom 2018 to 2020, the Civic Education program ‘Momavlis Taoba’ (MT - Future Genera- tion) is providing assistance to 230 new schools in Georgia, improvingF the quality of school-based Civic Education and its practical appli- cations, promoting informed and respon- sible citizenship among young people and thus enhancing civil society’s role in promoting transparent and account- able governance. The project has been ongoing in vari- ous volunteer schools since 2010, run by PH International within the framework of the USAID-funded Applied Civic Education and Teacher Training Pro- gram. It has so far covered 30% of schools in Georgia, with noticeable results. It is designed to complement and build on the State’s civics ed curriculum, a pro- gram which is also “being stepped up this year,” says the Ministry of Educa- tion. So how does it work? MT partner organizations in 10 regions of Georgia The Civic Club of the Salibauri No2 Public School with their goals for the future. facilitate the creation and development improvement of the school gym or sta- promising that in 2019-2021, salaries will ticipation. In future, they plan to add adapt and build on the basic material of school-based Civic Clubs and support dium, installation of a ramp for peers increase in stages. By 2022, the average more topics and expand the program provided in the textbooks,” Chikobava students in the implementation of local with special needs at the school entrance, teacher's salary will be 1800 GEL, and further, all the while with the intention says, noting that a computer-based diag- community initiatives generated through an analysis and panel presentation of higher-level teachers will receive an to maintain the sustainability of the pro- nostic assessment of the results of 4th, the work of Civic Clubs or in the civics the negative results of early marriage, average of 2000 GEL. With many teach- ject when the international help is even- 6th and 9th grade students of the fi rst ed classroom, that respond to commu- greening of the landslide zones in vil- ers in their sixties, a new generation is tually phased out. 50 schools will be conducted after a year nity and school needs. Through such lages, other initiatives to protect the needed, but without the fi nancial moti- We spoke to Mariam Chikobava, Head to see how the program is progressing. projects, students address topics such environment, and other issues that are vation encouraging that generation to of the Department of Preschool and The Momavlis Taoba team, headed by as the prevention of bullying among of interest to the students. choose teaching as a viable career, Geor- General Education at the Ministry of Marina Ushveridze, took GEORGIA youth, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, “People- we- were sitting and waiting gia was fi nding itself heading towards a Education regarding the recently abol- TODAY and other Georgian media rep- and the installation of speed bumps near for someone to come and fi x our prob- crisis. The higher salaries and teacher ished national school leaving exams and resentatives to a school just outside schools to protect student safety. The lems for us,” a Kobuleti No6 Public School training go some way to prevent such the much-touted “New Modal”. Batumi which has been one year out of projects are identifi ed by the students pupil said. “Now we know that if we an eventuality. And teachers are not the “The canceled exams have allowed us the MT program already, the Salibauri based on their interests and the com- want something done, we have to be only challenges the program has faced. to lighten the situation for teachers, No2 Public School. Clean, freshly reno- munity’s needs. Successful schools and proactive and reach out to those who “The Saakashvili government feared pupils and parents,” she said, reasoning vated and boasting plentiful infrastruc- civic education teachers are recognized can help us. And now we know how to civic education might be used as a polit- that by taking the focus away from rote- ture, and represented by smartly-dressed for the delivery of quality civic educa- do that.” ical tool, at a time when state schooling learning, they are giving each teacher and proactive pupils, “This is an exam- tion in schools through various contests. Indeed, by applying the training pro- itself was being used as that very tool,” and each school room to be creative and ple of what we’re aiming for in infra- But how can they afford to do it when vided to the teachers and using the infor- PH International Country Director Ber- competitive. structure and mentality,” Ushveridze municipal budgets are so limited? mation given in the free MT textbooks, dia Natsvlishvili told us. “But with time, “Georgian teachers being creative?” we told us. Through the mini-grants online portal and by reaching out to local governance monitoring and reassurance, the govern- wonder. Then she tells us about the New The pupils presented their Civic Club www.initiatives.ge, students and teach- and the police, the students at Kobuleti ment came to see its fears were unfounded”. Modal. From this semester, 50 schools, activities, demonstrating that even with- ers have an opportunity to apply for up 6 got a new zebra crossing painted near Another opponent to civic education followed by 100 more in the next semes- out MT by their sides, they were still to $450 to support their applied learning their school and road safety training was the Church, which even now has ter, 200 thereafter, and then every public active in their school and community initiatives. One of the criteria of a mini- given to the school pupils. issues with some of the modules, such school in Georgia, within the next fi ve lives- pushing for change and the bet- grant award is to demonstrate increased But where the Ministry and school as gender studies, which, it says, are years will see their teachers taught how terment of their surroundings, engaging partnership and engagement with local children might see a Civic Education as eroding the traditional Georgian values to teach creatively. The system was fi rst adult help in teachers, politicians, legal government, media, private sector, gov- an opportunity, how to persuade the and women’s “necessary” role in society. successfully implemented in School 150 representatives, media and more to for- ernment and/or non-governmental “old-school” teachers to change their The positive progress is tangible, though, in Tbilisi at the end of last year. ward their goals. organizations. Examples of such projects ways? The fi rst thought is higher sala- and the Georgian Ministry of Education “It took three months for our in-school Having further spoken to students of include the participation of students in ries- and the Ministry has made moves itself is very much invested in develop- experts to convince the teachers of the other MT beneficiaries, the Gurian the renovation of their school library, to address this very important issue by ing civics ed. In September, the textbook need to change, then to implement the schools of Tskaltsmina and Kviriketi and ‘Me and My Society’ was introduced to necessary changes: to change how they the Ajaran Achkvi and Kobuleti public 3rd and 4th graders in public schools as teach, change how they respond to stu- schools, it seems the biggest takeaway Educational Resources: MT partner schools, including Armenian and Azer- an integrated component to be used in dents and how they embrace the work- for the youth involved is the empower- baijani language schools, are given civics supplemental textbooks free of charge the teaching of history, or any other sub- ings of their job,” Chikobava noted. “Gone ing knowledge that they can make a dif- which cover such topics as: ‘How Can I Become an Active Citizen?’; ‘Coopera- ject in which the teacher feels a connec- are the days when the Ministry provided ference in their own lives, the lives of tion for Community Benefi t’; ‘Participation in School Self-Governance’ and tion can be made and covering such the script and the teachers followed it their peers and community and in wider ‘Cooperation with Local Government and the Media’. Schools also receive addi- topics as road safety and community word-for-word, cramming facts into the society as a whole. Some would say it’s tional resources in the form of toolboxes, containing instructions for teachers awareness. Grades 5 and 6 have the next pupils’ heads and presuming the ability all changing too slowly. But when you to guide them through the process of planning the work of school-based civics stages, also integrated, in a book named to analyse, critique and debate would are fi ghting a mentality brought so low clubs and implementing civics classroom projects. ‘My Georgia’ which has a strong focus follow thereafter. Now the education as it was by Soviet pressure and the fol- Civic Education Teacher Training: The training course ‘Teaching Demo- on the meaning of citizenship and which system is being built on building teacher lowing civil breakdown, the effects of cratic Citizenship’ is provided to all civics teachers in partner schools. Teachers fi ts particularly well into the subject of creativity: supplying them with the basic which are still seen in every street and are also trained in the use of the provided educational materials (see above). history. From September 2019, grade 7 requirements and the tools to create the eyes of many, one has to realize that Professional Development of Civics Teachers: Regional Roundtables, will also have its own civic education their own school, and personal, curricu- change takes time, but it is happening, Model Lessons and Professional Learning Community meetings are regularly textbook, while grade 8, and perhaps lums”. and for that we must be grateful and organized in all regions of Georgia for the professional development of civics even the lower grades, will have to wait Of course, success requires motivation everso supportive. teachers. Each year, awards for the best civics teachers in each region are pre- until 2020. Grades 9 and up will continue and imagination. But teachers who have sented at the Annual National Conference of Civics Teachers organized by the with civics ed as a separate subject been through the training have appar- The Momavlis Taoba Program, funded by the Civics Teachers Forum, a professional organization of civics teachers. encompassing such elements as Finan- ently come out enlightened, seeing the United States Agency for International Devel- Supporting the Ministry of Education: The program supports the Ministry cial Literacy (with training for teachers difference in the eyes and abilities of opment (USAID), is being implemented in to increase the quality of school-based civics education in Georgian schools. to be provided by the National Bank of their students. Georgia by PH International (formerly Project Civic Education Web Portal: civics.ge is a bi-lingual web portal offering a Georgia). “The teachers are being prepared by Harmony). The Momavlis Taoba Program is wide variety of resources and information for teachers, school administrators, The Ministry cooperates with interna- teams that make the schools their home supported by the Ministry of Education and students and parents about civic education. The portal features daily news about tional organizations such as PH Inter- for the entire semester, working hand- Science of Georgia. The program is imple- the different civics activities taking place in the program and provides an oppor- national in the implementation of its in-hand with the teachers to implement mented in collaboration with the Civics Teach- tunity for students to share information and increase their engagement in civic civics ed program and runs nationwide the changes. We show them how to ana- ers Forum and regional Georgian non-gov- initiatives. competitions to encourage active par- lyse the needs of their own students and ernmental organizations. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 SOCIETY 11 Hot from the Kiln: Etseri, Svaneti

wall thickness causing more uneven glazes, very slow-cooling crystalline BLOG BY TONY HANMER expansion than the piece’s intrinsic glazes, or the very exciting Japanese- strength could handle, or possibly due originated Raku method. In this, pieces to an air pocket needing release as it are removed red-hot from the kiln with ur pottery-teaching guest superheated. But, generally, we were tongs, already glazed, and plunged into was planning to use her getting proper bisque-fi red earthenware, a bin of combustible material like dry second week with us to which the children could then color grass, which bursts into fl ame, then lid- help her school-age pupils without fear of it dissolving with the ded. The quiet ongoing burn deposits paint their work, which water-based paints we had (glazes that metallic salts on the piece’s surface, and theyO had spent her fi rst week most enthu- you fi re on the piece are beyond us at it comes our iridescent, gold or silver; siastically hand-building and even throw- this stage, but hey, one step at a time.) but there is quite a higher percentage of ing on her potter’s wheel. But, unfi red, This was the fi rst time I had ever been losses from breakage due to the sudden- it would be so fragile! This is clay at its in a position even to try fi ring clay in my ness of the temperature changes. most delicate, “bone dry” but before the own wood-burning stove, so it was most I left behind the world of ceramic art relatively low-temperature bisque, or gratifying to see how successful it could more than 30 years ago when I began fi rst, fi ring has driven off all its chemical be. Now, building a kiln for higher-tem- travelling the world, but now, suddenly, water and left it non-soluble in water. I perature fi rings into the 1400s of degrees it has caught up to me in my own home. decided to try a small experiment. or so is another matter. It must be well I wonder what our next step together I found the broken off handle from insulated to keep all that heat in and not might be? someone’s cup, and put it into the oven waste it, using specially made fi re-bricks. of our monster Svan stove, then started And will you use electricity, gas or wood Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since the stove with wood as usual and let it to fi re it? Each has its advantages and 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a reach its normal working temperature drawbacks. Will the kiln atmosphere be weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He of about 150 degrees C. Once I had let it oxidizing, to give your porcelains a good runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook burn down, as we do each night, and pure white fi nish, or reducing, which group, now with nearly 2000 members, at cool, the next morning showed me a grays them but is fi ne for stonewares www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- transformed sample. Its color was now and earthenwares? A whole education sance/ much redder instead of the gray it had in itself. He and his wife also run their own guest house been. Most importantly, it was now non- You then go on to clays, glazes, fi ring in Etseri: water-soluble! times, special processes such as salt www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti So… the humble Svan stove has found a new use, at least for earthenware, which our clay seems to be, as opposed to stone- ware or porcelain, which both need higher temperatures for fi rst and second fi rings. We checked with the man who sold my guest her clay in Tbilisi, and he said that 12-14 hours at 970-1000 degrees C or so was the temperature for this clay’s neces- sary second fi ring. Well beyond what my stove could, or should, put out, not even being insulated. But 150-250 degrees for the fi rst fi ring, for two or three hours (using my chimney-mounted thermom- eter)? That we could do! From then on it was simply a matter of packing the oven as tightly as we safely could, nothing touching each other or the oven walls, fi ring it up, and keeping it going. We learned that the redder color was an essential guide to a piece’s really being bisqued, and that if it stayed gray it wasn’t ready. A few pieces broke, a couple even exploded, due to uneven GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 Grand Voyage Head on Realizing Your Ambition through Your Own Business

From the beginning, this was my goal delivery, communication, and more. Of - to create tours that are not copy-paste. course, it's pretty hard work, but loving We offer people places that are not my job is very helpful. I enjoy the hard well known, but which are very inter- work and seeing the results. esting to visit in order for them to dis- cover existing traditions, culture, his- HOW CAN GRAND VOYAGE tory. We make sure they come away BEAT THE COMPETITION? with as much as possible from their We all know what how competitive the experience with us, regardless of the tourist sphere is. But our prices are length of their trip. affordable, so we beat the competition with low prices and high quality. WHAT SHOULD TOURISM COMPANIES FOCUS ON? ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT Based on my experience, the products FEATURES FOR ANY TOURIST that we sell must be of quality. No mat- COMPANY IS LOCATION AND ter what you sell, even if it’s travel insur- STRONG SOCIAL NETWORKS. ance, a ticket or a budget tour. All our Currently, we are located in King David's customers are very valuable to us. common work space KD4US. I’m in a very comfortable and positive environ- WHAT IS GRAND VOYAGE’S ment, working in an area with other VALUE POLICY? amazing teams. I don’t feel I need a Any business is primarily focused on separate offi ce: this space is absolutely sales, of course, and so are we. However, enough and ideal for work. our prices are affordable because we try to minimize costs. Despite there DO YOU SELL YOUR being a lot of competition, I still risked PRODUCTS REMOTELY? this policy to please customers. I seek Of course, social networks are exactly customer satisfaction in everything I for this, and we use them to notify cus- do. tomers regularly about our tours and tion on the tourism market and how to services. There are people whom I’ve TRANSLATED BY WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW become successful. never met and yet have sold so much to, MARIAM MERABISHVILI WHEN WE ARE IN THE WHAT DID YOU PAY TOURIST BUSINESS? ATTENTION TO AS A CUSTOMER remotely. This is a comfortable service: HOW DID YOU START YOUR As our business is a fi eld of service, qual- BEFORE FOUNDING A we have the opportunity to provide cus- TOURISM BUSINESS? ity is important, as it is in every business. TOURIST COMPANY? tomers with any service without their rand Voyage is a tourist Our company was offi cially launched on Our company offers quality to custom- For me, as a customer, communication visiting the offi ce. company that offers cus- December 15, 2017, with the main direc- ers, a crucial fact for me as the founder. had great importance, so I make sure to tomers tours worldwide. tion of outgoing tourism - we take tours We fulfi ll all customer requirements implement that in my own work, readily WHAT ABOUT YOUR FUTURE At present, the founder of abroad anywhere in the world. It gives maximally. exchanging information with customers PLANS FOR GRAND VOYAGE? the company guides the us a chance to realize our ideas, oppor- and staying up-to-date. At this stage, we’re in the process of Gcompany on her own, however, as she tunities and ambitions. It’s no easy task WHAT SERVICES DOES development and plan to add a lot more says, she neutralizes her heavy schedule starting your own business from zero, GRAND VOYAGE OFFER? HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE interesting tours, offering customers with a love of what she does. but by analyzing the successes and risks We offer customers tours in any direc- EMPLOYED IN GRAND VOYAGE? more interesting places- something we’re We met that founder, Nutsa Durglish- correctly, results are possible, and these tion and aim to make our tours special. There are only 5-6 people in the com- working on every day. We may well add vili, to fi nd out how to start a tourism results depend entirely on hard work, We try to make the journey maximally pany, but at this point I have to do eve- to our team, too, as more hands are business, how to manage the competi- skills and knowledge. more intuitive and interesting to users. rything- touring, advertising, service needed in our operations. Tobacco Control Law Appears Effective Following First 10 Months of Implementation

are males and 9% women. In the 20th BY MARIAM MERABISHVILI century, tobacco caused 100 million deaths. In the 21st century, with the cur- rent trend, 1 billion people will die as a he execution of the Tobacco result of tobacco consumption. Control Law is successfully "Tobacco is an important risk factor ongoing in Georgia, with for coronary heart disease, infarction results recognized both in and peripheral vascular disease, cancer, the legislative body and the lung chronic obstructive disease and Texecutive authority. Society seems to diabetes,” says Amiran Gamkrelidze, have adapted and tobacco consumption Head of the National Center for Disease has reduced. Control and Public Health. “In addition, According to the National Center for cardiovascular diseases are the number Disease Control and Public Health, there one killer in Georgia as well as world- are very high morbidity and mortality wide. These diseases are associated with rates of non-infectious diseases in Geor- about 60% of deaths worldwide, 85% in gia, with tobacco the main risk factor Europe and 94% in Georgia. The Law for these diseases, and that is why it is on Tobacco Control, which was adopted so important to see the effective and in 2017 and entered into force on May 1, complete implementation of tobacco 2018, is one of the most effective steps legislation nowadays. towards protecting the health and lives Today, for the world’s 1.1 billion smok- of our citizens. I think the execution of ers, tobacco consumption represents the Tobacco Control Law after 10 months one of the leading causes of death. is going well. Fortunately, society under- According to the World Health Organi- stood”. zation (WHO), over 7 million people die On May 17, 2017, the Parliament of Geor- gia confi rmed the amendments to the Law on Tobacco Control and on July 26 of last year, adopted the new edition of this Law. Tobacco Control Law in Geor- gia was launched on May 1, 2018, under which smoking is prohibited in build- ings, public transport, educational estab- In the 20th lishments, cafes and bars, with excep- tions. It became mandatory to place the century, tobacco rules connected to prohibition / restric- tion of smoking tobacco at all entrances caused 100 and other visible places of a building’s every year worldwide as a result of smok- son dies from causes related to tobacco of death, six are associated with tobacco territory, with the relevant message and million deaths ing. In six seconds, on average, one per- consumption. Of the eight major causes consumption. Globally, 40% of smokers a sign on the ban on tobacco smoking. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 CULTURE 13 Unprecedented Music Therapy Conference Happening in Tbilisi

with [in Georgia] are children with dis- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY abilities who need extra support and GABRIELLE COLCHEN specialist interventions to fulfi l their potential. […] Our approach to Music Therapy is very much focused on fi nd- he fi rst Georgian Music ing ways that children or adults can make therapy Conference will be music themselves.” held on the March 1 and 2 She explains that it is not about teach- to coincide with World ing people how to play music, but rather Music Therapy Day). Music a way to create communication and Ttherapy is already helping disabled adults relationships with these people. and children in Georgia, thanks to Teona “You might use music to create a sim- Kacheishvili, Director of the fi rst Geor- ple conversation […] to establish contact gian Music Therapy Center. This center with a child or an adult who is very dif- works in partnership with the charity fi cult to reach, maybe someone who is Music as Therapy International, created very withdrawn will fi nd the opportunity and directed by Alexia Quin. Today, Quin to make music […], maybe they will fi nd helps us to understand what Music that motivating and it will draw them Therapy is and what amazing work it is out of the world they are locked into. already doing in Georgia, themes that Maybe also the fact that they are being will be further developed at the March given the opportunity to use a medium Conference. that doesn’t require words might help She explains that before the offi cial people who fi nd language diffi cult, to creation of the Music Therapy Center, express themselves in a different way. Photo Source: School n°200 the fi rst music therapy initiatives in Tbi- (…) [music] gives you that feeling of for funds. limited by the fact that it lacks recogni- for their work and this conference is a lisi were made in Public school n°200 being understood, which can boost your “Every year she [Teona Kacheishvili] tion in Georgia. fantastic opportunity to fi nd out more and Public School n°198. Her charity self confi dence and your willingness to has to raise about 34,000 GEL to run [the Teona has been having “discussions about the work they’ve been doing, initially responded to a local request for develop relationships.” center] to offer Music Therapy sessions with the authorities to have music ther- whether you work in a school and you introductory training in the fi rst school Music Therapy especially helps chil- to children and families who are having apy recognized […] because if it is not want to know about training yourself, in 2011. dren developing new skills and focusing diffi culties or have disabilities. […] The recognized by the Georgian authorities, whether you have a child with a disabil- “We received a request from the school their attention. fact that she was so motivated to set up it cannot be in a school curriculum and ity and you want to know how music because they had a real commitment to The therapy is “about drawing [people] such a ground-breaking service in Geor- it is very diffi cult then for a teacher to could help or whether you are somebody the therapeutic activities they offered into a meaningful relationship within gia […] is a real symbol of the power of have time to be allowed to offer music with infl uence or somebody with a busi- to the children who attended their school. which they can try new things and music to make the most of people’s therapy”. ness who is interested in music and might But Music Therapy was not yet available broaden their experiences and develop potential.” Quin insists that the conference will be able to fi nd a way to support either in Georgia, so they had to look interna- new skills. Developing attention, listen- It is not diffi cult to fi nd professors who play a major role in promoting Music the conference costs or the Music Ther- tionally […] it is really important for ing (…) social skills. […] For some chil- are interested in being trained to become Therapy and in making people who could apy Center in the future.” them to be able to show that it is recog- dren who are very active, for who focus therapists “but fi nding the money to pay benefi t from it aware of its existence in nized in other countries”. Indeed, Music or concentration is diffi cult, a therapy for the training is more diffi cult. Just to Georgia. Music Therapy Center website: http://mtc. Therapy is already recognized “by the session can provide a real focus for that organize this conference, Teona needs “This conference is very important […] ge/ UK National Health Service,” for exam- energy, a real channel for that energy, to raise just under 4,000 GEL […] that is and I understand that a representative Donations can be made directly through this ple. you can plays drums incredibly loudly something that she urgently needs help from the Ministry of Education will be link and will be redirected for the conference: Her organization works in eight differ- […] and use that energy […]: it is con- with, she urgently needs to fi nd people coming. The Ministry is committed to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation- ent countries to help develop Music structive and creative and I think this who believe in the power of music and understanding more about Music Ther- web/charity?charityId=1002743&stop_ Therapy in places where it is not recog- has a very positive impact on people who might become sponsors of the Music apy and they have said they would like mobi=yes nized and therefore, where there are no who have a lot of energy”. Therapy Center so that children from to make space for it within the recog- You can also directly contact Alexia Quin and funds to secure the survival of music However, it is not without challenges families who don’t have money to pay nized activities”. Teona Kacheishvili for questions or donations: sessions for disabled people. that the Georgian Music Therapy Center can benefi t from music therapy.” “Teona and all the partners we have [email protected], teo- “The children we have been working runs, the fi rst challenge being the need The potential of Music Therapy is also in Georgia really deserve recognition [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER February 23, 24 Cast: Willem Dafoe, Rupert Friend, NUMISMATIC TREASURY February 14-26 RAMONA Oscar Isaac EXHIBITION STONE AGE OLEG TIMCHENKO’S Revaz Gabriadze Genre: Biography, Drama GEORGIA EXHIBITION TBILISI ZAKARIA Directed by Revaz Gabriadze Language: Russian ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE POSTCARD PALIASHVILI OPERA AND English Subtitles Start time: 22:15 BALLET THEATER NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL COLLECTIONS ERTI GALLERY 25 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 20, 30 GEL TEL (+995 32) 2 99 04 56 19 Ingorokva Str. VICE Until February 28 MOVEMENT THEATER Directed by Adam McKay February 23, 24 In the framework of the February 15 - May 5 182 Aghmashenebeli Ave. Cast: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, celebrations of the European Year THE VELVET SUN * Premiere TEL (+995 32) 598 19 29 36 Steve Carell DON CARLO of Cultural Heritage in Georgia Tato Akhalkatsishvili’s solo show Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama the Georgian National Museum Curator: Domenico De Chirico Giusepe Verdi February 23 Language: Russian Conductor: Zaza Azmaiparashvili presents the exhibition THE TEMPEST Start time: 20:00 WISDOM TRANSFORMED INTO February 20-24 Directed by Cesare Lievi Based on the work of William Ticket: 13-14 GEL Set and Costume Designer: GOLD EXHIBITION OPENING: Shakespeare STOICHEÎON㔠ᫍBY LEVAN Maurizio Balo Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze CAVEA GALLERY MUSEUM OF SOVIET SONGULASHVILI Start time: 19:00 Composer: Sandro Nikoladze 2/4 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 10-200 GEL OCCUPATION The exhibition of two monumental Start time: 20:00 video installations and a selection Every Wednesday ticket: 8 GEL 3 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 10-15 GEL of Japanese ink paintings by February 27 February 22-18 TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 LAURENCIA www.museum.ge Georgian-born and New York-based February 28 artist Levan Songulashvili, who is Alexander Krein LABYRINTH VICE currently a resident artist at Instinc. The performance is dedicated to Directed by Kakha Bakuradze (Info Above) December 11 – March 1 Vakhtang Chabukiani's 109th birth Start time: 20:00 Language: English Exhibition MUSIC anniversary Ballet in Two Acts Ticket: 10-15 GEL Start time: 22:30 RED TERROR AND GEORGIAN Based on Lope de Vega's novel Ticket: 16-19 GEL ARTISTS Fuente Ovejuna SHALIKASHVILI THEATER A showcase of artworks by Dimitri TBILISI CONCERT HALL Choreography- Vakhtang Chabukiani 37 Rustaveli Ave. ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL Shevardnadze, Petre Otskheli, 1 Melikishvili St. Libretto, new choreographic version (Info Above) Henryk Hryniewski, Richard TEL (+995 32) 2 99 00 99 and Staging by Nina Ananiashvili February 22, 23 Language: English Sommer, Kiril Zdanevich, Vasily Conductor: David Mukeria * Premiere Start time: 17:00, 19:45 Shukhaev, Elene Akhvlediani, Lado February 28 Start time: 19:00 AUGUST 8 Language: Russian Gudiashvili, David Kakabadze, Ucha CHARITY CONCERT Ticket: 10-100 GEL A story of the wars in Start time: 14:30, 22:30 Japharidze, Aleksandre Bajbeuk- KETILSOFELI Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Ticket: 11-19 GEL Melikov, Korneli Sanadze and more. With the participation of Georgian ROYAL DISTRICT THEATER Directed by Davit Shalikashvili The exposition also showcases stars Donations will made to the 10 Abesadze Str. Start time: 20:00 BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY documentary footage depicting the building of ‘The House of Good’ in Batumi for homeless families Ticket: 15 GEL Directed by Bryan Singer 1920-30s repressions. February 23, 24 Cast: Rami Malek, Joseph Mazzello, Start time: 20:00 FOLIA MUSIC & DRAMA STATE Mike Myers GALLERY Ticket: 10-20 GEL Contemporary Ballet is staged to THEATER Genre: Biography, Drama, Music Language: English TBILISI STATE music by Antonio Vivaldi, Francesco 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. THE NATIONAL GALLERY Start time: 14:00 CONSERVATOIRE Geminiani, Andrea Falconieri, 11 Rustaveli Ave. George Frideric Handel Ticket: 16-19 GEL 8 Griboedov St. March 26 TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 Project idea and initiator of WELCOME TO GEORGIA TEL (+995 32) 2 93 46 24 performance: Tbilisi State Chamber HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: The Musical Untill October 5 Orchestra ‘Georgian Sinfonietta’ THE HIDDEN WORLD February 22 A musical, theatrical play and EXHIBITION Original idea of the ballet and Directed by Dean DeBlois CLASSICAL MUSIC COGNITIVE romantic comedy telling a story Cast: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, MASTERS OF GEORGIAN ART choreography by Mariam Aleksidze about Georgia and its people by PROGRAM Company Artistic Director: Mariam F. Murray Abraham Paintings of Kirill Zdanevich, Shalva ‘Walking and drums’ combining song, dance, culture, Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure Aleksidze Kikodze, Ketevan Magalashvili Leader- Irakli Evstapishvili traditions, history, national Language: English Artistic Director: Giorgi Kerelashvili and Elene Akhvlediani together Start time: 16:00 costumes and local cuisine. Start time: 12:00, 17:15 with Lado Gudiashvili's and David Ticket: 10-50 GEL Mikheil Abramishvili (countertenor) Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-19 GEL Francesco Olivero (theorbo, Ticket: 50-80 GEL Kakabadze, giving a comprehensive baroque guitar, Italy) MUSEUM picture of the diversity and Febriary 28 Start time: 20:00 CINEMA aesthetics of Georgian Art. TBILISI BIG-BAND FEATURING Ticket: 7-15 GEL GEORGIAN NATIONAL NEW JAZZ GENERATION Until February 24 AMIRANI CINEMA MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA Start time: 20:00 GABRIADZE THEATER 36 Kostava St. MUSEUM FELIX VARLAMISHVILI (VARLA) Ticket: 10-20 GEL 14 Shavteli Str. TEL (+995 32) 2 99 99 55 3 Rustaveli Ave. SOLO EXHIBITION www.kinoafi sha.ge TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 For the fi rst time, enjoy more than COLLECTIVE K7B67 February 22 www.museum.ge 60 artworks by the author from the Monk Gabriel Salosi I Turn 2 Animated documentary fi lm Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Georgian National Museum and REZO February 22-18 Exhibitions: private collections. February 23 Directed by Leo Gabriadze GEORGIAN COSTUME AND COLLECTIVE K7B67 OPENING Start time: 20:00 VAN GOGH WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH IART GALLERY NIGHT Ticket: 15 GEL Directed by Julian Schnabel CENTURIES 13 Uznadze Str. French producer and DJ- AIROD, Georgian producer- DREAD Georgian Techno pioneer- A.Tabukashvili Start time: 00:00 Ticket: 20-30 GEL

ART HOUSE 18 Gudiashvili Str.

February 22 ARTISTS FOR AN ARTIST 21-year-old Ani Chincharauli needs our help Partisipants: Toasters, SALIO, Frani, Elene Kalandadze, Salome Bakuradze, Nodiko Tatishvili, Mariko Lezhava, Tika Jamburia, Nini Badurashvili, Ia Tomash, Oto Berishvili, Tamta Chelidze. Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 20 GEL

DJ. KAKHIDZE TBILISI CENTER FOR & CULTURE 125/127 D. Agmashenebeli Ave.

February 23 CONCERT OF ORGAN MUSIC ALEXANDER VASADZE Program: Johan Sebastian Bach, David German, Healy Willan and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Start time: 29:30 Ticket: 10-23 GEL

CAFÉ MZIURI Mziuri park

February 24 SAKVIARO FOR CHILDREN Start time: From 12:00 Ticket: 13 GEL GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 22 - 25, 2019 CULTURE 15 Vakhtang Chabukiani's Laurencia at Tbilisi Opera to Mark the Great Ballet Dancer’s Jubilee

ible performer and who partnered at the theater,” she tells us. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Chabukiani in this ballet, to mimic her “Apart from Laurencia, our ballet pro- BY LIKA CHIGLADZE movements. Our coaches used to dance gram includes Gorda also staged by Mr this ballet and were trained by Mr Chabuki- Chabukiani,” Nuca Chekurashvili notes. ani himself, so it enables us to both enliven “This is our second performance of Lau- n February 27, the Tbilisi the performance and preserve the origi- rencia and I feel I’ve gone deeper into my Opera and Ballet State nal as it was staged in the beginning. This role. I’ll be dancing at the premier with Theater will present the performance is important in terms of my partner Yonen Takano, who performs historic ballet Laurencia, detail: the hand movements are very the title role extremely well. I’ll be per- using it to mark the 109th sophisticated, so we do our best to imitate forming on February 27 and March 3,” Oanniversary of the greatest Georgian bal- all the movements but at the same time the soloist elaborated. let dancer and one of the most infl uential add our individuality”. We also asked her her impressions of male dancers, the world-renowned Vakh- Nino Samadashvili will also be taking the Kiev tour, which the state ballet tang Chabukiani. The leading roles will part in the Ballet Gala on March 9-10 ensemble recently returned from and be performed by soloists of the State Bal- where pas de deux will be performed where they danced: Jirí Kylián’s Petite let of Georgia, Nino Samadashvili and from different ballets. As reported, world- Mort, Sechs Tänze and Falling Angels, Nuca Chekurashvili, together with their The performance was last time restored 2011, they graduated the Vakhtang Chabuki- renowned stars will also feature in the and Medhi Walerski’s Petite Cérémonie. partners Yonen Takano and Philip Fedu- by State Ballet of Georgia Artistic Direc- ani Ballet Art State School and the same Gala Concert. The leading soloist will “We presented two plays in Kiev and lov. tor Nina Ananiashvili in 2007, with cho- year were accepted into the Tbilisi Z. be performing in Romeo and Juliet as both were met very well and by large Based on a score by Soviet composer reography by N. Magalashvili. In 2014, Paliashvili Opera and Ballet Professional well as in Sleeping Beauty among the audiences,” Chekurashvili says. “Not all Alexander Krein, Laurencia, originally Ananiashvili staged and performed a new State Theater ballet company. In January upcoming ballets in Tbilisi. “These are ballet troupes are allowed to perform Jirí choreographed by Vakhtang Chabukiani, choreographic version of Laurencia at the 2014, both dancers became soloists. Sam- truly distinguished performances and it Kyliá’s works and we are proud that, premiered in 1939 at the Kirov Theater National Opera and Theater of Belarus. adashvili won the Grand Prix Prize and is a dream of all ballerinas to dance in through the help of Nino Ananiashvili, in Leningrad (St Petersburg) and in Tbi- This version was made through consulta- fi rst place at Rigas Pavasaris 2013, an these ballets. Our profession is very dif- we were given permission to dance this lisi in 1948. The decorations and costumes tions with artists who had danced and international ballet competition in Riga. fi cult and requires great commitment ballet, giving the Ukrainian audience the of the premier were designed by Solomon worked with Chabukiani, hence it is the Chekurashvili has participated in com- and hard work. You might hurt during chance to see it for the fi rst time. From Virsaladze and the title roles were per- closest version to the original. In 2017, the pany tours in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Japan, the rehearsals, but you are still happy to the positive reviews, I expect we’ll be formed by Chabukiani himself and Nata- reduction of Laurencia was staged at Tbi- Estonia, Finland and Belarus. perform before an audience. I went to invited to Ukraine again. In Tbilisi, I will lia Dudinskaya, while in Tbilisi he paired lisi Opera. After decades away, it is now “We are devoting this performance to ballet school, where we had a very busy be involved in many plays, including the with Vera Tsignadze. back in full at the Tbilisi Opera and awaited the famed Georgian choreographer Vakh- schedule, sometimes students had to Ballet Gala, and in summer with Yonen The play unveils the story of a peasant by theater and ballet enthusiasts alike. tang Chabukiani’s jubilee,” Nino Sama- stay from 9 am until 9 pm. With such a Takano, I will pay visit to Italy and take revolution that was an ideal theme in the GEORGIA TODAY talked to the lead- dashvili tells us. “We’ve had it as part of regime and pressure, I generated impor- part in a Gala Concert performing the era of Soviet ballet. The choreography ing soloists of the State Ballet about the the general repertoire of the opera since tant skills that are necessary for a dancer: Black Swan”. was an innovative blend of classical and upcoming premiere and the preparation 2017. This is a very distinctive role for I became a hard worker and developed The Laurencia performances are scheduled folk dance which featured the virile and needed for such a grand concert. me- I’ll be performing in Laurencia for a sense of responsibility toward my job. to take place on February 27 and March 2 heroic male dancing that Chabukiani Both Nino Samadashvili and Nuca Chek- the third time. I watch old video record- I did not give up and overcame many and 3 at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State personifi ed. urashvili are ballet company soloists. In ings of Vera Tsignadze, who was an incred- obstacles to merit this title and position Theater. Mirian Khukhunishvili: The Maestro of the Tbilisi Youth Orchestra Switzerland aged 10. “I liked the guy who EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW was conducting, he was full of energy, BY AMY JONES and funny. From that moment, I wanted to become an orchestral conductor,” he says. “I love choir, I love singing. All the irian Khukhunishvili is time I sing in different choirs. But orches- a well-known conduc- tral conducting was my dream.” tor on the Georgian He went on to study music to a Mas- classical music scene. ter’s level at the Krakow Music Acadamy Since performing his in Poland after being awarded a scholar- Mfi rst concert in 2012 with Georgian jazz ship. He also received a Master’s degree musician Zaza Marjanishvili, his career in choral conducting from Tbilisi State has grown rapidly. He has conducted at Conservatoire. Telavi International Music Festival along- Since returning to Georgia, he’s turned side pianist Eliso Virsaladze and has his attention to a new project - establish- worked with the Georgian National Phil- ing a Tbilisi Youth Orchestra together harmonic Orchestra, Tbilisi Symphony with his partner Mikheil Mdinaradze. Orchestra, Georgian Sinfonietta, and the Last month, he received the contract to National Choir, among others. He has begin a youth orchestra from the Tbilisi also participated in prestigious interna- National Youth Palace. It was a long and tional competitions. GEORGIA TODAY diffi cult process to receive approval and sat down with him to discuss his life, funding. “I was waiting two years for purchase of instruments, and basically The salary and level of professional the chief conductor was unable to attend. music, and the beginning of the Tbilisi this project and an answer from the gov- said, let’s do this! She really helped us, orchestras are higher than here.” “They couldn’t fi nd a replacement, so Youth Orchestra. ernment,” he says. “Finally, we have the she fought for us.” Members of the Youth Orchestra are they invited me the day before,” says Originally from Tbilisi, music has been budget, and our home is the Tbilisi A youth orchestra is especially impor- offered a part-time job with half the sal- Mirian. “I had just one night. I said to part of Mirian’s life since a young age. National Youth Palace on Rustavelli. We tant as it enables the most talented stu- ary of a professional orchestra, in order myself I have one chance. I was studying “My father was an amateur singer. He started on Monday.” dents to gain practical performance expe- to encourage them to stay in Georgia. the scores all night,” he laughs. The fol- took me to the children’s choir Martve The Tbilisi Youth Orchestra is the fi rst rience in Georgia. Mirian decided to set “They can do what they love, and also lowing year, organizers invited him back in Tbilisi. First, I sang folk music and of its kind to be established since 1989. a loose age limit to help musicians: “I study at the same time,” says Mirian. to conduct the festival’s closing concert studied piano,” says Mirian. “Later, I “Not only me, but many musicians and think that everyone should have the chance Mirian is a star example of fi nding suc- with Virsaladze. went to music school.” Despite encour- orchestral conductors wanted to estab- to gain experience in an orchestra. We cess in Georgia. He tells us of one of the Mirian’s passion for music in Georgia agement from his family, especially his lish a Tbilisi Youth Orchestra in the past,” have one guy who’s 36. He only just started proudest moments of his career was and beyond is tangible, both in his work mother and sisters, they were surprised Mirian tells us. Mirian and Mikheil to learn the bassoon so, when he came performing alongside Georgian pianist as a conductor and on projects such as by his choice to study music into his worked hard to gain the necessary to the audition, I took him on,” he grins. Eliso Virsaladze, the “Queen of Pianists.” the Tbilisi Youth Orchestra. Now, he adult life: “Everyone thought I was crazy resources. It was only possible with the Many talented Georgian musicians “I never dreamed of performing with plans to split his time between Georgia when I decided to study at the conserv- support of the Vice-Mayor of Tbilisi, move to Europe to gain musical experi- her. She’s 74 and I was too young. I thought and Krakow as he fi nishes his PhD this atoire.” He smiles. “They expected me Sophio Khuntsaria, and the Director of ence. “There is a lack of professional by the time I possibly developed my autumn. But will he stay in Georgia? “I to become an architect and I chose to Tbilisi National Youth Palace, Tika musicians in Georgia,” Mirian tells us. career, she would already have fi nished love my country,” he says, “when I see study music.” Rukhadze. “She said come and make an “Many of the best musicians go and stay hers.” Luck was on his side as he was that I can do something here and if I see Mirian was inspired to become a con- orchestra here. She offered us use of the in Europe to study and work full-time. asked to conduct a rehearsal for Telavi I can change something in a good direc- ductor whilst performing in concerts in concert hall whenever we need it, the Europe is a cradle for classical music. International Music Festival in 2015 after tion, I’m ready for it.”

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