On 27 May 2023, a forum dedicated to Diaspora Day “Strong Diaspora for Georgia’s Unity, Peace and European Future” was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The key goal of the annual event was to deepen relationships and dialogue with Georgian community members living abroad.  

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili opened the official part of the event. According to him, the name and spirit of the diaspora echoes the challenges facing the country and the ambitious steps the country has taken towards joining the European Union.

“The state recognizes the important role of the Georgian diaspora in the development of our country. The development of Georgia can hardly be successful without the Georgian diaspora,” said the head of the Foreign Ministry during his opening speech.

The forum participants were welcomed by Salome Zourabichvili, President of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia and other high ranked government officials. 

After the official opening part, the participants continued working in thematic panels, including business and economy panel entitled – “Georgian Diaspora for Regional Development”. 

On the economic panel the thematic discussions were conducted about involving Georgian community members living abroad in the ongoing development process, to promote the diaspora involvement in the country’s regional development, as well as to rise awareness regarding the huge potential of engaging Georgian diaspora living abroad in the regional development process.    

The successful representatives of the diaspora organizations operating abroad, as well as Georgian government, private sector, international organizations and academic circles members participated in the panel discussion.

The event was held with the support of the Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).