Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze Emphasizes Diaspora Engagement in National Development
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, June 28, 2024
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze highlighted the crucial role of the Georgian diaspora in the nation's progress during his speech at the forum dedicated to Diaspora Day. He emphasized leveraging the qualifications, knowledge, and experience of compatriots living abroad for the benefit of Georgia.
"One of the important tasks of our vision and policy is to use the qualifications, knowledge, and experience that our compatriots living abroad, including young people, have accumulated for the benefit of the country," stated Kobakhidze. He outlined several programs aimed at utilizing this invaluable human resource for the development of Georgia.
The Prime Minister pointed out Georgia's commitment to the Dublin Declaration, aligning with the United Nations and international community efforts to develop a unified approach to global diaspora policy. This commitment includes creating mechanisms for the strengthening and involvement of the diaspora through international cooperation and providing conditions conducive to international standards.
Kobakhidze announced that the Government of Georgia will present a package of amendments to the Law "On Compatriots Living Abroad and Diaspora Organizations" in the next parliamentary session. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the International Center for Migration Policy and Maastricht University, aims to integrate the best international practices into Georgia's diaspora engagement strategies.
"In the wake of the country's economic development, our care for our compatriots living abroad will inexorably strengthen," he said. Kobakhidze expressed his wishes for peace, happiness, and success to each diaspora member and expressed his hope for their eventual return to Georgia.
The forum served as a platform for discussing how the diaspora's connections and knowledge can contribute to the nation's progress, reinforcing the government's commitment to integrating the diaspora into Georgia's development process.
