“Today, we are approving the concept for higher education reform. The purpose of this reform is for Georgian students to receive university education of the highest standards in Georgia,” stated Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, at today’s government session.

According to Kobakhidze, special importance must be given to education reform, because the most dangerous thing for a country is a society that is insufficiently and poorly educated.

“Everyone fully recognises the immense importance of education and an educated society. The greatest danger to any nation is a society that is inadequately or poorly educated. Therefore, we must prioritise education reform. An insufficiently educated population is more vulnerable to manipulation and external interference. Such a society is easily targeted for the sowing of hatred, and it becomes simple to spread ideologies similar to Bolshevism and fascism in their time, as well as contemporary forms of liberal fascism today. From every standpoint, this reform is of exceptional significance, not least in terms of strengthening national security.

It was well understood by those forces who deliberately weakened our country’s education system over the course of nine years that national security is directly linked to education. An educated society is best equipped to defend its own national interests, independence, and security. These adversaries of our nation recognised this fact, and consequently, between 2004 and 2012, they focused particular attention on undermining and weakening both higher and general education. The damage inflicted in the 1990s, and then again from 2004 to 2012, must now be rectified. This is precisely the central aim of the higher education reform strategy.

The concept encompasses all the essential components and avenues of the reform, including institutional optimisation, the refinement of personnel policies, the adoption of modern standards, curriculum development, textbook production, aligning higher education priorities with labour market demands, and enhancing the funding system.

Additionally, the Ministry of Infrastructure will commence work today on developing a comprehensive plan for the development of suitable infrastructure. This will involve modern infrastructure standards, with projects planned between Tbilisi and Rustavi, as well as in Kutaisi. This encompasses workspaces of modern standards, lecture theatres, scientific laboratories, libraries, cultural and sports facilities, and dormitories. We must create two small paradises for our future students.

Tomorrow, the Minister of Education will present the overall concept for general education. Education reform must be comprehensive in scope, and alongside this, the reform to be implemented within the realm of general education is of great importance. The Minister of Education will share detailed information about this with the public tomorrow,” stated Irakli Kobakhidze.