Georgian President Mikheil Kavelaashvili said the South Caucasus should evolve into a region of stability, economic cooperation, and peaceful coexistence rather than a platform for geopolitical rivalry.

Speaking at the 16th Tbilisi Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, titled “Connecting the South Caucasus for a Sustainable Future,” the president said the event’s theme accurately reflects the geopolitical and existential challenges facing both the region and the wider world.

According to Kavelaashvili, the international order is undergoing a fundamental transformation as the world shifts from a unipolar to a multipolar system, making the future increasingly uncertain and difficult to predict.

“The sustainable and fair resolution of conflicts has become more challenging, while global peace is more fragile than ever. As a result, power, realism, and pragmatism are playing an increasingly important role in international relations.

Georgia’s current government remains committed to key priorities: peace, stability, sustainable development, sovereignty, the protection of national interests, and the pursuit of truth,” he said.

Kavelaashvili stated that the transformation of the international system accelerated following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and that Georgia subsequently faced serious challenges. He claimed that over the past several years the authorities had prevented five externally organized attempts to destabilize the country and overthrow the government.

Despite what he described as unprecedented internal and external challenges, the president said Georgia had managed to preserve peace and maintain sustainable economic growth.

“Our society has been able to critically assess global developments, maintain an objective perspective, and firmly defend its national interests. With the vigilance and support of the Georgian people, we have begun moving toward genuine sovereignty,” he said.

Kavelaashvili stressed that in a rapidly changing world, safeguarding peace and pursuing a balanced, multi-vector foreign policy are essential for the country’s survival and long-term development.

He added that these principles should also shape the future of the South Caucasus.

“The region should become not a field of geopolitical confrontation, but an exemplary space for stability, trade and economic cooperation, peaceful coexistence, and dialogue among civilizations,” the president said.

Kavelaashvili also underlined the importance of cultural identity and historical awareness, arguing that long-term national development cannot be achieved through economic progress alone.

“Physical survival and economic advancement are not enough. The long-term strengthening of the country is impossible without a deep understanding of our indigenous culture and rich history. Our past is the solid foundation upon which we must build a modern, strong, and sovereign state,” he said.

The president expressed confidence that the forum would serve as a productive platform for exchanging new ideas and perspectives that would help Georgia and the broader region address current challenges.