On the International Day of Peace, the Georgian Parliament Speaker, Shalva Papuashvili, emphasized the vital importance of peace both in the country and worldwide.

“Promoting peace and harmony is a shared responsibility among governments, now more than ever,” he stated during the “Youth for a Better Future” event.

Highlighting the challenges facing Georgia due to ongoing conflicts, Papuashvili remarked, “The situation in our neighbourhood is precarious, with an arc of conflict surrounding us and the occupation of our two regions—Abkhazia and Tskhinvali—continuing. In this context, diplomatic efforts, dialogue, and reconciliation are essential. Peace encompasses more than the absence of conflict; it includes a safe and just environment grounded in mutual respect, understanding, and trust.”

He further noted that the Georgian government prioritizes initiatives aimed at fostering peace and restoring trust among societies divided by war. Significant efforts are underway to improve the socio-economic conditions of conflict-affected populations and to secure a better future for them.

“We undertake these efforts with a clear remembrance of the past—the loss of life, shattered families, destroyed homes, and broken dreams. In acknowledging this history, we must forge a future founded on reconciliation, unity, and cooperation, where all citizens can live peacefully and with dignity,” Papuashvili stated.

“Reconciliation is a crucial pathway to peace. We must confront the painful realities of our past, share in each other’s suffering, and cultivate a dialogue that allows our wounds to heal,” he declared, reaffirming the government’s steadfast commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.

“Choosing dialogue over discord, compassion over indifference, and cooperation over confrontation is essential. Although this journey is challenging, it is the only path to building a united and resilient society. Our guiding principle must always be dialogue. We believe in a politics of diplomacy and engagement, intending to enable future generations to thrive in a peaceful, integrated, and European Georgia—a country where they feel secure, valued, and empowered to contribute to its progress.”

Papuashvili underscored the significant role of youth in this process, thanking the young individuals present for their contributions to building peace and restoring trust among divided communities. He congratulated them on their achievements and encouraged their continued efforts.

He extended gratitude to the Georgian State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality for organizing the event, which was also attended by various dignitaries, including the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, the Chairman of the Temporary Commission for the Restoration of Territorial Integrity and De-occupation, Thea Akhvlediani, and Didier Trebucq, the Permanent Coordinator of the United Nations in Georgia.