“The modern world requires more dialogue, greater mutual respect, and less ideological confrontation,” said Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili at the 16th Tbilisi Regional Forum on Sustainable Development.

According to the Speaker, the challenges facing the international community demand not predefined ideological answers, but rather the exchange of diverse experiences and perspectives, which ultimately leads to better decision-making.

“In the context of growing international political polarization, tendencies toward collective thinking, suppression of critical voices, the strengthening of ideological barriers, and reduced acceptance of pluralism are becoming increasingly evident.

We are reminded of how a single “general line” once functioned within the Communist Party system—how dissenting views were punished and marginalized. It is concerning that, on an international scale today, similar patterns can be observed in different forms.

In situations where arguments are limited, moral positioning has increasingly become a substitute for substantive debate. Moralistic and highly rhetorical approaches have, in some cases, become a dominant feature of international political discourse, including in assessments of Georgia’s foreign policy.

Georgia’s foreign policy is guided by two core domestic objectives: the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity and the improvement of citizens’ living standards. From this perspective, if morality is used as a benchmark in foreign policy, then a truly “moral” policy for Georgia is one that advances these goals, rather than one that leads the country toward conflict, war, or instability.

The results of our government’s pragmatic, realistic, and rational approach are clearly recognized by a significant part of the international community that understands the fundamental principles of international relations. Most importantly, these outcomes are visible to the Georgian people and our electorate, which reinforces the continuity of this policy and confidence that it will deliver the desired results for the country.

I am confident that this forum will further contribute to open, respectful, and substantive dialogue. The challenges facing the world today do not require predetermined ideological answers, but rather an exchange of diverse experiences and perspectives that can ultimately lead to more effective solutions,” the Speaker said.