The Diaspora and Caucasus Issues Committee heard the activity report for 2024 and the plans for 2025 of the Diaspora Relations Department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, introduced by Vladimir Konstantinidi, the Deputy Minister.

As the reporter noted, the primary update area of the Georgian diaspora basically encompasses European countries. According to his information, as of October 2024, Georgian diaspora organizations established in various legal forms are operational in 38 countries globally. Their activities primarily focus on preserving and promoting the Georgian language, culture, and traditions. This includes 115 Georgian Sunday Schools and Georgian language courses, as well as 117 Georgian folk ensembles. Additionally, based on the Patriarchate of Georgia’s decision, seven eparchies have been established abroad, encompassing 94 parishes.

The Deputy Minister dwelt on the diaspora organizations, Sunday Schools and cultural centers, also respective projects and programs. According to him, in 2024, Georgia assumed the co-presidency of the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance.

“The constituent summit of the Assembly convened in 2024. According to the decision made at the summit, in 2026, Georgia is hosting the wide-scale forum of the organization. As of present, the Alliance unifies 87 countries”, - he stated.

The reporter accentuated the further initiatives and touched upon the collaboration with various state agencies.

The discourse included legal amendments intended to enhance the diaspora policy. As previously mentioned, the state’s policy aims to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between the state and the diaspora.