During his speech at the event commemorating Zurab Zhvania's 60th anniversary, the Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, emphasized that Zurab Zhvania played a pivotal role in shaping the foundations of the new Georgian democracy, both in terms of legislation and parliamentary oversight.

Mr. Papuashvili noted that Zhvania made substantial contributions to the development of the parliament, parliamentary practices, politics, and the state, all within a remarkably short period of time.

"I was contemplating how to begin this address in a formal manner. In fact, we have all generations of Georgia's recent history represented here in this hall, both in terms of age and politics. When one looks at the Parliament of Georgia's hall, it's as if our 30-year history unfolds before our eyes. Over these 30 years, there has been much that has united us and much that has divided us. Georgia has faced numerous challenges, so first and foremost, I would like to address Reverend Daniel, the representative of the Patriarchate. I believe this is symbolic because our church has consistently been a unifying force during various periods. When we talk about Zurab Zhvania, his role in this regard is also remarkable. While I was at the Poka St. Nino Nunnery, I happened to hear about his contributions to the church, including this monastery, and it had a profound emotional impact. I extend a warm welcome to all distinguished guests. Today, we are truly brought together by Zurab Zhvania and the respect we hold for him. He would have turned 60 today. It's challenging to fathom that the individual who left behind such a significant political legacy departed our country, Georgian politics, and society at the tender age of 41. He was only 31 years old when he assumed the role of Chairman of the Parliament. In an incredibly short period, he made an immense contribution to the formation of the parliament, the development of parliamentary practices, the field of politics, and the state. This is precisely why, today, on behalf of the Parliament of Georgia, we will posthumously honor him with the Parliamentary Order of Freedom", - Shalva Papuashvili stated.

According to him, Zurab Zhvania had to be in politics during difficult times.

"During that time, we were truly a post-Soviet country, navigating post-Soviet politics—a nation in the process of becoming independent. This period was marked by turbulence, civil war, internal conflicts, and numerous instances of Russian aggression, particularly in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. We also grappled with economic collapse. In the midst of all these challenges, Zurab Zhvania emerged as one of the central figures in Georgian politics. He played a pivotal role in shaping Georgian political thought and ideology, not only in the realms of politics, law, and economics but also as a pioneer in the field of environmental protection in Georgia through the "green movement." His foresight was evident in this area as well. He recognized the challenges facing not just our country but the entire world, and he addressed topics that are now central in politics, such as environmental protection. He focused on these issues even during his early involvement in politics and gave them special attention. Zurab Zhvania's contribution was truly exceptional. He served as a member of parliament in three different convocations and held the position of Chairman of the Parliament in two of them", - Shalva Papuashvili stated.

According to him, the beginnings of the new Georgian democracy were formed during the chairmanship of the Parliament of Zurab Zhvania, both in terms of law-making and parliamentary supervision.

“We fondly remember Zurab Zhvania's unique role as the Chairman of the Parliament and the vibrant discussions that took place within the Parliament of Georgia. Many of the topics he addressed were groundbreaking in Georgian politics and continue to be relevant today, especially in light of our integration with Europe. We are faced with new and challenging issues, both socially and economically, that require careful deliberation and resolution. During his time, there were numerous critical issues that demanded the consolidation of society and political courage to steer Georgia in the right direction. This generation of politicians abolished the death penalty in Georgia and guided our country into becoming a member of the Council of Europe. Their efforts, along with Zurab Zhvania's leadership, underscored the idea that being Georgian means being European. Today, it holds symbolic significance as we approach the European Council's decisions, reaffirming the undeniable truth that Georgia is indeed a part of Europe, and we eagerly await these decisions. We should also acknowledge that politicians like Zurab Zhvania, throughout the last 30 years of our independence and even during the First Republic of Georgia, as well as our honorable ancestors from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including figures like Sulkhan-Saba, Pharasmanes II the Valiant, all demonstrate one consistent theme when we look at our history. That theme is what inspired Zurab Zhvania to declare that Georgia is the creator of Europe. Our contributions have played a crucial role in shaping Christian European culture, European democracy, and the broader European identity. The First Republic of Georgia, for instance, made significant strides in universal suffrage and women's active and passive electoral rights. Georgia was one of the first countries where a Muslim woman was elected to a representative body. Throughout our history, Europe has been an integral part of our identity. While the definition and composition of Europe may have evolved over time – from the Hellenistic world to Rome and other cultures – we have consistently been part of the Europe of that era. For this generation of politicians, the Council of Europe symbolized Europe, and membership in the Council of Europe, as an independent state, marked our formal integration into Europe. Today, the European Union represents the embodiment of Europe, and it is only natural that we aspire to be part of this family. Our historical claim and right to belong to this Europe are undeniable. I am confident that Europe will make the appropriate decisions in this regard. On this special occasion of celebrating Zurab Zhvania's 60th birthday, it is important to reflect on his exceptional contributions to Georgia, the Parliament of Georgia, and the development of Georgian parliamentary practices. It is astonishing to think about how a young person, at the age of 31, was able to instigate such profound changes in Georgian politics. Although he left us at a young age, Zurab Zhvania's legacy in the form of parliamentary democracy and Georgian democracy at large is immeasurable. I would like to once again express my deep respect for the memory of Zurab Zhvania", - Shalva Papuashvili remarked.

During the event, Zurab Zhvania (posthumously) was honored with the Parliamentary Order of Freedom in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the development of parliamentarism.

The Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, bestowed the award upon Zurab Zhvania's wife, Nino Kadagidze-Zhvania.

The event was attended by members of Parliament and invited guests.