At the initiative of the Education, Science, and Youth Affairs Committee, a presentation on the higher education reform was held at the Parliament for students.

 

The participants were addressed by First Vice-Speaker of Parliament Giorgi Volski, Chair of the Education, Science, and Youth Affairs Committee Mariam Lashkhi, First Deputy Chair of the Committee Giorgi Chakvetadze, Deputy Chair Giorgi Sosiashvili, and Deputy Education, Science, and Youth Minister Zviad Gabisonia.

 

In his address, Giorgi Volski emphasized the substantive importance of the reform, noting that amid political confrontation and propaganda, the core essence and key directions of the reform are often overlooked.

 

“Today, the reform is frequently assessed not based on its content, but on who authored it and who participated in its development. If individuals involved in the process hold different or opposing political views, a perception emerges that the reform is flawed. Nevertheless, no one can deny the fact that for the first time in our country’s history of independence, education is becoming free,” - Giorgi Volski stated.

 

In her welcoming remarks, Mariam Lashkhi highlighted two major directions of the education reform.

 

“The regions will receive new momentum, ensuring—within the framework of social responsibility—that every individual, regardless of social status or geographic location, will have access to quality higher education that meets high standards. This reform will also help address the mismatch between labor market supply and demand,” - Mariam Lashkhi said.

 

Giorgi Chakvetadze spoke about the importance of the education reform and emphasized Parliament’s responsibility in its implementation.

 

“This is a historic reform that concerns the development of a new generation and the future of Georgia. We have a responsibility to establish communication with each of you during its implementation. The reform defines seven key priorities, and the Parliament of Georgia will be actively involved in their implementation to ensure the reform’s success,” - he stated.

 

As Giorgi Sosiashvili noted in his address, Georgia has a profound historical legacy in education.

 

“We stand at the beginning of a new path. Uncertain experiments in the education system have come to an end. We are a people with a great history. At a time when even the concept of nations did not exist, Georgia already had university education in the form of the Ikalto and Gelati Academies. The key to our survival lies in quality education,” - Giorgi Sosiashvili said.

 

At the event, Deputy Education, Science, and Youth Minister Zviad Gabisonia presented the higher education reform and its main directions to the students.

 

A panel discussion was held, during which students had the opportunity to ask questions about the higher education reform to representatives of both the legislative and executive branches.

 

The event was attended by representatives of Parliament and the executive authorities, as well as students from various higher education institutions.