The First Deputy State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Lasha Darsalia delivered a speech at the International Conference - "Second Language Learning / Teaching in the Context of Multilingual Education".

The three-day conference, hosted by Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, was organized by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, Tartu University and Center for Civil Integration and Interethnic Relations.

Its purpose was to discuss and form a single concept of opinions of local and foreign specialists on the context of multilingual education, and strategies for teaching of second language.

"This conference is very important because this topic is the direct subject of our Office. As you know, we are a multi-ethnic country and that's why the issues of multilingual and bilingual education are very important for us.

When we talk about state policy towards ethnic minorities, here we have two important components - protection of the rights of ethnic minorities and preservation of cultural identity, identity and language. These two components complement each other. Our motto - more diversity, more integration.

The study of state language and the issue of development of ethnic minority languages are central topics, so sharing experiences in this conference will benefit us and will be useful for further development of relevant policy and relevant direction," - said the First Deputy State Minister.

About 100 speakers from 17 countries took part in the conference. Georgian and foreign experts discussed such issues, as the theory and practice of multilingual education, intercultural education, language and subject integrated learning, etc.