The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Mr. Paata Zakareishvili has met with the students, representing ethnic minorities. The meeting took place in frames of the week dedicated to the International Day for Tolerance.
The State Minister spoke about the importance of Georgia’s ethnic and religious diversity.
“International Day for Tolerance and the attitude of tolerance is critically important for Georgian society. Georgia is distinguished particularly with its ethnic and religious diversity and this diversity is the wealth which makes us proud before the world. Simultaneously, we certainly face a number of challenges and we can discuss them on this occasion,” - Mr. Paata Zakareishvili declared.
The Minister also responded to the questions of the students, in relation to the study of state language and other disciplines for ethnic minority representatives, also the current situation with regard to conflict settlement.
A number of lectures and meetings will take place in the regions under these arrangements. Political analyst Mr. Levan Lortkipanidze will give a lecture on the topic “Civic Integration and Tolerance in Georgia” with local students and senior pupils in Kakheti, Samtskhe Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions on 11th, 12th and 13th of November. On November 14, the week shall continue with multi-ethnic festival “Under One Sky” in Bolnisi.
On November 15, the State Minister Mr. Paata Zakareishvili will host a reception with invited guests – representatives of ethnic minorities, non-governmental organizations and diplomatic corps. Winners of the photo competition “Diversity of Our Country,” dedicated to to the International Day for Tolerance will be announced at the reception. The winners will be awarded with certificates and gifts.
The week runs under the arrangement of the State Minister’s Office for Reconciliation and Civic Equality.
The International Day for Tolerance is marked on November 16.