The State Interagency Commission held its field session in Pankisi Gorge, chaired by the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Mrs. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili.
Representatives of the local community board, NGOs and media took part into the session as well. Mrs. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili introduced the key areas of the State Strategy on Civic Equality and Integration, noting that equality is essential principle of the strategy indeed.
“Each citizen of Georgia, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds is equal, therefore involvement in each sphere of life should be equally accessible to them; the strategy shapes such opportunities,” – the State Minister declared.
The locals reflected on current situation in the gorge, infrastructural and other types of projects that are currently in progress. They also noted that employment remains as a major challenge for the population, especially for the youth. The discussion covered other important topics, including the preservation and development of cultural heritage and education. The unique potential of Pankisi Gorge for the development of tourism was highlighted as well.
“It was a great pleasure for me to have this meeting. I am delighted that running projects and state-supported activities were underlined by locals themselves. We also received information on pressing challenges; however, the attitudes, openness and determination of the locals is another incentive to overcome the challenges in a more efficient manner,” – Mrs. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili declared.
The session of the State Interagency Commission took place with the support of the UN Association in Georgia.