UWC holds first-ever strategic meeting with diaspora leaders in Georgia

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) held its first official joint meeting with Ukrainian community organizations across Georgia, marking a significant step in reinforcing support systems for Ukrainians displaced by war and building stronger regional partnerships in the South Caucasus. 

Held in the capital, Tbilisi, and bringing together 15 organizations based there, as well as in Batumi, and Kutaisi, the event was co-organized with the Georgian-Ukrainian Platform and the Embassy of Ukraine in Georgia.

It was an inaugural UWC event in Georgia of that magnitude for unified dialogue with Ukrainian diaspora leaders in Georgia, signaling the start of a new phase of structured cooperation. 

Around 30,000 thousand Ukrainian refugees live in Georgia, and the country has become an increasingly important center of Ukrainian civil society abroad. 

Yet, the meeting provided a platform to access urgent needs, exchange best practices, and identify opportunities to strengthen communities. 

The discussions, in particular, focused on:

• In 2023, the Ukrainian House opened in Tbilisi, thanks to the tireless efforts of local Ukrainian activists and the Georgian-Ukrainian Platform, led by Valentina Mardjanishvili.
• Georgia has shown active support for Ukrainian refugees, offering specialized programs for children and the elderly. Today, around 500 Ukrainian citizens who fled the war reside in the country.
• A local branch of “Plast”, the largest Ukrainian scouting organization, is also active in Georgia.
• Ukrainian volunteers organize language classes, peer-led psychological support, job retraining courses, and numerous cultural initiatives.
• Approximately 30,000 Ukrainians, including refugees, currently call Georgia home — a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the diaspora.

The UWC continues to stress the vital importance of unity and long-term cooperation between the Ukrainian and Georgian communities to ensure continued support for Ukrainians living in Georgia.

The UWC extends its sincere gratitude to all Ukrainian organizations in Georgia for their unwavering commitment, hard work, and solidarity with Ukrainians across the globe.