On 17-18 August 2019 the launch of the EU funded project “Armenian-Georgian Platform for Policy Development” was held in Batumi, Georgia. The joint seminar of the Yerevan and Tbilisi Schools of Political Studies addressed such topics like fight against corruption, tourism for economic growth and non-discrimination.

The participants were welcomed by H.E. Mr. Piotr Antoni Świtalski, Ambassador, Head of the European Union Delegation to Armenia, Mr. Armen Zakaryan, Founder and Director of the Yerevan School of Political Studies and Mr. Armaz Akhvlediani, Founder and Director of the Tbilisi School of Political Studies.

Ambassador Świtalski mentioned that both countries are facing serious challenges connected with the reform agenda. “There is a lot to exchange, a lot to discuss and to learn from each other. You will be preparing your recommendations, your visions and we want this platform to be a platform for elaborating ideas. Two countries have a lot of common agenda. I am very grateful to the two Schools for taking up the initiative”, stressed Ambassador Świtalski.

A frank, candid and open exchange of views between guest speakers and participants was held which brought to informal and constructive dialogue.

In order to establish a sustainable network and platform for dialogue and exchange YSPS-TSPS joint event will be followed by regular Group Meetings in Armenia as well as in Georgia. During YSPS-TSPS Group Meetings documents will be developed that will comprise step by step actions and recommendations required in order to support fight against corruption, tourism for economic growth and non-discrimination. The cooperation between participants from different sectors will promote fact-based, objective and professional approach. In order to provide first hand information for the broader public about the results of the action, a conference will be organized in Armenia to present the outcomes of the “Armenian-Georgian Platform for Policy Development” project.

The project is implemented by the Yerevan School of Political Studies in cooperation with the Tbilisi School of Political Studies. Yerevan and Tbilisi Schools of Political Studies belong to the Network of the European Association of the Schools of Political Studies.