2019-04-24
We are proud of our history, and our great past, grounded precisely in education and culture, Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze stated in his speech at the opening ceremony of the Tbilisi Regional Hub of the Academy of Europe. The ceremony took place today at Tbilisi Ivane Javakhishvili State University.
Education is the shortest way to freedom and overcoming every challenge facing Georgia, the Head of Government emphasized.
The Prime Minister also discussed the educational reform and singled out the special role of science in this five-level reform.
"Under this idea of national importance, Georgia assumes responsibility to invest 6% of GDP-quarter of the budget, in fact-in education in the course of next decades. It is our message to our friends, our attitude and resolve. In this five-level reform, education plays a special role as we believe that Georgia is barely using 2-3% of its potential embodied in our meritorious and young scientists. In addition, our country's policy involves Georgia's becoming the regional hub and leader. Naturally, we see that only in combination with education and the reclamation of Georgia's status as the region's cultural center. Therefore, it is an especially emotional day for me as we are honored to open the 5th hub in Georgia," Mamuka Bakhtadze stated.
According to the Prime Minister, the opening of the Tbilisi Regional Hub of the Academy of Europe is an important step toward Georgia's return to the European family.
"I have always said, and I reiterate, that the Georgian nation's decision to return to the European family is not only a political decision. It is a value-based civilizational choice, as clearly demonstration by this day. Yes, it is through education and culture that we see the closest possible integration with our common family, Europe. Once again, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this project. I am convinced that this hub will help us advance the cooperation between Georgian and European scientists to the next level, and I am convinced that this day will mark the beginning of far-reaching scientific and technical progress," Mamuka Bakhtadze said.
The Tbilisi Region Knowledge Hub of the Academy of Europe is part of the Academia Europaea's network of regional hubs seeking to ensure the introduction of European science management achievements in national and regional decision-making, coordinated interaction with international agencies, and to encourage top-notch interdisciplinary and international scientific research, knowledge, and education.
The Tbilisi Knowledge Hub is the 5th member of the regional network of hubs of the Academy of Europe.
The Tbilisi Knowledge Hub of the Academy of Europe, as a scientific research entity at the Tbilisi State University (TSU), opened on the joint initiative of Britain-based Academia Europaea and TSU, with support from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia.
The decision to open the Regional Hub of the Academy of Europe at the Tbilisi State University was made during the annual conference of the Academia Europaea's Board of Trustees in Barcelona.
Prime Minister's Press Office