Georgian Parliament Speaker highlights “critical importance of peace” in International Day of Peace message

Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, on Wednesday highlighted the “critical importance of peace” both within the country and globally in his message for International Day of Peace. 

In a Tbilisi event organised by the Office of the State Minister of Georgia for Reconciliation and Civil Equality, the official acknowledged the “complex and tumultuous state” of the world, noting “in today's complex world, many bloody conflicts are taking place”. 

He also expressed concern over the ongoing challenges in the South Caucasus region, saying "unfortunately, the situation in our neighbourhood is also difficult - there is an arc of fire of conflicts around us”. 

Papuashvili specifically highlighted the continued occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) by Russia and noted diplomatic efforts aimed at “establishing and maintaining peace” were of “utmost importance”.

The Speaker also elaborated that “true peace” was “not merely the absence of conflict” but also included establishment of a “safe and fair environment characterised by mutual respect, understanding, trust, and prosperity”. 

He reiterated the Georgian Government's “commitment” to peace initiatives designed to “strengthen relationships and restore trust” among societies divided by war and conflicts.

The Parliament Speaker claimed efforts were underway to improve the socioeconomic conditions of populations affected by conflicts, “ensuring a better future for them”.

Reflecting on the “tragic consequences” of past conflicts, he stressed "we do all this because we remember the experience of the past and its tragic consequences - dead people, torn families, many destroyed and abandoned houses, shattered dreams”. 

In this context, the official emphasised the need to “build a future rooted in reconciliation, unity, mutual understanding, and fruitful cooperation, allowing all citizens to live peacefully and with dignity”.

Papuashvili further reaffirmed the Government's “full support” for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, noting “reconciliation is an integral part of the road to peace”. 

We must choose dialogue over disagreement, compassion over indifference, cooperation over confrontation”, Papuashvili added. 

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, the official highlighted “this long and difficult path is essential for forming a united and strong society”. 

Highlighting the importance of dialogue, Papuashvili expressed confidence in the politics of diplomacy and engagement, while also voicing a vision for future generations to live in a “peaceful, integrated, and European Georgia - a nation where citizens do not live in fear or tension but feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute to the country's progress”.

He also stressed the “vital role” of young people in peacebuilding efforts, expressing gratitude to those present at the event who had “actively contributed” to restoring trust and reconciliation between war-divided societies and caring for the conflict-affected population.