The first stage of the competition announced under the “Be Your Country’s Young Ambassador” grant program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has concluded

This stage involved assessing candidates’ applications for compliance with the fundamental formal requirements, which entailed the submission of documents specified by the grant program and adherence to the deadlines established therein.

Members of the competition committee, composed of representatives from the Parliament of Georgia’s Committee on Diaspora and Caucasus Issues, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth of Georgia, the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, the Youth Agency, and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), discussed various organizational matters and agreed upon a schedule for candidate interviews. They also provided input on the criteria to be applied during the selection process, specifically evaluating candidates’ motivation, experience in diaspora activities, and awareness of relevant programs, as well as knowledge about Georgia and the host country.

Following the committee’s decision, the candidates advancing to the next stage - which involves individual interviews - were identified. Written notifications regarding the identities of these candidates are being sent to all participants in the grant competition.

It is noteworthy that the project has been implemented with the support of the ICMPD since 2018 and is open to Georgian citizens aged 18 to 29 who are legally residing abroad. The 2024 competition will select the fifth cohort of “Young Ambassadors.” The program aims to promote Georgia internationally, carry out actions and initiatives supporting the protection of national interests, and enhance awareness within the international community on issues including Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration, de-occupation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The program also seeks to establish a network of young foreign friends of Georgia, engage with members of the Georgian diaspora, and organize cultural and educational events.

Within the framework of the grant program, the winners selected for the next stage will implement a diverse range of cultural, creative, sports, educational, and other activities in their host countries by 31 December 2024.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to actively contribute to the country’s development by promoting the engagement of Georgian citizens living abroad.