Georgian Studies Day 2017 - “Georgia in Europe”

On 2 November 2017, the University of Westminster hosted the ‘Georgian Studies Day’ (GSD). The event marked the GSD’s 30th anniversary and discussion centered on the topic: ‘Georgia in Europe’. A near-comprehensive review of subjects pertaining to Georgia-EU relations ensued alongside the broader themes of Georgia's European history, culture, and architecture. 

The conference was opened by its co-founder and convener Dr Tamara Dragadze, who handed over to Prof Roland Dannreuther, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Westminster; and Dr John Murphy, Head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Westminster, for their introductory remarks. 

Keynote speakers were the Ambassador of Georgia to the UK, HE Tamar Beruchashvili on the subject of ‘Georgia's European Way’, and the Ambassador of Poland to the UK, HE Arkady Józef Rzegocki on ‘Georgia from the EU’s Perspective’. Mr Kakhi Kenkadze, Georgia’s Deputy Head of Mission, spoke on ‘Historic Bridges with Europe’ and Georgian Diplomatic Counsellor Ms Neli Shiolashvili addressed ‘Georgia's Legislative Harmonisation with the European Union.’ 

The ongoing partnership between Georgia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development was explored by Dr Oleksandr Pavlyuk, Associate Director and Senior Political Counsellor of the EBRD; and Professor Peter M. Lydyard and Dr Nina Porakishvili (GSD co-conveners from the University of Westminster) talked about the educational dimension of EU-Georgia cooperation. 

After lunch, the main theme was elaborated to include 'European Influence on Georgian Anthropology' presented by Dr Tamara Dragadze, partly on behalf of Prof Lia Melikishvili who was absent; 'Georgian Films in the European Film Industry Market' by Mr Jason Osborn, Director of Life Through Cinema (the London Georgian Film Festival); and 'Shakespeare and Georgian Theatre' by Ms Ketevan Japaridze. Mr Peter Nasmyth, founder of Tbilisi Heritage Group, gave a slide-show presentation on ‘European Architecture in Georgia’ to round off the thematic discussion. 

The Embassy of Georgia as one of the main organisers of the event expresses its deep appreciation to all the co-organizers and sponsors: the University of Westminster; British Petroleum; British Georgian Society; and Georgian restaurant “Tamada”.

Photo source: mfa.gov.ge

By Robert Edgar