In face of global challenges, Georgian President highlights unity, culture as Georgia’s greatest resources

In an annual address to Parliament regarding the state of the nation, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Tuesday stressed that, amid global challenges, national unity was paramount, and Georgia’s most valuable resource was its unique and distinctive culture.

In his remarks, the President highlighted that the values, traditions, and cultural consciousness developed over centuries had shaped the Georgian people into a unique cultural phenomenon.

“Over centuries, the values and traditions we created and reflected upon have shaped the Georgian people as a unique cultural phenomenon. Moreover, Georgian culture plays an invaluable role in enhancing the country’s global recognition. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone contributing to this effort”, Kavelashvili noted.

He further emphasised that sports served as another strong unifying factor for the Georgian people and thanked the Prime Minister for prioritising the development of sports.

“In recent years, sports achievements have become a significant source of national unity. Prominent Georgian athletes showcase our country to the world through their international successes, bringing joy to fans and creating unforgettable moments. We have Olympic champions and other athletes who have repeatedly brought recognition to our country, and I would like to extend my greetings and gratitude to them”, the President said.

“It is also important that the Prime Minister designated sports development as a national priority, for which I am grateful. Alongside sports development, promoting ‘development through sport’ - encouraging a healthy lifestyle - is equally essential”, he continued.

Kavelashvili added that integrating sports into everyday life and applying this approach across different sectors improved public health and protected young people from harmful influences.

“I cannot overlook this issue. During my time in Parliament, we conducted several studies through the Sports Committee, including investigations into past governmental mismanagement. Among other findings, it became clear that young people must know that the Sports University was abolished, sports infrastructure was destroyed, and for seven years there was a shortage of sports teachers in schools. Many teachers had to combine sports with other subjects, such as physics, history, and Georgian language, which was ineffective. Research conducted with health organisations showed that Georgia ranked among the highest in Europe for mortality from non-communicable diseases at that time”, the President pointed out.

“The current Government has addressed this. Alongside the Prime Minister, we have discussed these issues extensively. Today, multifunctional sports facilities are being opened across the country, responding to the urgent need to rebuild infrastructure, encourage active lifestyles, and increase the number of young people engaged in sports. Expanding access to sports infrastructure is crucial for raising healthy, educated, and competitive youth who can match their peers in developed countries”, he added.

Kavelashvili concluded by emphasising that culture and sports played a vital role in enhancing Georgia’s global recognition, fostering national unity, and strengthening identity.

“Therefore, it is our responsibility to support and develop these sectors to the fullest extent”, he stressed.