At
the invitation of Professor Karol Karski, a Polish politician and scientist,
Doctor of Law from Warsaw State University, a member of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament, and a member of the "ECR"
group ("Group of European Conservatives and Reformists" - a union of
the center-right direction in the European Parliament), a delegation from
Sokhumi State University visited Brussels from July 17-19, 2023, under the
leadership of the Rector, Professor Zurab Khonelidze.
On
the first day of the visit, the delegation paid a visit to the Georgian parish
in Belgium and met with its leader, Reverend Dositheo (Bogveradze), the bishop
of the diocese of Belgium and Holland, seeking his blessing. The high priest
warmly greeted and blessed the Rector of Sokhumi State University and the
members of the delegation. During the meeting, discussions revolved around the
life of the Georgian diaspora in the diocese and the challenges faced by
emigrant compatriots. Special attention was given to the situation of
internally displaced persons from Abkhazia.
In
bidding farewell, the Reverend addressed the Rector of Sokhumi State
University:
"Mr.
Zurab, thank you very much for visiting us. You brought us great joy. The
conversations with you were fascinating. You are a remarkably thoughtful
individual. Academics, with rare exceptions from those I know, tend to avoid
certain topics, even constructive ones. I was impressed by your level of
independence and openness. I was pleased that your delegation was mostly
represented by students rather than academic staff. I don't know, I feel like I
may have exceeded my sincerity in expressing joy. I eagerly await our next
meeting. I wish you a safe return to your homeland."
On
July 18, 2023, a panel discussion and the presentation of the book
"Georgian Paradigm of Peace" took place in the hall of the European
Parliament named after Altiero Spinelli, one of the founding fathers of the
European Union (serving as the European Commissioner from 1970-1976). The main
speaker at the meeting was the Rector of Sokhumi State University, where
discussions centered around peace processes in the South Caucasus and regional
cooperation.
"The
visit of our delegation was carried out at the direct invitation of the highest
legislative body of the European Union and with their full funding,"
shared the Rector of Sokhumi State University, expressing gratitude. "Some
of the members of the European Parliament, who were aware of Sokhumi State
University as the world's first replacement higher education institution from a
conflict zone and the innovative peace vision initiated here - 'University
diplomacy,' contacted us and requested our presence in Brussels to discuss the
South Caucasus, regional security, our vision of conflict resolution, and the
education system."
It's
worth noting that this event marked an unprecedented moment in the history of
the European Parliament, as they invited the rector of a higher education
institution to participate in a panel discussion. Professor Zurab Khonelidze's
diverse background as a diplomat involved in critical discussions and
resolutions, combined with his role as a scientist-researcher and university
manager, heightened interest. This unique combination of expertise allowed for
a comprehensive understanding of various issues and facilitated effective
decision-making.
"The
interest was very significant. They were curious about everything related to
Georgia, the South Caucasus, conflicts, and Georgia's foreign policy
orientation. I highlighted that 'University diplomacy,' as a Georgian paradigm
of peace, represents a unique Georgian idea contributing to the creation of a
new peaceful space, a novel neighborhood policy, and South Caucasus regional
security, which will be an integral part and factor of international
peace," mentioned Z. Khonelidze.
"University
Diplomacy" represents a novel and innovative idea, and European
politicians were keenly interested in understanding its essence. The author of
this innovative concept, Professor Zurab Khonelidze, provided a comprehensive
answer to this question. Additionally, he emphasized the global scientific-practical
interest in "University diplomacy" from various nations.
"I
explained to them that based on this idea, we have established a trilingual
master's program and founded a Peace Education Center, the head of which, Mr.
Levan Geradze, a member of our delegation, I introduced to the audience,"
shared the Rector of Sokhumi State University.
Furthermore,
the European Parliament members sought the insights of the Sokhumi State
University Rector regarding Georgia-NATO relations.
In
response to a pertinent question about Georgia-NATO relations, the Rector of
Sokhumi State University conveyed, "Yes, NATO is our priority." He
emphasized that Georgia, as a non-member state, is the largest percentage
contributor to the peace missions of the military-political institution.
However, he highlighted the complexities surrounding Georgia's potential NATO
membership, particularly the geopolitical challenges with Russia, which has
already occupied 20% of Georgian territory. The Rector emphasized that Brussels
is cautious about avoiding complications for Georgia while actively supporting
efforts to enhance the country's military capabilities and strengthen democratic
processes. During the conversation, Rector Z. Khonelidze drew parallels between
Georgia's historical approaches to unity and protection, citing the famous
Georgian king Davit Agmashenebeli's principles from 900 years ago. He also
delved into historical examples, such as the era of Queen Tamar and the
"Tent" initiated by the Kutlu-Arslan group. He highlighted that the
"Tent" represented an early form of parliamentary life, discussed in
Europe much later, around the end of the 13th century. The Rector of Sokhumi
State University emphasized the rich historical heritage of Georgia, pointing
out that while ancient Greece is considered the mother of democracy, Georgia
has a history of tolerance, pluralism, and publicity. He shared relevant examples
from the ancient history of Georgia that were unfamiliar to his European
counterparts. He expressed a concern about the challenges in effectively
conveying the depth of Georgia's historical and cultural contributions to
European civilization. He remarked on the need for more effective communication
to ensure that the unique values shared by Georgia and Europe are better
understood. The Rector noted that during the discussion, the European
Parliament members listened attentively to these insights.
The
author of the "Georgian Paradigm of Peace" addressed the challenging
situation in the South Caucasus and discussed the historical role of Georgia in
the region. He highlighted that Georgia was once the political and economic
center of the Caucasus but acknowledged that the current situation is different
due to various factors.
The
author emphasized that Georgia has the potential to regain its influential role
in the region, and this effort should be a collaborative one involving Europe,
the West, and other international parties with shared interests in the region.
Georgia, being a state with a pro-Western orientation while also having
historical connections to the East, needs to consider and balance the interests
of both. The author suggested that resolving the conflicts in the region
requires a joint effort that takes into account the interests of all
participants and parties interested in region. The concept of university
diplomacy, promoted by Sokhumi State University, includes the establishment of
the South Caucasian University Association. This association aims to involve
not only higher education institutions but also local governmental and
non-governmental organizations, as well as religious institutions, with its
center in Tbilisi. The initiative acknowledges that Georgia without Abkhazia is
inconceivable, although it will still exist, but Abkhazia is doomed without
Georgia. This is what the Abkhaz youth are thinking about and trying to save
the future of their people. The rector emphasized the importance of the Abkhaz
youth in envisioning a future that involves a close connection with Georgia. In
a notable event, an Abkhazian blogger addressed European deputies in the Abkhazian
language. This was an important event, because the Abkhazian language was heard
in the European Parliament for the first time", said Z. Khonelidze, marking
a significant moment in the European Parliament.
Levan Geradze,
head of the Peace Education Center of SSU, addressed the audience on behalf of
the university.
Members of the
European Parliament participated in the panel discussion: the chair of the
faction Ioanna Kocinska, member of the Caucasus Group Kostavas Zvotovski,
member of the Russia Relations Group Richard Charnetski, senior parliamentarian
Hendrik Provar, representatives of the Georgian Embassy in Brussels, dean of
the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences of Sokhumi State University, professor Irma
Dykhaminjia, SSU academic Member of the Council, Professor Nana Gulua, Honorary
Professor of Boleslaw Prus University of Humanities in Warsaw, and one of the
co-organizers of the said meeting, Mr. Giorgi Jejeia.
The visit of
Professor Zurab Khonelidze, the Rector of Sokhumi State University, to the
European Parliament marked a significant and historic moment for the
university. Professor Khonelidze is not only the first rector from Georgia but
from the world in general, to be invited to the European Parliament for a
presentation on an innovative approach in international relations—specifically
the Georgian paradigm of peace
- "university diplomacy."
This official
invitation and visit underscore the respect and recognition accorded to Sokhumi
State University by the European Parliament. It reflects the importance and
impact of the university's initiatives, especially in the field of university
diplomacy, which is gaining recognition at the international level. The
prospect of future cooperation between the European Parliament and Sokhumi
State University further solidifies the university's standing on the global
stage.
