The
University of Warsaw's law professor, a friend of Georgia and a supporter of
our university Dr. Karol Karski was named an honorary doctorate by Sokhumi
State University on September 27, 2024.
The
Diploma of the Honorary Doctor reads: “In recognition of notable contributions
to the advancement of international law and social sciences, fostering
scientific, diplomatic, and peaceful relations both between Georgia - Poland,
and Georgia - EU as well as popularization of the creator of the new university
mission – Sokhumi State University -to be awarded the title of Honorary Doctor
of Sokhumi State University”.
The
event traditionally started with the national anthems. Professor Zurab
Khonelidze, the rector of Sokhumi State University, opened the meeting with the
words:
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Today,
on September 27, we remember a tragic day in our country's history -the fall of
the beautiful Georgian city of Sokhumi. I want to pay tribute to all the heroes
and those who gave their lives for the cause of liberation from occupation. Although
we cannot host our esteemed guest in Sokhumi today, this situation is only
temporary. We will certainly return to Abkhazia. I believe that people should
not dwell solely on the past; while it’s important to acknowledge it, we must
also look ahead. This belief is why we at Sokhumi State University have created
a Georgian peace paradigm, aimed at fostering peace in Georgia and the South
Caucasus, and rebuilding trust among Georgians, Abkhazs, and Ossetians. This is
essential for the unification of our homeland.
Today, we welcome a valued guest, a friend
of our university and Georgia: a professor from the University of Warsaw, a
former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, and a former member of the
European Parliament. While I’m not aware of his specific obligations to our
country, I do know that he stands firmly behind Georgia, its territorial
integrity, and our European aspirations across various fields - be it academic,
domestic or foreign policy in Poland, as well as in the diplomatic arenas of
the European Union. I personally extend my gratitude to Dr. Karol Karski for
his invitation and the financial backing from the European Parliament, which
allowed our university delegation to undertake a highly successful visit in July 2023. During this visit, we were able to present both Sokhumi State
University and our peace initiative, "University Diplomacy," to
European politicians and members of the European Parliament. He actively
encouraged the leaders of European states to engage with this concept and learn
more about "university diplomacy." I believe this was a significant
form of support that emphasized the distinctiveness and mission of our
university. On behalf of myself and everyone here, I would like to thank Dr.
Karol Karski, now an honorary doctor of Sokhumi State University, who considers
our educational institution his native.
Professor
K. Karski expressed his gratitude to the Rector of Sokhumi State University,
Chairman of the Academic Council Professor Zurab Khonelidze, Head of
Administration Professor Davit Jalaghonia, Speaker of the Representative
Council Associate Professor Nino Tophuridze, the University’s Academic Council,
and the faculty for the trust and respect they have shown him.
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“It is a tremendous honor and a significant responsibility for me to be named
an honorary doctor of Sokhumi State University. This institution carries a rich
history and cherished traditions. Georgia, which has part of its territory
occupied by Russia, fully embraces European values. I am confident that this
occupation is temporary, Sokhumi State University will eventually return to Sokhumi,
and Georgia will become a member of the European Union—it is inevitable. We are
all part of the same world. I take great pride in the development here of the
Georgian peace paradigm - university diplomacy - which offers a unique
perspective on contemporary international relations by integrating diplomacy
with education. I want to affirm that I fully endorse all the principles of
"university diplomacy," and my understanding of international
relations is grounded in this concept. Once again, I sincerely thank you for
today’s celebration and assure you that I will be a steadfast supporter and
ambassador for Sokhumi State University at Warsaw University in Poland,"
said Professor K. Karski.
Professor
Karski’s personality and the relationship between Georgia and Poland were
discussed by the head of the Department of International Relations and
Intercultural Relations, Associate Professor Indira Dzagania, along with Levan
Geradze, director of the SSU Peace Center, and Associate Professor Irma Dikhaminjia,
dean of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, as well as university
students. The event, was attended by academic staff, administration members,
and Sokhumi State University students. The folklore ensembles of SSU also
performed.
