Promoting Equality for Disadvantaged Groups in Georgia
Nana Chkareuli, at work with members of her IDP community to collaborate on new methods to promote equality, as discussed in the seminar.
Communities from Georgia have come together in Mtskheta Municipality for a seminar centered on the “Leave No One Behind” (LNOB) principle—a cornerstone of the Sustainable Development Goals. The event brought together civil society representatives, social service providers, community leaders, and engaged citizens to confront challenges such as extreme poverty, discrimination, exclusion, social hardships, which disadvantaged groups face in Georgia. Led by the Charity Humanitarian Centre Abkhazeti (CHCA), with support from the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), this initiative works with community-based organizations to advance the social and economic integration in their communities.
Among the participants was Nana Chkareuli, a committed civic activist from the Tserovani Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) settlement accommodating more than 6,000 people from the South Caucasus region who lost their homes. The seminar was essential in providing community members like Nana with the necessary skills and information to promote social fairness and inclusion, sparking further grassroots initiatives. Through the seminar, she discovered new strategies and networks to explore innovative approaches. Nana emphasized that community-driven support for young activists is essential for driving meaningful change. For example, providing access to non-formal education, financial literacy, and vocational training—key tools that provide economic growth and foster more inclusive communities.
The seminar introduced international practices and tools that support the participation of vulnerable groups. Participants were presented with the analysis, findings, and recommendations of the needs survey among NGOs/CSOs carried out within the UNDEF project. The objective of the survey recommendations is to ultimately strengthen regional organizations and increase CSOs’ inclusion working with vulnerable groups in developing and implementing social policies.
This seminar highlighted the significance of incorporating LNOB into local activities. “Ensuring that everyone feels included in the advancement of the community is essential to creating a democratic society… where everyone, regardless of background, can contribute to and gain from social growth by emphasizing the inclusion of various groups,” said Nana Chkareuli.
Nana Chkareuli in a discussion with a young activist.
