LAGODEKHI. 9 October 2023: On 6 and 7 Oct., hundreds of young people gathered in the picturesque town Lagodekhi, in eastern Georgia, to promote human rights, equality and inclusion, climate-smart growth, and Georgia’s European ambitions.
The European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme, and Lagodekhi Municipality presented the People & Planet Festival. This festival conveyed a powerful message on the importance of individual and collective action in shaping a sustainable, humane society that puts people and planet first. The event focused on the active participation of youth in shaping their country’s future.
The event also highlighted the substantial support provided to Georgia and its people by the European Union, highlighting several flagship EU funded initiatives undertaken in partnership UNDP.
“At UNDP we believe that by empowering youth, we are sowing seeds for a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future for everyone. We are working hand in hand with our national partners and the European Union to reach out to all regions of Georgia, to inspire positive changes and to amplify voices of Georgia’s young people,” said Anna Chernyshova. In Georgia.
“The European Union is committed in supporting Georgia’s path towards sustainable development. By engaging the youth and focusing our attention on human rights and climate change, we are nurturing a new generation of leaders that will bring positive changes for people and planet,” said Daniel Rackowski. Attache for Civil Society and Democracy, Delegation of European Union to Georgia.
The People & Planet Festival featured a variety of engaging activities, such as outdoor games for children, a photography workshop for young artists, and a Human Rights Talk centered around the right to an education, presented by renowned Georgian public figures including:
* Lado APKHAZAVA, a teacher in the Guria Region, was recognized as one of 10 finalists for Global Teacher Prize, and the first recipient the National Teacher Prize.
* David Gorgiladze is a well-known writer, journalist and TV host.
Leli Blagonravova is a renowned photographer known for her documentary and editorial work.
The Lagodekhi People’s Theatre wowed the audience with a puppet show entitled “How Words can Harm,” which featured endearing puppets who conveyed important lessons about data privacy and digital safety.
The event culminated with a Boccia game played by athletes who have physical disabilities. Two outstanding teams from the municipalities of Lagodekhi & Sighnaghi showcased their unique sports talents, inviting audience members to celebrate inclusion & demolish stereotypes.
The People & Planet Festival gathered together decision-makers, civil society representatives, private sector representatives, and local communities. The event was hosted, along with the EU and UNDP representative, by Jondo Mdivnishvili and Nino Battiashvili of the Lagodekhi Municipality. H.E. Vesselin Petrov Vakanov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Georgia, Marcos Granados Gomez Charge d’Affaires ad Interim of the Kingdom of Spain in Georgia, Niko Tatulashvili Human Rights Advisor for the Prime Minister of Georgia, Lia Gigauri First Deputy State Ministry for Reconciliation and Civil Equality, Nikoloz Popiashvili Chief of Staff of the Personal Data Protection Service along with other officials.
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