The closing event of the project "Strengthening Participatory Democracy and Human Rights at Local Level in Georgia" took place on 28 November 2023 in Tbilisi City Assembly (Georgia). The closing event "Participatory Democracy and Human Rights in Georgia - From Vision to Action!" provided a platform for local authorities, citizens, and civil society organisations to reflect on the positive impact of their initiatives on strengthening civil participation and human rights localisation.
More than 150 representatives from government, municipalities, civil society organisations (CSOs) and international organisations had the opportunity to discuss good practices, innovative mechanisms, and lessons learned on citizen engagement in local decision-making, as well as ways to uphold human rights standards. Citizens gave testimonies about the positive impact, that the project had on their lives.
Parallel to two panel sessions, an exhibition was put together, where local authorities and CSOs from 18 municipalities of 8 regions of Georgia: Bolnisi, Borjomi, Chokhatauri, Dmanisi, Dedoplistkaro, Tetritskaro, Tbilisi, Tsalka, Marneuli, Oni, Ozurgeti, Tskaltubo, Zestaphoni, Gori, Telavi, Akhmeta, Rustavi, and Ambrolauri showcased progress towards advancing citizens' participation in decision-making and protecting rights of the vulnerable groups. Innovative methodologies, recent publications on civil participation and human rights, youth engagement activities, as well as results from the information campaign "Change the scenario" were on display.
