Georgia is preparing to host one of the largest international education competitions of the year, the UCMAS International Competition & World Cup 2025. The event will take place on December 6–7 in Tbilisi, bringing together more than 1,500 students from over 80 countries, along with 200+ educators and 4,000 international guests including parents, ambassadors, and educational leaders.
This marks the first time the UCMAS World Cup will be held in the Caucasus region and in Europe, positioning Georgia as a significant new host on the global education stage.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on September 25 at Swissotel Tbilisi, attended by representatives from the Georgian government, international embassies, the education sector, and media.
A Landmark Moment for Georgia and UCMAS
Speaking at the press conference, Sahar Harb, National Franchise Owner of UCMAS Georgia & Romania, welcomed guests from government, academia, and international partners, calling the event a major milestone for both UCMAS and the host country:
“It is a great honor to welcome you all today, as Georgia proudly opens its land and heart to the world. For the first time in Europe and the Caucasus region, we will host the UCMAS International Competition & World Cup 2025, welcoming 1,500 students from more than 80 countries and over 4,000 visitors.”
Harb described the event as a unique opportunity for Georgia to showcase not only its capacity to host international gatherings, but also its educational vision and cultural identity:
“This is not only a historic event for UCMAS, but also a moment of pride for Georgia, a chance to showcase our country’s hospitality, culture, and vision for education.”
UCMAS: A Global Educational Program
UCMAS (Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System) was founded in 1993 and operates in over 80 countries. The program focuses on developing children’s cognitive abilities using the abacus and mental arithmetic techniques. Over the past three decades, it has become one of the most widely recognized educational enrichment programs globally.
Harb highlighted the impact and recognition the program has received internationally:
“Since its founding in 1993, UCMAS has proven its impact globally. From receiving recognition by leading universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and San Diego California, to earning prestigious international awards, to entering the Guinness World Records for organizing the largest educational competitions in the world UCMAS has become a symbol of innovation in education.”
The program doesn’t only teach math; it also helps children develop skills such as concentration, memory, creativity, resilience, and confidence, qualities that are increasingly vital in a world shaped by digital technology and AI.
Why Georgia?
The decision to bring the UCMAS World Cup to Georgia reflects the country’s growing investment in education, youth development, and international collaboration. Harb outlined several reasons why this event carries significance beyond the competition itself:
“Hosting this World Cup is more than a competition. It is an opportunity:
- An opportunity for Georgia’s students, schools, and universities to connect with the world.
- An opportunity for our government and officials to show Georgia’s commitment to education, innovation, and youth development.
- An opportunity for our nation to welcome thousands of international visitors, boosting tourism, hospitality, and cultural exchange.”
Institutional and Diplomatic Support
Harb also acknowledged the strong cooperation between public and private institutions that made the event possible. She expressed gratitude to key partners:
- The Ministry of Education of Georgia for continued guidance
- Tbilisi City Hall for logistical and organizational support
- Georgian National University SEU, which will host the event
- The embassies of Saudi Arabia and Italy for their collaboration
- Media partners, including First TV and Palitra TV
- And the UCMAS Georgia team, whose dedication made the event possible
“This achievement is only possible with strong support and partnership.”
Harb emphasized that the upcoming World Cup will not only spotlight the UCMAS program, but also serve as a platform to introduce the global audience to Georgia’s traditions, hospitality, and educational potential:
“Our mission is clear: to show every guest not only the strength of UCMAS, but also the beauty of this country, its traditions, and its future.”
Remarks from Government and Academic Leaders
The press conference also featured remarks from Georgian officials and academic representatives.
Vasil Karseladze, Deputy Head of the Culture, Education, Sports & Youth Affairs Department at Tbilisi City Hall, underscored the importance of international academic events and expressed the city’s full support.
George Gavtadze, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Georgian National University SEU, welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with UCMAS and to host a large-scale international event on SEU’s campus.
Both speakers emphasized that hosting such events reinforces Georgia’s position as an emerging educational hub in the region.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to December begins, UCMAS Georgia is working closely with its partners to organize a smooth and impactful competition. The event will include:
- Competitive mental arithmetic rounds
- Cultural performances and student showcases
- Educational exhibitions and networking events for teachers and school leaders
“On December 6 and 7, 2025, Georgia will stand on the world stage, hosting one of the most prestigious educational competitions in history,” said Harb. “Together, we will inspire children, empower families, and show the world the future we are building in this country.”
She closed the event with a simple but powerful message that reflects the spirit of the upcoming World Cup:
“Georgia welcomes the world, Unity is power.”
