With the support of the German Government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Ukrainian House in Tbilisi marked its first year of providing a vital space for Ukrainian refugees and the local community.
The anniversary event brought together Ukrainian refugees and representatives from the German and Ukrainian Embassies, UNDP, UNHCR, CARE Caucasus, civil society, and international organizations. The celebration also featured an arts and crafts exhibition by Ukrainian artists and artisans.
Nils Christensen, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Georgia, addressed the participants and guests with welcome remarks.
“The Ukrainian House is more than a service hub—it’s a welcoming space offering a home away from home,” he noted. “Over the past year, thousands, including women and children fleeing the war, have received the support they need.”
Representatives from the Georgian-Ukrainian Platform highlighted the achievements of the Ukrainian House over the past year, while CARE Caucasus shared the results of an entrepreneurship support programme, which provided funding, consultancy, and technical assistance to nearly 40 refugee entrepreneurs, primarily from Ukraine,
“Germany is proud to support Ukrainian refugees as they rebuild their lives with courage and resilience,” said Esther Lena Wagner, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy to Georgia. “The Ukrainian House in Tbilisi offers a much-needed platform for socio-economic services tailored to Ukrainian nationals. In the face of a devastating war, this space symbolizes unity and cooperation between nations. As Ukraine’s largest supporter in Europe, the people of Ukraine can build on Germany’s support in the long term. We will remain by Ukraine’s side.”
Since opening in September 2023, the Ukrainian House has welcomed up to 4,000 visitors, hosted more than 150 cultural and social events, and provided a diverse range of services, including language courses, psychological consultations and therapy, art and drama classes, and thematic workshops. Additionally, it has set up a referral system for Ukrainian refugees to access socio-economic services provided by state agencies and civil society organizations.
The Ukrainian House offers free workspace to Ukrainian non-governmental organizations and volunteer groups supporting Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. It also serves as a centre for cultural exchange, fostering integration and strengthening Georgian-Ukrainian ties.
Background Information
Support for the Ukrainian House in Tbilisi is part of the ‘Improving the Rule of Law and Access to Justice for All’ initiative, funded by the German Government and implemented by UNDP. Through this US$1.6 million project, UNDP and Germany enhance the capacities of Georgia’s rule of law institutions and promote legal empowerment and socio-economic resilience among disadvantaged communities.
