The newly inaugurated Ukrainian House in Tbilisi marks a significant milestone in enhancing support for Ukrainian nationals living in Georgia. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ukrainian community organization “Georgian-Ukrainian Platform” with support from the Government of Germany through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
The Ukrainian House stands as a symbol of unity and collaboration, committed to supporting Ukrainian nationals who sought refuge in Georgia amidst the devastating war that inflicts unmeasurable suffering upon the Ukrainian people and has profound global repercussions.
This multifunctional space, situated in the heart of Tbilisi, will address the needs of Ukrainian non-governmental organizations and volunteer groups committed to assisting Ukrainian beneficiaries in Georgia. The Ukrainian House will serve as both a communal hub, an operational office space, and a referral point for various socio-economic services tailored for Ukrainian nationals.
In addition to its core mission, the Ukrainian House will be a focal point for cultural exchange. Its dynamic calendar of events will cater to both adults and children, fostering integration and enhancing the growth of Georgian-Ukrainian relations.
The Ukrainian House officially opened its doors on 13 September 2023, during a ceremony attended by Tanja Hutt, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy in Georgia; Oleksandr Shulha, charge d’affaires of Ukraine in Georgia; Anna Chernyshova, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Georgia, Valentina Marjanishvili, Head of the Georgian-Ukrainian Platform, and members of the Ukrainian community in Georgia.
“Germany is proud to contribute to the establishment of the Ukrainian House in Tbilisi. We are confident that this vibrant space will offer support to various Ukrainian community groups in Georgia, while actively fostering social integration,” said Tanja Hutt.
“Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has led to the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War,” Anna Chernyshova noted. “Nearly one-third of the Ukrainian population was forced to flee their homes, including more than half of all Ukrainian children. Around 25,000 found shelter, security and hope in Georgia, and UNDP, with the generous support of Germany, is committed to assisting them. We’re establishing a community space for Ukrainian civil society organizations, providing grants to entrepreneurs, and offering vital support for employment, recovery, and integration.”
“The establishment of the Ukrainian House reflects the close ties between Georgia and Ukraine,” said Valentina Marjanishvili. “This space will offer practical assistance to Ukrainians living in Georgia and will foster connections and nurture talents within our community through cultural and educational events.”
The establishment of the Ukrainian House in Tbilisi is part of UNDP’s broader efforts, funded by the Government of Germany, to support refugees and Ukrainian nationals living in Georgia. ln partnership with CARE Caucasus, UNDP boosts economic recovery and income generation for refugees and Ukrainian nationals by creating a grants programme for entrepreneurs and providing business training, employment advice, and job-matching services within Georgia’s private sector.
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Improving the Rule of Law and Access to Justice project
With US$1,627,701 in funding from Germany, UNDP implements the Improving the Rule of Law and Access to Justice project aimed at strengthening the principles of the rule of law in Georgia and enhancing resilience and access to justice for vulnerable communities. The initiative draws on collaboration with the Georgian authorities, civil society organizations, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The project also engages in regional cooperation with civil society organizations and rule of law professionals from Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine, while maintaining coordination with the German Embassy in Tbilisi.
Georgian-Ukrainian Platform:
The Georgian-Ukrainian Platform is a community organization based in Tbilisi, dedicated to promoting cultural exchange, fostering a sense of belonging, and supporting the needs of Ukrainian nationals and refugees in Georgia.
