Meeting with Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Held Within the Framework of First Demographic Forum

Caucasus International University Rector Kakhaber Kordzaia, head of CIU Scientific Research Department Sesili Gogiberidze and Acting Dean Vladimer Macharashvili attended the meeting held within the framework of the first demographic forum at the Patriarchate of Georgia.

Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, His Holiness and Beautitude Ilia II, incumbent of Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri), Giorgi Zviadadze and other clergymen attended the meeting from the side of the Patriarchate.

Representatives of Georgian parliament, government, universities and social organizations attended the meeting held at the Patriarchate. Dimitri Khundadze, the first Deputy Chair of Health Care and Social Issues Committee and the supervisor of the first demographic forum made the main presentation at the meeting.  The deputy analyzed the ongoing demographic processes in Georgia, presented statistical data and implemented projects by the authorities during the last 4 years.  In addition, he placed emphasis on new initiatives.

“We have been working really hard during the last 4 years and managed to positively change the demographic situation in our country. Birth rate has increased considerably in 2014-2015, and abortions, mortality rate has decreased. However, the problem is very big and it requires large-scale approach. We have worked out a political document – a concept of demographic security and are waiting for its implementation by government. The masses should be involved in this process. The first demographic forum is aimed at engaging and consolidating public in order to jointly solve the number one national problem after territorial integrity of Georgia”.

Zakaria Kutsnashvili, member of parliamentary majority, Vazha Lortkipanidze, president of the Democrats Association, famous doctor Davit Gagua and Rector of Caucasus International University Kakhaber Kordzaia addressed the public at the meeting.

Tamar Chiburdanidze, Chairman of the Demographic Revival Fund, who led the meeting, later contacted Georgian emigrants from Spain and Sweden. Archimandrite Luca and the little Georgians of his Sunday school from Barcelona greeted Catholicos-Patriarch and Forum participants. In addition, Lela Kukhianidzeis Ensemble “Nerges” addressed the audience from Sweden. “We will return” - small Georgians residing abroad sad goodbye to forum participants with these words and a special musical performance and congratulated Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia on his 40^th anniversary of the enthronement.

Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia thanked the participants of the first demographic forum and Georgian emigrants for their visit, blessed them and congratulated on coming Christmas and New Year:

The demographic condition of the country is a problem of each and every Georgian and we have to nurture jointly about the solution of the problem. A number a measures have been taken, but more practical steps both from the authorities and the society are required.  Every citizen has to realize the problem that we face. I want to bless Georgians living abroad and wish them to return to their homeland soon. I bless you and all Georgia. We wish you a lot of children, the merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”

The demographic forum was welcomed and congratulated by the incumbent of Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia, Metropolitan Shiom (Mujiri). He asked the universities and organizations to talk about family values often, because one of the main reasons for the demographic problems is the decrease in family values.

The first demographic forum organizes various events during ten days and is dedicated to the 40^th anniversary of the enthronement of Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia. The concluding event will be held on 19December in the Parliament of Georgia.