"As part of the peace initiative, the Peace Fund for a Better Future, a financial mechanism, has been fully operational this year, and despite the pandemic, has successfully launched its first grant competition," Tea Akhvlediani, the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality stated.
As Akhvlediani explained, in order to promote trade and economic relations between the divided societies, 14 best business projects have already been selected, which will be financed next year.
"It is noteworthy that the fund provides grants with funding from international partners; Germany and Switzerland have already confirmed their readiness in this regard. As for the educational mechanism - as a result of post-school preparation and other programs, this year, three times more students from the occupied regions were enrolled in higher education institutions of Georgia and reached up to 400 students. The unprecedented program is accustomed to the needs of young people and provides funding for education, scholarships, and housing," Akhvlediani noted.
The Peace Fund for a Better Future has a grants program for people living in the occupied territories and the companies operating there reaching GEL 5 000 to 100 000.
Together with the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, the founders of the fund are the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Partnership Fund. The program will be implemented with the support of USAID.
