30 years since Georgia’s independence: Challenges and progress

On 26th May 2021, Georgia will celebrate 30 years of independence. The country's road since the restoration of independence has been bumpy and full of challenges, including the Russian invasion back in 2008 which resulted in the illegal occupation of 20% of Georgian territory. Yet, at the same time, the country has made significant achievements in reforming itself, strengthening its democracy, building a free society and improving its economy.

Join this fascinating discussion with H.E. Sophie Katsarava MBE, Nick Samkharadze, and Tom Tugendhat MP, to hear about Georgia’s evolution and British support for the security of the Black Sea region.

PANELLISTS

H.E. Amb. Sophie Katsarava MBE
Ambassador of Georgia to the United Kingdom

H.E. Sophie Katsarava was appointed Ambassador of Georgia to the United Kingdom in April 2020. Prior to this appointment, she was Chair of the Parliament of Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Committee. Before becoming an MP, Ms Katsarava worked at the British Embassy in Tbilisi for many years, initially holding a position as Communications and Public Affairs Manager before being promoted to Political Officer. Having served 11 years at the British Embassy in Tbilisi, she was awarded an MBE (Honorary Member of the British Empire) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her outstanding contribution to strengthening relations between Georgia and the United Kingdom.

Dr Nikoloz Samkharadze
Chair, Foreign Relations Committee, Parliament of Georgia

Nikoloz Samkharadze is Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Parliament of Georgia. His 18 years of work experience includes five years of analytical work at the National Security Council of Georgia and later at the European Union’s Special Representative’s Office to the South Caucasus. For seven years he managed South Caucasus Integrated Border Management Programme at the United Nations Development Programme. He also served as Chief of Cabinet of the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament for four years. Dr Samkharadze's is a Professor of International Relations at Tbilisi State University and National Defence Academy. He holds a PhD in International Relations and an MA degree in European Studies.

Tom Tugendhat MP
Chair, Foreign Affairs Select Committee, House of Commons

Tom Tugendhat is Member of Parliament for Tonbridge and Malling. Before entering politics, he was a Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army. After leaving the British Army, he worked on the Army Strategy Team helping prepare for the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review and also served as military assistant and Principal Adviser to the Chief of the Defence Staff. In 2017, he was elected as a Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. In 2020, he co-founded the China Research Group.

Chair
Viktorija Starych-Samuolienė
Co-founder and Director of Strategy, Council on Geostrategy