AGP Executive Report

UN Map Vote: The UN General Assembly adopted the “Correct the Map” resolution backing Equal Earth-style projections that show Africa’s true relative size; the US voted no, while Georgia abstained alongside several others. Tbilisi–Abkhazia Dialogue: A new opinion piece argues Georgian-Abkhaz peace policy is stuck in mistrust and drift, calling for clearer steps like recognizing Abkhaz as indigenous and addressing the “Law on Occupied Territories.” Protests in Tbilisi: For the 648th straight day, demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue renewed calls for Eurointegration and prisoner releases, with animal-rights activists also demanding an end to stray dog “extermination” and the release of Tamaz Elizbarashvili. Culture in Tbilisi: The State Silk Museum opens Eva Seiler’s SPINSTERHOOD (Sept 10–Oct 8), linking mulberry trees, silkworms, labor, and technology through sculptures and spatial installations. Court & Rights: Tbilisi City Court allowed Russian activist Denis Kulanin to leave Georgia for a third country within seven days, rejecting extradition to Russia. International Culture: Azerbaijan’s religious figures from Türkiye, Georgia, and Iraq visited Baku’s Alley of Honor and Alley of Martyrs, marking shared historical memory.

Court & Rights: Tbilisi City Court allowed Russian activist Denis Kulanin to leave Georgia for a third country within seven days and rejected extradition to Russia, after his pardon and a long legal fight. Protests & Civic Life: In Tbilisi, the 38th “Saturday march” under “Georgia against Ivanishvili” drew renewed calls for EU integration, new elections, and the release of detained protesters. Animal Rights & Activism: Animal rights supporters staged actions in front of government buildings and at Parliament, demanding the release of Tamaz Elizbarashvili and an end to what they call stray-dog “extermination.” Regional Dialogue: A Tbilisi opinion piece argues Georgian-Abkhaz dialogue is stuck in mistrust and drift, with peace policy lacking a clear framework. Culture & Community: Azerbaijan showcased its music, dance, and cuisine at a national minorities festival in Sokolov, with Georgian and other delegations also taking part. Global Cartography: Georgia abstained as the UN backed “Correct the Map,” pushing wider use of equal-area projections to show Africa’s true size more fairly.

UN Cartography Debate: Georgia abstained as 164 countries backed a UN resolution to “Correct the Map,” promoting the Equal Earth projection that shows Africa’s true size and makes Europe and North America look smaller; the U.S. voted against, calling it ideological. Cultural Calendar: Silknet presents the Tsinandali Festival for the eighth year at the Tsinandali Estate, with 23 classical concerts over 10 days and a special program tied to Georgia’s 1,700th anniversary of Christianity as the state religion. Regional Tensions: Georgia accused Turkey of pressuring it over Adjara, saying Ankara’s demands amount to unacceptable interference in internal affairs. Sports & Talent: Arsenal are reportedly close to signing 17-year-old Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili, with a contract expected soon and a move planned for next summer. Arts & Film Industry: The Venice Film Festival faced backlash over the Russian-linked project “DAU,” as Ukraine criticized the selection and the director defended his stance. Travel Lifestyle: Wingie reports autumn travel demand across MENA is shifting toward culture-led city breaks and shorter “micro-cations,” with Tbilisi among rising destinations.

UN Cartography Shake-Up: The UN General Assembly backed the “Correct the Map” push, voting 164–1 to promote the Equal Earth projection that shows Africa in more accurate proportions, while the US voted no and Georgia abstained; the change is already sparking debate over how maps shape education and perceptions. French Map Shift: France’s foreign ministry says it will drop the Mercator projection for a more proportionate alternative, echoing the same “correct the view” argument. Georgia Health News: The Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug givinostat is set to arrive in Tbilisi early next week, with officials saying preparations and training are already in place. Animal Rights Case: Tbilisi court ordered pre-trial custody for animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili after prosecutors charged him over alleged threats, following a hunger strike after detention. Culture & Community: Silknet’s Tsinandali Festival returns for its 8th year at the Tsinandali Estate with 23 classical concerts over 10 days, including a special program tied to Georgia’s Christianity anniversary.

Tsinandali Festival: Silknet-backed Tsinandali Festival opened at the Tsinandali Estate for the 8th straight year, with 23 classical concerts over 10 days and a special nod to Georgia’s 1,700th anniversary of Christianity as the state religion. UN Cartography Debate: The UN General Assembly voted 164–1 to promote the Equal Earth map projection, pushing back against the Mercator view that makes Africa look smaller; Georgia abstained. Adjara-Turkey Tensions: Georgia accused Turkey of pressuring it over Adjara, alleging growing Turkish influence in the region’s business and institutions. Animal Rights Case: Tbilisi court remanded animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili in pre-trial detention over alleged threats, after he began a hunger strike. Duchenne Drug Update: Georgia’s health ministry says givinostat for Duchenne muscular dystrophy will arrive in Tbilisi early next week. Archaeology in Tbilisi: Excavations on Rustaveli Avenue uncovered medieval ceramic artifacts and what may be a 10th–12th century pottery workshop. Armenian Culture in Georgia: Armenia’s “Days of Armenian Culture” are set to begin Oct. 7 in Georgia, marking the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. Sports & Culture Crossover: Arsenal are reportedly close to signing 17-year-old Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili, with a move planned for next summer.

Archaeology in Tbilisi: Excavations on Rustaveli Avenue uncovered medieval ceramic artifacts and what experts believe was a 10th–12th century pottery workshop, possibly linked to the “Garetubani” suburb. Health & Families: Georgia’s Health Minister says the Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug Givinostat is arriving in Tbilisi at the beginning of next week, with doctors trained and a patient registry ready. Cultural Diplomacy: Armenia’s Culture Days will run in Georgia from October 7, kicking off with a gala concert and an exhibition of Yervand Kochar’s works. Media & Civic Life: Factor TV received a 2026 Free Media Award for independent, fact-based reporting in Armenia. Courts & Rights: Tbilisi City Court ordered extradition of Mikhail Timofeev to Russia, while Russian-born activist Denis Kulanin was not deported to Russia and was given seven days to leave Georgia. Public Space & Development: Tbilisi approved changes to allow a new café/restaurant project on a riverfront recreational plot tied to Bidzina Ivanishvili’s family. Legal Case Update: Animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili was ordered held in pre-trial detention in a threats case.

Rare Disease Care: The Ministry of Health says Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug Givinostat is set to arrive in Tbilisi at the start of next week, with doctors trained and a patient registry already in place. Legal Drama in Tbilisi: Prosecutors released CCTV and formally charged animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili with threats after a restaurant confrontation, alleging he returned armed and tried to enter; he also launched a hunger strike while in custody. Migration & Activism: Russian-born activist Denis Kulanin, recently pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, will not be deported to Russia and has seven days to leave Georgia for a third country. Culture & Craft: The Hajji Baba Club named Cosima Stewart and Adela Foo 2026–2027 research fellows, spotlighting Georgian and regional weaving traditions through archival work and field research. Music in Georgia: Germany’s National Youth Orchestra (Bundesjugendorchester) performed in Tbilisi with Georgian pianist Giorgi Gigashvili and conductor Mirian Khukhunaishvili, pairing Rachmaninoff, Kancheli, and Mussorgsky/Ravel. International Hospitality: PASHA Real Estate and Marriott signed a multi-property deal, including a Le Méridien hotel planned in Tbilisi.

International Documentary Spotlight: Bishkek hosts the II International UmutDoc Festival (Sept 10–14), built around the “kurak” patchwork concept, with competitive Georgian-included screenings plus master classes and pitching sessions. Georgian Arts & Music: Tbilisi welcomed Germany’s Bundesjugendorchester (Sept 1–2), featuring Rachmaninoff, Kancheli, Mussorgsky/Ravel and the Georgian premiere of Kordz’s Piano Concertino. Human Rights Under Scrutiny: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office has summoned 11 people for questioning in the death investigation of human rights defender Lazare Jorbenadze, after authorities said suicide was “unequivocally confirmed” but public doubts were raised. Legal Pressure & Activism: Animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili faces charges over alleged threats after a restaurant confrontation in Tbilisi. Culture, Business, and Film: Azerbaijan’s culture ministry met bp to expand museum and exhibition support and plan historical film cooperation, with an invitation to Baku’s intercultural dialogue forum.

Legal Rights & Deportation: Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) urged authorities to stop the deportation of Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, arguing his return could mean political persecution and ill-treatment; Kulanin was pardoned last week but placed in migration detention. Political Accountability: Prosecutor’s Office says it will question jailed former PM Irakli Garibashvili, opposition figures, and others after his remarks about the “real cause” of death of ultra-conservative commentator Lazare Jorbenadze. Education Costs: New data puts Georgia’s average private preschool cost at 821 GEL, with kindergartens ranging 500–1,250 GEL monthly and private school tuition averaging 16,693 GEL annually. Culture & Community: Alpha Xi Delta broke ground on a new 12,000 sq ft chapter house at the University of Georgia, set to finish by fall 2027. Arts & Lifestyle: A short-drama tourism trend is booming at Hengdian World Studios, where visitors pay to star in their own historical productions.

Rustaveli Avenue Rehab Watch: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze says the Rustaveli Avenue renovation won’t be extended, after a brief pause for 10th–11th century archaeological finds; underground utility upgrades are still on track to finish by end of November. Human Rights & Deportation: Amnesty International urges Georgia not to deport Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin to Russia, warning of a real risk of imprisonment and ill-treatment, and calls for a safe third-country option. Animal Rights Under Pressure: Animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili has started a hunger strike after detention, alleging police violence and persecution tied to a dispute involving Imedi TV staff. Civic Culture & Public Space: A new push for public art and community-facing events continues to shape local nightlife and weekend plans, with arts programming highlighted across the region. Vocational Education for Agriculture: Minister Davit Songulashvili toured the Swiss Agricultural School Caucasus and local processing sites in Kvemo Kartli, stressing practical training and strengthening Georgia’s agricultural value chain. Digital Trust & Manipulation: Myth Detector reports 434 AI-generated inauthentic pro-government profiles, pointing to coordinated activity around sensitive domestic issues and Georgia–Russia historical narratives.

Animal Rights & Protest: Georgian animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili has started a hunger strike after detention and police searches tied to alleged threats and firearms charges, with his lawyer alleging assault during the raid. Online Culture & Safety: Georgia Harrison is pushing for a “social media kill switch” style change, calling for immediate removal of non-consensual intimate images instead of the current 48-hour takedown window. Digital Trust: Myth Detector says it found 434 inauthentic, likely AI-generated pro-government social media accounts, linked to coordinated campaigns around sensitive domestic issues and Georgia–Russia historical narratives. Education & Mobility: Tbilisi proposes deeper education cooperation with Turkmenistan, including a possible Georgian university branch, student study pathways, and an education fair. Urban Culture: The Tbilisi “Rike Tubes” modernist arts complex demolition continues, reopening debate over what the city builds—and what it later tears down. International Spotlight: A Georgian-linked case also keeps attention on Denis Kulanin, with supporters staging an action demanding he be allowed to leave Georgia for a third country.

Arthouse Cinema: CICAE’s 23rd Arthouse Cinema Training wrapped its biggest-ever edition, bringing 58 participants from 25 countries and four continents together for a seven-day push on exhibition, inclusion, and freedom of expression. Fashion & Identity: Copenhagen Fashion Week spotlighted INSTITUTION’s debut, “YAD,” a fashion story of belonging and memory that features Georgian-made jorabs. Sports & Culture: Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli was confirmed for the Springboks–All Blacks Test in Johannesburg, adding another international spotlight on Georgian sports professionals. Education Policy: Georgia begins mandatory school uniform sales for first-graders today, with purchases via cashless payments at 83 points or online through formebi.emis.ge. Religion & Life: Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III urged restraint in medical intervention at life’s end, framing death as a spiritual “third birth” in a sermon at Sioni Cathedral. Public Debate: Tbilisi continues to host protests tied to Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, with supporters demanding he be allowed to leave Georgia for a third country. Urban Heritage: The “Tbilisi Tubes” demolition story keeps fueling debate over urban tensions and alleged corruption.

School Life: Georgia starts mandatory school uniform sales today for first-graders, with purchases via 83 designated points or the online portal formebi.emis.ge; cashless payments only, and delivery handled by Georgian Post. Education Rights: Georgia’s delegation joins a Geneva session backing free public preschool and general education under a UN Convention on the Rights of the Child protocol, stressing education as a right for every child. Church & Society: Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III urged “reverence” at the bedside of the dying, warning against excessive medical intervention and calling death a transition to eternal life. Protests & Migration: In Tbilisi, supporters protest outside the Migration Department demanding Russian activist Denis Kulanin be allowed to leave for a third country after his pardon—yet court steps are still blocking departure. Culture & Literature: German-Georgian writer Nino Haratischwili wins the Winfried Prize for defending European values and freedom against Russian imperialism, with the ceremony set for Sept. 13. Regional Tourism: Adjara reports a strong summer season with over 2 million visitors and highlights plans to boost mountain and business tourism, including events around Goderdzi.

Pardon, then detention: Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin—pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili—remains stuck in Georgia’s Migration Department, with a court decision now required before he can leave, despite a ticket to a third country and a lawyer’s push for voluntary departure. Human drama: Activists plan a rally at the Tbilisi detention center demanding a safe exit. Culture & Europe: Georgian-German writer Nino Kharatishvili (born in Tbilisi) has been named the 2026 Winfried Prize laureate for defending European values and freedom against Russian imperialism, with the ceremony set for Sept. 13 in Fulda. Education & tech: GWSB and Georgian National University SEU launch a dual master’s in AI for Business starting this fall. Public life in Georgia: In Batumi, protesters rallied for the deportation of a restaurant owner accused online of cruelty to stray dogs; the Interior Ministry has opened an investigation. Regional shock: A bus crash on the Georgia–Moscow route in Russia’s Stavropol region killed six and injured dozens, including children.

Road Safety & Tragedy: A passenger bus traveling from Georgia to Moscow crashed with a truck in Russia’s Stavropol region, killing at least six (including reports of children among the injured) and prompting Georgian consular assistance. Protests & Public Life: In Tbilisi, demonstrators marked another day of rallies near parliament and city hall, calling for political prisoners’ release and Euro-integration. Culture & Literature: Georgian-German writer Nino Kharatishvili received the Winfried Prize 2026 in Fulda for her advocacy of Europe and resistance to Russian imperialism. Education & Tech: GWSB and Georgian National University SEU launched a dual master’s in AI for Business starting this fall. Sports & Identity: Merab Dvalishvili’s name surfaced again in UFC coverage after a Shanghai main event featuring a major upset. Tourism & City Life: Batumi Botanical Garden reported a 10% visitor increase and plans for updated digital services and new routes. Animal Rights Tensions: Batumi saw a rally demanding the deportation of a restaurant owner accused online of cruelty toward stray dogs, while authorities opened an investigation. Faith & Travel Narrative: Commentary on Pope Leo XIV’s Europe travel strategy highlighted a shift toward “the periphery of the faith,” with Georgia mentioned in the broader papal travel context.

Pro-European Protests: Tbilisi’s continuous “Saturday March” hit day 641, with protesters in front of parliament and Tbilisi City Hall calling for the release of political prisoners and a return to Euro-integration, while also raising concerns about emigration. Human Rights & Deportation: Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili and held in Tbilisi’s Migration Department, ended a dry hunger strike after learning his foreign passport’s whereabouts, as his deportation case continues. Culture Spotlight: Georgian artist Merab Surviladze is profiled for his shadow-painting practice in Brussels, framed as a long, stubborn path from Tbilisi to art life. Sports & Talent: Arsenal reportedly agreed a deal for Georgian wonderkid Andria Bartishvili, with a medical planned and an official move expected after he turns 18 in 2027. Tourism in Batumi: Batumi Botanical Garden reports a 10% jump in visitors, with plans to upgrade infrastructure and add new tourist routes.