AGP Executive Report

Duchenne Care & Community: Parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and supporters held a “March of Gratitude” on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, ending symbolically at the Chancellery, after talks that will set up a working group focused on medicine provision. Language & Identity: Russian Language Day celebrations in central Tbilisi’s Pushkin Park drew protests, with activists calling it “unacceptable” amid restrictions on Georgian language in occupied regions. Travel & Culture Spotlight: A Kuwaiti carrier Jazeera Airways launched a limited-time summer sale (up to 30% off) that explicitly markets trips including Tbilisi and Batumi, tying travel to “feel it” cultural experiences. Sports & Lifestyle: A Georgian “feast for the senses” travel feature highlights Georgia as a destination for food, wine, and cultural immersion, including the traditional supra. Regional Politics Watch: A Russian activist in Georgia alleges State Security recruitment attempts while detained; Georgia’s penitentiary service denies the claims.

Sports & Culture Spotlight: Pavel Dailidko defended his BRAVE CF heavyweight title with a quick first-round stoppage of Miha Frlic in Ljubljana, adding another headline for Georgia-linked combat sports fans. Protest & Rights: Russian activist Vladimir Dubovsky says Georgia’s security service tried to recruit him while he was held in Tbilisi’s Gldani prison; Georgia’s penitentiary service denies the claims. Abkhazia in the Courts: Russian court sentenced Abkhaz MP Kan Kvarchia to 10.5 years in absentia, calling it politically motivated amid a dispute tied to 2025 opposition actions. Lifestyle & Travel: A travel feature highlights Georgia as a “surprise” destination, mixing Tbilisi contrasts, hiking, wine tastings, and the traditional supra feast. Community & Development: Georgia’s municipal development fund is reported to be rehabilitating Tbilisi Public School #50, a cultural heritage monument. Arts & Music: Batumi is set to host the 19th Black Sea Jazz Festival dedicated to Miles Davis, with TBC Concept involved in festival partnership efforts.

Tbilisi Education & Heritage: The Georgian Municipal Development Fund is rehabilitating Tbilisi Public School #50 in Mtatsminda, a building with national cultural-heritage monument status. Black Sea Culture & Tourism: NEXT, Archi and Swissôtel have officially launched the Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort project, a major new premium development on the Black Sea coast. Arts Lab in the Region: Armenia’s hosq will host Notations Lab 2026 (“Rituals”) in Yerevan (July 20–31), followed by a public festival (Aug 1–2) featuring 65 artists across disciplines. Music & Media: CBC’s “In the Key of C” spotlights Georgia Harmer and other Ontario acts, with AHI’s FIFA fan anthem “Chosen” featuring Wyclef Jean. Sports Youth Spotlight: Georgia is set to play in the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket, Division C 2026 in Malta (July 7–12), with the tournament including Georgia, Kosovo, Malta and more. Community & Lifestyle: A Tbilisi protest backed an Iranian activist reportedly detained by Georgia’s immigration service, with supporters calling for protection from deportation.

Armenian Election Stakes: Armenia heads into its June 7 parliamentary vote as voters weigh Nikol Pashinyan’s push to keep moving toward the EU against a stronger pro-Russia alternative, with both Moscow and Brussels watching closely. Cultural & Civic Life in Georgia: The Georgian Municipal Development Fund is rehabilitating Tbilisi Public School #50 in Mtatsminda, a national cultural heritage monument—an education story with real local impact. Human Rights & Displacement: The UN General Assembly adopted Georgia-backed resolutions on the return rights of IDPs and refugees from Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, with 107 countries supporting the text. Music in Batumi: Batumi announced the 19th Black Sea Jazz Festival (July 10–12), dedicated to Miles Davis’s 100th anniversary, with headline acts including Eric Benét and Ghost-Note. International Spotlight on Georgian Wine: VinePair published “The 17 Best Wines from Georgia,” highlighting Georgia’s winemaking heritage and modern producers after a U.S. media visit tied to National Wine Day.

Black Sea Jazz in Batumi: The 19th Black Sea Jazz Festival returns July 10–12, dedicated to Miles Davis’ 100th anniversary, with the Miles Davis Centennial Celebration (M.E.B.), Eric Benét, and Ghost-Note, plus after-parties at Take 5. Sports & youth: Georgia is set to compete in the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket Division C in Malta (July 7–12), grouped with Kosovo and Malta in Group A. Sustainability at home: UNDP highlights World Environment Day work across Georgia, from solar-powered care and rainwater irrigation in Khobi to circular economy efforts with local communities and businesses. Culture & literature: Burgas hosts the third Black Sea International Literary Festival (June 5–7), featuring Georgian poet/journalist Eka Kevanishvili and other regional authors. Wine spotlight: US outlet VinePair publishes “The 17 Best Wines from Georgia,” featuring Georgian winemaking history and qvevri traditions after a National Wine Agency-supported tour. Faith & heritage: Romania’s Orthodox Church canonizes Gabriel of Georgia (Urgebadze), a fool for Christ, with annual commemoration set for Nov. 2.

Para Sports: Uzbekistan dominated day one of the World Para Taekwondo Grand Prix in Rome, adding multiple golds at Foro Italico. Workplace Rights: A Black payroll specialist at a Hormel plant in Georgia alleges discriminatory, retaliatory firing tied to race, age, and wage-record concerns. Youth Tradition: The US Naval Academy’s Herndon Climb marked the end of plebe year for the Class of 2029, with local high school grads among participants. Georgia Culture & Faith: Romania’s Orthodox Church canonized St. Gabriel of Georgia (Urgebadze), adding him to its 2026 calendar. Music in Batumi: TBC Concept backs the 19th Black Sea Jazz Festival (July 10–12), with a Miles Davis centennial tribute and regional line-up. Duchenne Campaign: Parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Tbilisi say they’ve reached a “victory” after talks with PM Kobakhidze on access to specific medications via a working group. City Life & Work: TBC-supported M25 premium offices opened in Mtatsminda, pitching a modern work-life setup with wellness spaces and a planned high-end restaurant.

Independence Day & Faith: Georgia’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Davit Songulashvili attended Independence Day celebrations at Freedom Square, linking freedom with unity, peace, and the significance of the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity in Georgia. Contemporary Music: Tbilisi hosted the Maiklang Festival, presented by Goethe-Institut Georgia, turning the city into a “laboratory” for contemporary songwriting and listening. Classical Exchange: The Polish Baltic Frédéric Chopin Philharmonic made its Tbilisi debut, staging a Baltic–Caucasus cultural dialogue at the Opera and Ballet Theater. Jazz in Batumi: TBC Concept announced the 19th Black Sea Jazz Festival (July 10–12) in Batumi, dedicated to Miles Davis’ 100th anniversary. Sustainable Living: Repair & Reuse Day returns to Tbilisi on June 14, with a Repair & Makers Zone, a Green Entrepreneurs Market, recycling drop-offs, and kids’ repair workshops. Business & Work Life: TBC-backed M25 opened in Mtatsminda, offering premium offices plus wellness facilities and plans for a high-end restaurant. Air Quality Upgrade: Georgia is expanding its atmospheric monitoring network with new automatic stations, supported by EU and UN programs.

World Bank Boost for Georgia’s Transit Role: The World Bank approved a $372 million TC-GATE project to modernize Georgia’s rail freight and key road segments, cut logistics bottlenecks, and support reforms—aiming to directly benefit 900,000 people and strengthen the Middle Corridor. Tbilisi Summer Life for Families: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze says registration for 54 municipal summer nurseries opens June 8 online, running through July for up to 19,500 children aged 2–6. Health Rights Meet the State: Parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy met Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, pressing for access to four specific treatments and a clear timeline; officials said discussions were productive and another meeting is expected. Culture & Sport in the Spotlight: Batumi opened Georgia’s first Youth Olympic Festival with about 1,200 athletes in 17 sports, while wrestling promotion RAF announced its first international event in Tbilisi on July 11 featuring Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo. Business Meets the Black Sea: eVoost signed an exclusive international commercialization deal with Mardi Holding for Batumi projects Mardi Hills and Mardi Aquapark, using AI for sales and lead qualification.

Sports & Youth: Batumi hosted Georgia’s first Youth Olympic Festival opening on June 3, with about 1,200 athletes from across the country competing in 17 sports, as Adjara officials and the PM backed the event’s role in youth development. Infrastructure & Economy: The World Bank approved $372 million for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor upgrade (TC-GATE), aiming to modernize rail and key road segments, cut logistics costs, and strengthen Georgia’s Middle Corridor role, with benefits expected for 900,000 people. International Wrestling: RAF announced its first international event outside North America—RAF 9 in Tbilisi on July 11—featuring Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo at Tbilisi Arena, plus other major matchups. Digital Policy: Tether says it will invest in Georgia and launch GEL₮, a lari-pegged token, as the government embraces the “digital world” push amid transparency concerns. Culture & Lifestyle: Georgia marked National Wine Day with events culminating in a gala celebrating 8,000 years of winemaking, while Tbilisi also saw new wine-focused openings.

Georgian Wine Culture: National Wine Day wrapped with a gala at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, celebrating the 8,000-year story of Georgian winemaking and the “Birth of Wine” performance. Heritage Restoration: Rehabilitation has started at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral, with scaffolding going up as the roof, bell tower, walls, and frescoes face further risk from damage and rainfall. International Arts & Education: British International School Tbilisi says it has invested 2.3 million GEL in scholarships since 2023, supporting 26 students. City Life & Lifestyle: Archi and NEXT announced the Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort project, with pre-sales and an on-site presentation set for June 3. Community & Faith: Tbilisi City Hall reports restoration works are underway at Sioni Cathedral, while a U.S. State Department delegation continues meetings in Georgia with political and religious leaders. Global Spotlight: A major international investigation alleges medical neglect in U.S. ICE detention, with detainees describing untreated conditions and denied medications.

Georgian Wine Culture: National Wine Day wrapped up in Tbilisi with an international conference and a gala at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre celebrating 8,000 years of winemaking, underlining wine as a core part of Georgian identity. Heritage in Focus: Restoration has begun at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral, with scaffolding installed as the roof, bell tower, walls, and frescoes face renewed risk after rainfall; the Tbilisi Development Fund will rehabilitate the affected parts by October. Arts & Lifestyle: Archi and NEXT announced a premium Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort project in Kobuleti, mixing hotel, residences, wellness, dining, and children’s entertainment for a new Black Sea lifestyle destination. Local Community: Archi also hosted a Children’s Day event for its “little Archi” residents, with games, face painting, and interactive activities. Culture Meets Science: An international conference in Tbilisi discussed the “Scientific Research of Georgian Vine and Wine Culture” program and Georgia’s long-running wine research legacy.

Stalin’s Wine Vault Unsealed in Tbilisi: Georgia has opened Josef Stalin’s 40,000-bottle collection for the first time, with plans to auction rare French and Georgian wines and fund a wine education school. Art & Identity in Tbilisi: TBC Concept Gallery is hosting Natela Grigalashvili’s solo show “Whither Are You Flying, O Cloud? The Fereydani Trace: Four Centuries Later,” tracing the Fereydani Georgians’ language and longing across centuries. AI Policy Training in Tbilisi: Associate Professor Christian Turner trained faculty and staff at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs on AI use and helped shape an AI governance framework for the university. Music Festival Across Borders: Armenia’s “Sail of Hope” bard festival returns for its 12th edition near Lake Sevan, featuring singer-songwriters from Georgia and neighboring countries. Regional Spotlight: Azerbaijan and Georgia defense ministers met in Georgia, discussing deeper military cooperation and educational ties.

Tbilisi Art & Identity: TBC Concept Gallery opens Natela Grigalashvili’s solo show “Whither Are You Flying, O Cloud? The Fereydani Trace: Four Centuries Later” (June 6–Sept 15), tracing the Fereydani Georgians’ centuries-long memory through language and exile. Wine Heritage, With a Twist: Georgia has unsealed Stalin’s hidden 40,000-bottle wine vault in Tbilisi, with plans to auction the collection and fund a wine education school. Sports Spotlight (Georgia in Europe): The FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries 2026 is set for June 23–28 in Kosovo, with Georgia in Group A alongside Albania and Malta. Black Sea Lifestyle & Real Estate: A Swiss-inspired Kobuleti resort-hotel-residential complex is slated for presentation and pre-sales on June 3, promising sea-view apartments and lifestyle amenities. Culture Calendar: Tbilisi’s Independence Day festivities and citywide public events are highlighted, alongside a growing run of arts programming.

Stalin’s Secret Wine Vault: Georgia has opened a long-hidden underground cellar tied to Josef Stalin, revealing about 40,000 rare French and Georgian bottles after decades out of public view. Church & Diplomacy: Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III marked Pentecost with a sermon on the Holy Spirit, while the U.S. Embassy in Georgia shared details of a State Department meeting with him focused on faith and reconciliation. Culture & Design: Prix Versailles named 16 standout restaurants for 2026, spotlighting how architecture and atmosphere shape dining experiences. Travel & Business: Visa opened its first business lounge powered by Visa at Kutaisi International Airport, adding a premium travel stop with local cultural design touches. Arts & Film: Georgian director Giorgi Kharebava says cinema is “above all emotion,” speaking ahead of the Golden Linden festival jury role. Security & Society: Georgia’s State Security Service announced arrests of a Georgian citizen on espionage charges, raising fresh questions about foreign influence networks.

Pentecost in Tbilisi: Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III marked the feast with a sermon on the Holy Spirit, urging believers to preserve its “light” and become a “temple of God.” Church diplomacy: The U.S. Embassy in Georgia shared that a State Department delegation met Shio III on May 27, stressing shared Christian values and the Church’s role in reconciliation and national unity. Cultural life & travel: Visa opened its first “Business Lounge Powered by Visa” at Kutaisi International Airport, blending modern design with local heritage and offering free access for eligible Visa Premium cardholders. Arts & film: Georgian director Giorgi Kharebava said cinema is “above all emotion,” reflecting on his early start in Tbilisi and what makes a film memorable long after viewing. Local culture spotlight: Tbilisi hosted a show celebrating sculptor Rusudan Gachechiladze’s life, adding to the city’s ongoing arts calendar. Community reading: Georgia’s library scene keeps summer learning going, with events themed around dinosaurs, paleontology, and archaeology. Sports & youth: Batumi’s European Women’s Championship saw 15-year-old WFM Anastasiia Hnatyshyn extend a perfect 5/5 start to take sole first place. Security & rights: Georgia’s State Security Service announced arrests on espionage charges, naming journalist Irakli Chikhladze and pro-Russian activist Gulbaat Rtskhiladze.

Business & Tourism: Visa opened its first “Business Lounge Powered by Visa” at Kutaisi International Airport, with 270 sqm of spaces for relaxation, work, kids and dining, welcoming Visa Premium cardholders from May 29. Film & Culture: Georgian director Giorgi Kharebava says cinema is “above all emotion,” sharing how he learned discipline in filmmaking and what he’s currently developing. Azerbaijan/Regional Culture: The Golden Linden festival in Bulgaria is set to spotlight new European cinema, with Kharebava on the international jury. Food & Hospitality: Tbilisi Gastro Week 2026 (May 31–June 7) returns in partnership with Studio Liberty, featuring international chefs, wine culture events and Kakheti tours. Wine Heritage: A new enoteca opened at “Wine Factory No. 1” in Tbilisi, preserving up to 20,000 bottles aged over 200 years, including historic collections. Sports & Youth: Batumi’s European Women’s Championship sees 15-year-old Anastasiia Hnatyshyn surge to sole first with a perfect 5/5 start. Community & Lifestyle: Georgia’s Independence Day festivities and city events continue to shape the weekend cultural calendar.