Caucasian Journal to host the Nordic Talk on waste management

31.08.2022 (Caucasian Journal). If you agree that waste management problems are quite important for South Caucasian region, you are cordially invited to attend our Nordic Talk on September 2 (in Zoom format). See details below.

Our discussion is entitled "How to maximize the impact of the Nordic experience in waste management? Case of Nordic cooperation with Georgia and Armenia”.

What is a Nordic Talk? Nordic Talks is a series of live talks and podcasts addressing the biggest global challenges. "Through conversations with some of the brightest minds in the Nordics and their counterparts from around the world we want to inspire each other to act – for a better, more sustainable future", - reads the official description.  

We are proud that our new Nordic Talk will be the first one to involve two countries if our region - Armenia and Georgia. Caucasian Journal's partner in Armenia is  American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment. The first Georgian-Norwegian Nordic Talk, organized by Caucasian Journal,  took place a year ago. It was focusing on clean energy education (link).

The agenda and speakers are as follows: UPDATE: Video is already viewable - click here.

How to maximize the impact of the Nordic experience in waste management? Case of Nordic cooperation with Armenia and Georgia

Vision 2032: The South Caucasus in 10 years

06.08.2022 (Caucasian Journal) What is "Vision 2032"? Recently Caucasian Journal decided to contact some top leaders of civil society and business to ask about their vision of our region in a 10 years perspective, and what can be done to ensure the future would be brighter🙂

The answers that we are receiving are "Vision 2032". You are welcome to share your own vision, and to read what other decision-makers think.

To answer our 3 simple questions, just download them from here, and send to CJ by email or via our social channels. You may also add your answers below as comments. 

Our questions:

- My country could be a real paradise on Earth, if…

- What must be done – and what I can do…

- Shall we still need borders between our 3 countries in 2032, or shall we follow the EU’s model?

Answers Zaza Bibilashvili, Founder, the Ilia Chavchavadze Center for European Studies and Civic Education, Founding partner, BGI Legal:

1. My country could be a real paradise on Earth, if…

…if Georgians had a better historical memory, making the nation more resilient when facing recurring external threats and leading to more rational daily and political decisions by the citizenry.

…if Georgians could manage to unite for common cause and rid our country of toxic Russian interference in our public life, designed to fuel polarization, flare anti-Western sentiments and shake the public’s trust in the future of this country. 

Ambassador Hubert KNIRSCH: "Georgians are a brilliant color on the European palette"

02.08.2022 (Caucasian Journal) Our guest today is His Excellency Hubert KNIRSCH, the Ambassador of Germany to Georgia.

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of CJ: Your Excellency, welcome to Caucasian Journal.  We know that your diplomatic service term in Georgia is about to finish, but sometimes the journalists believe such moments are even better for an interview. Your time in Georgia coincided with some turbulent developments both in Georgia and internationally. From a personal standpoint, have you enjoyed working in the middle of such turbulence, or would you prefer a stable and more predictable diplomatic routine?

Hubert KNIRSCH: My work here was based on the old and strong friendship that exists between Georgia and Germany. Friendship is not only for celebrating success together, but for helping each other in overcoming difficult times and reaching high objectives. I do not mind when life become intense, but I would have wished to see a greater sense of responsibility in the political and the media elites, more focus on the issues instead of the daily quarrels.

AK:  The ambassador’s work has many dimensions; how did you set your own priorities?  How do you evaluate the overall efficiency of your work in Georgia generally, and along separate dimensions such as political, economic, cultural? My apology if this requires a somewhat lengthy answer.