Promoting Integration, Tolerance and Awareness Program in Georgia [PITA] Final Program Report

The program, implemented from June 2015 to June 2021, was designed to promote tolerance and integration among ethnic and religious minority groups, as well as to counter anti-Western propaganda and promote Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. PITA's primary objective was to increase interaction between ethnic and religious minorities and the Government of Georgia (GOG). To achieve this, the program focused on building mechanisms for participatory interaction between the government, civil society, ethnic minority communities, and other stakeholders involved in the integration process. The program also aimed to enhance government institutions' capacity and performance in elaborating and implementing civil integration policies, as well as improve monitoring and management of ethnic minority issues. The program's second objective was to increase the level of civic engagement and integration among and between youth of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. To achieve this, PITA implemented a range of activities, including the establishment of youth centers, training programs for youth activists, and initiatives to promote engagement between youth and local and central authorities. PITA's third objective was to improve understanding of Georgia's diversity among its citizens. To achieve this, the program implemented a range of activities, including the Diversity Watch initiative, which aimed to improve respect for diversity, and the Empower Partners to Promote Diversity initiative, which aimed to promote institutional standards of equality and encourage national dialogue on diversity and integration. Throughout the program's implementation, PITA worked closely with a range of partners, including civil society organizations, government institutions, and international organizations. The program's activities were focused on promoting tolerance and integration, countering anti-Western propaganda, and promoting Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. PITA's achievements during the program's implementation period included the establishment of a range of youth centers, training programs for youth activists, and initiatives to promote engagement between youth and local and central authorities. The program also made significant progress in promoting institutional standards of equality and encouraging national dialogue on diversity and integration. The program's outcomes were also significant, with a range of indicators showing improvements in civic engagement and integration among and between youth of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. The program's efforts to promote tolerance and integration also led to improvements in respect for diversity and a reduction in anti-Western propaganda. Overall, PITA's final program report highlights the program's achievements and outcomes, as well as the challenges and obstacles faced during its implementation. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the program's activities, outcomes, and impact, and serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers interested in promoting tolerance and integration in Georgia and beyond.