On May 18 of this year, from 17:00-19:00, a meeting of representatives of directors of old factories in Kutaisi was held in the assembly hall of the Association “Peaceful and Business Caucasus” (AMSK), the main goal of which was to discuss and hear opinions on stopping the Georgian-Abkhazian alienation and promoting reconciliation, with the following agenda:

1. Projects implemented by “Peaceful and Business Caucasus” in the direction of reconciliation and their results - information from Alu Gamakharia;

2. Presentation of new approaches to promoting Georgian-Abkhazian reconciliation, presenter - Lamzira Khachapuridze;

3. Specific measures to promote reconciliation. Proposals for the public wishing to be involved in the process of implementing these initiatives.

The meeting was chaired by the founder of the AMSK and the chairman of the board, Alu Gamakharia. He stated: The famous Kutaisi directors' corps, which represents a unity of people with many years of active, creative, fruitful governance experience, is a huge resource for the implementation of any specific, serious national task in the country or, at least, for facilitating the implementation of such a task. One of such important issues is the unresolved Georgian-Abkhazian, Georgian-Ossetian problem. In solving this problem, the Corps of Directors can make a serious breakthrough in such issues as: reducing the "enemy image", Georgian-Abkhazian rapprochement, and today, most importantly, stopping the process of apparent alienation between Georgians and Abkhazians and taking many other steps leading to their reconciliation. In the process of restoring Georgian-Abkhazian trust, stopping alienation and promoting reconciliation, it is necessary to involve the wider Georgian society as much as possible. This is the only way to reconciliation. Based on the experience gained in working in this direction for 20 years, the Association "Peaceful and Business Caucasus" offers the following effective forms of involvement to the society:

1. Involvement in the treatment of Abkhaz and Ossetian patients;

2. Involvement in the establishment and expansion of Georgian-Abkhazian, Georgian-Ossetian economic cooperation.

Psychologist Lamzira Khachapuridze spoke about the need to create an integrative psycho-oncology, logotherapy and rehabilitation center within the framework of the “Peaceful and Business Caucasus” initiative. She emphasized that the Center for Psycho-Oncology has been working for many years in the areas of peacebuilding, public dialogue, trust-building, social cooperation, and support for conflict-affected communities. The organization has practical experience in working with conflict-affected and conflict-affected regions (Georgian-Abkhazian, Georgian-Ossetian), where special importance is attached to the restoration of human ties, strengthening trust, supporting social stability, and developing prospects for peaceful coexistence.

As a result of many years of practical work, an important reality has emerged - conflicts and long-term social crises do not leave only political or economic consequences, they deeply affect the human psyche, health and social relations. Especially in conflict-affected societies, prolonged stress, untreated trauma, fear and loss of a sense of security, emotional exhaustion, social alienation, chronic psychological tension are often observed. The organization's activities have shown that these factors affect mental health, family systems, the course of chronic diseases, the emotional state of oncology patients, the degree of social trust, and the stability of society. At the same time, in practice it has become clear that people with serious illnesses and their families are often left without psychological support. The issue of psychological support for oncology patients and their families is particularly acute. Modern international practice already shows that psycho-oncological support, rehabilitation and a person-centered approach significantly improve: quality of life, engagement in the treatment process, psychological stability, family support, and social well-being indicators.

Based on this experience, regional practice and real needs, the AMC is coming up with a new initiative to establish an “Integrative Psycho-Oncology, Logotherapy and Rehabilitation Center” as an integrative platform for public health, mental health, rehabilitation, human support and social stability. The participants of the event expressed their readiness to actively engage in the implementation of the issues raised.

Compiled by Mayor Gvadzabia

The Association “Peaceful and Business Caucasus” (APBC), with the support of the United Kingdom/UNDP, is implementing the project “Medicine is a Bridge for Dialogue and Trust-Building”.

The project has 2 specific goals:

üGoal-1.

To provide assistance to 450 people permanently residing in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, so that they can receive highly qualified treatment in Georgian medical clinics and return satisfied and well-disposed to their own society.

üGoal-2.

To raise awareness of a healthy lifestyle, common culture and common past among at least half of the planned beneficiaries (at least 225 people) and to help them find and connect with relatives, neighbors, friends and other interesting people separated as a result of the war.