TBILISI, Georgia – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), the George W. Bush Institute and the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC) will host the 2022 Tbilisi Conference Sept. 5 – 6 in Georgia. This year’s international conference “Slava Ukraini” will focus on Ukraine. Experts, leaders and policymakers from the United States and Europe will hold high-level discussions about Ukraine and Georgia, the future of NATO and the EU, and democracy in general, given ongoing Russian military aggression and disinformation.
The conference occurs as Russian forces still occupy over 20% of Georgian land and the Kremlin persists in nuclear and conventional sabre-rattling and meddling in the internal affairs of Eastern European counties, including Georgia. On Sunday, Sept. 4, prior to the conference, participants will travel to the occupation line to observe the conditions Georgians have been experiencing since 2008.
“Georgians know what it is like to live with a belligerent autocrat like Vladimir Putin as a next door neighbor, and they know what it is like to have his army invade your sovereign country,” said McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas. “There is no better place than Tbilisi, Georgia to discuss the future of Ukraine, the transatlantic relationship and how to shore up our efforts to defend democracy and defeat Putin’s aggressive and illegal foreign policy.”
“I’ve been involved with this conference since it was started in 2014 by Nino Evgenidze and EPRC with the McCain Institute,” said David J. Kramer, the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute. “I’m thrilled this year that the George W. Bush Institute is a partner, which reflects our great interest in Georgia and the region. Indeed, this conference underscores the enduring friendship between the people of Georgia and the people of the United States during these very challenging times.”
“We dedicated our 6th annual reunion to Ukraine. We want to honor the Ukrainian people who are defending not only their independence and sovereignty, but also the vision of a Europe ‘whole, free and at peace.’ Whatever it takes and as long as it takes, we stand for Ukraine, we stand for freedom,” said EPRC Executive Director Nino Evgenidze.
Key participants in the 2022 Tbilisi Conference, aside from Farkas, Kramer and Evgenidze, include former U.S. Ambassadors to Ukraine Bill Taylor and John Herbst, former Lithuanian foreign minister Linas Linkevicius, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kara McDonald, Ret. Gen. Ben Hodges with Human Rights First, several Members of the European Parliament, and more. This is the sixth convening of the Tbilisi Conference since 2014.
Watch the conference via livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXwZirbrsFqsvfmg7qbszog/videos
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2022
WHAT: Media availability at the line of Russian Occupation line in Odzisi
WHEN: Sunday, September 4, 1:00 p.m. GET
WHO: Tbilisi Conference participants
WHERE: Odzisi, Republic of Georgia
NOTE: Details provided upon receipt of an RSVP to [email protected] by 12:00 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 2.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022
WHAT: Day one of the 2022 Tbilisi Conference – view the agenda HERE.
WHEN: Monday, September 5, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30p.m. GET
WHO: Tbilisi Conference participants
WHERE: Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. Livestream available HERE.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2022
WHAT: Day two of the 2022 Tbilisi Conference – view the agenda HERE.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 6, 10:30 a.m. – 5:30p.m. GET
WHO: Tbilisi Conference participants
WHERE: Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. Livestream available HERE.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
Inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s legacy, the McCain Institute at Arizona State University is non-partisan and fights to secure democracy and alliances, defend human rights, protect the vulnerable and advance character-driven leadership in all communities around the world.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
About the George W. Bush Institute
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at bushcenter.org.
About the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC)
Since its inception 20 years ago, EPRC has been relentlessly pursuing its mission: to strengthen democracy, promote security and foster economic development in Georgia through policy research and analysis, advocacy and awareness raising, and capacity building. The EPRC’s mission reflects the consensus among Georgia’s Western partners that a tangible and measurable progress towards robust liberal democracy is a necessary condition for sustainable inclusive economic growth and development for achieving prosperity of the country. It is also anchored in Georgia’s status as a democratic frontline state in need of extra reinforcements for its free and prosperous future with Europe and against backsliding towards the autocratic past. Working closely with the stakeholders and building coalitions with the civil society, private sector representatives, and international partners, EPRC has evolved into a prominent champion of the country’s European future. The enduring reputation of the Center rests on its political independence and neutrality, and its demonstrated technical capacity to generate applied knowledge in response to economic and social challenges. The proven ability to deliver quality research & analysis, capacity building initiatives, high-profile events, attract global academic and political leaders, and build a domestic network of change-makers adds to the value of the organization.