Locations64 Students Across 21 Educational Institutions Embark on a Journey of Excellence in Agriculture and Environmental Studies with Support from UNDP, Sweden, and Switzerland
Green and Agro Scholarships Programme Nurtures Agricultural and Environmental Leaders in Georgia
December 21, 2023
Photo: UNDP Georgia/Vladimir Valishvili
In a stride towards fostering sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, UNDP and the Environmental Information and Education Centre (EIEC), with support from Sweden and Switzerland, are implementing the Green and Agro Scholarships Programme across various Georgian universities and vocational schools. The scholarships cover a diverse range of areas in agricultural and environmental studies, enabling students to excel academically and engage in research projects.
On 19 December, 64 students from 21 educational institutions received their scholarship certificates for the 2023/2024 academic year from representatives of Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, UNDP, the Embassy of Sweden to Georgia, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
"It is important for us to champion environmental and agricultural professions. In our commitment to this cause, we actively work with the Ministry of Education. Today, we granted 64 green and agro scholarships to students from universities and vocational colleges, aiming to inspire interest in these professions. Furthermore, we are offering students internship opportunities at the Ministry and its affiliated agencies, presenting a pathway to future employment. This initiative serves to address the existing professional shortages within both environmental and agricultural fields."Otar Shamugia, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia
"Sweden supports climate awareness and environmental education to help Georgia build a successful, competitive, and climate-smart economy.”Erik Illes, Head of Development Cooperation/Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden
“Today’s students will drive Georgia’s European path and sustainable development. An investment in their education is the best investment in the country’s future.”Anna Chernyshova, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Georgia
“Switzerland is pleased to support students of agricultural professions, especially vocational students, to raise their professionalism contributing to the advancement of Georgia’s agriculture in a modern economy.”Lela Mamrikashvili, Inclusive Economic Development Officer at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
The Scholarship Programme had a successful start in 2022 with Green Scholarships made available in eight Georgian universities focusing on environmental and climate studies, including ecology, hydrology, geology, energy, mineral resources management, sustainable development and environmental policy.
Building on this success, UNDP and EIEC have expanded their support to students pursuing agricultural professions. The 2023 edition of the Scholarship Programme introduces both Green and Agro Scholarships, now encompassing nine universities and 12 vocational colleges in the Ajara Autonomous Republic, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Imereti, Mtskheta-Mtianseti, Samegrelo, and Shida Kartli.
The participating educational institutions in the 2023 programme include:
- Samtskhe-Javakheti State University (Akhalkalaki)
- Shota Rustaveli State University (Batumi)
- Akaki Tsereteli State University (Kutaisi)
- Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (Tbilisi)
- Ilia State University (Tbilisi)
- Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (Tbilisi)
- State Technical University (Tbilisi)
- Sokhumi State University (Tbilisi)
- Jacob Gogebashvili State University (Telavi)
- College “Opizari” (Akhaltsikhe)
- College “Horizon” (Chokhatauri)
- College “Gantiadi” (Gori)
- College “Aisi” (Gurjaani)
- Kaspi College (Kaspi)
- College “Iberia” (Kutaisi)
- College “Modus” (Marneuli)
- College “Tetnuldi” (Mestia)
- Ilia Tsinamdzghvrishvili College (Mtskheta)
- College “Phazisi” (Poti)
- College “Prestige” (Telavi)
- College “Lacada” (Tsalenjikha)
The Green and Agro Scholarships draw on the resources provided by UNDP’s two ongoing programmes: the Swiss-funded support for vocational education and training, and the nationwide climate programme funded jointly by the Green Climate Fund and the governments of Georgia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Media Contacts:
- Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org
- Ira Sulava, UNDP, +995 599 579105, irine.sulava@undp.org
- Mariam Bidzinashvili, UNDP, +995 511 169397, mariam.bidzinashvili@undp.org
- Nana Chinchilakashvili, MEPA, +995 599 502619, nana.chinchilakashvili@mepa.gov.ge
