This year, Europe Day in Telavi was an invitation to think, talk and engage with ideas that shape everyday life. At Europe Day in Telavi, visitors of all ages gathered to explore human rights, equality and democratic participation, not through lectures or leaflets, but through quizzes, games and conversation.
Across the festival, people engaged with topics that can sometimes feel abstract – they spoke about having a voice in decisions affecting their everyday lives, respecting different opinions and helping build more inclusive communities. They also highlighted the importance of creating accessible and engaging opportunities for citizens to learn about their rights and participate in public life.
Visitors also explored equality and non-discrimination, considering topics such as hate speech, harassment, racial discrimination and bullying, and reflecting on how discrimination can affect people on grounds including gender, ethnicity and age. Activities also encouraged them to reflect on freedom of expression, diversity and solidarity.
For volunteer Ana Kapanadze, the day confirmed something important about how these conversations can work. “I believe that quizzes and games are an excellent way to communicate with the general public, especially with young people. I clearly observed the keen interest with which the guests at the Europe Day event took part in the various tasks. I think this interactive format helps people gain a deeper understanding of human rights, including the right to equality, as well as the prohibition of discrimination and hate speech, through the process of play. Taking part in the Europe Day event helped me both to acquire new knowledge and to share that knowledge with others.”
The day showed that conversations about human rights and participation don't have to be distant or formal. They can start with a quiz, a game and a moment of genuine curiosity - and they can reach anyone willing to stop and engage.
The activities were organised within the framework of two Council of Europe projects: “Advancing participatory and human rights-based local democracy in Georgia”, implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024–2027, with the support of the Austrian Development Agency as part of International Partnerships Austria; and “Combating Hate Speech in Georgia”, implemented under the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme Partnership for Good Governance.
