On
March 15, 2021, Sokhumi State University had the honor of hosting His
Excellency Enrico Valvo, the new Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador
of Italy to Georgia, along with Maya Jijava, President of the Georgian-Italianeducational non-governmental organization "Minerva."
The
distinguished guests were welcomed by Professor Zurab Khonelidze, the Rector of
Sokhumi State University and President of the International Academy of
Education, and Professor Indira Dzagania, Head of the Service of International
Relations and Intercultural Connections at SSU.
During
the visit, Ambassador Valvo explored the recently renovated university
facilities, including the library, open spaces, newly equipped auditoriums, and
laboratories.
The
Rector provided an insightful overview of the university's history and
introduced the concept of University Diplomacy—a novel approach to
international relations and diplomacy. This innovative model, described as the
"new Georgian paradigm of peace," signifies a qualitative shift in
addressing not only Georgian but also global issues. The fusion of the
qualities of a university and diplomacy has given rise to a groundbreaking
paradigm, "from theory to action," forging a distinctive form of
international relations and diplomacy known as "University
diplomacy."
Addressing
the historical significance of the South Caucasus, a region of enduring
interest for Italy, the Rector emphasized a unique perspective: viewing the
Caucasus as a cultural-civilizational unity. In this conceptual framework, the
South Caucasus is envisioned as a unified regional space comprising sovereign
states, maintaining perpetual geostrategic significance. While serving as a
shared home for constituent countries and peoples, Georgia stands out from a
historical and moral standpoint. It holds the potential to shape the destiny of
both itself and neighboring states through a harmonious reconciliation of
global, regional, and national interests, thereby playing a pivotal role in
establishing a new unified regional model. The Rector extended an invitation
for others to actively participate in this transformative journey.
The
head of the Italian diplomatic mission in Georgia expressed profound interest
in these ideas and proposed a partnership for future collaborations.
Recognizing the essence of "university diplomacy" as an interesting
concept, Ambassador Enrico Valvo expressed his willingness to contribute to its
realization. Furthermore, on Ambassador Valvo's initiative, an international
conference is planned, involving the active participation of Sokhumi State
University, the Italian Embassy, and the Diplomatic Corps. This collaborative
effort aims to further explore and advance the principles of "university
diplomacy."
The
Italian diplomat shared his extensive international experiences, having visited
numerous countries and higher education institutions of varying ranks. However,
it was Sokhumi State University that captivated him the most, considering the
institution and the Rector as personal friends.
Professor
Indira Dzagania, Head of the International Relations and Intercultural Connections
Service at SSU, provided insights into both domestic and international projects
undertaken by the university. She highlighted collaborative initiatives with
partner universities globally, emphasizing the university's foreign relations,
exchange programs, and ongoing international engagements. Professor Dzagania
noted a remarkable achievement at Sokhumi State University—the establishment of
free Italian language courses with the support of the Georgian-Italian
educational non-governmental organization "Minerva." Dr. Maya Jijava
and Mr. Giovanni Giacomantonio, President of Minerva INTIS, oversee these
courses directly, and an Italian language cabinet has been inaugurated at SSU.
Building
on these fruitful relationships, plans are in motion to develop and establish bachelor's
and master's programs in Italian philology at Sokhumi State University. This
strategic initiative aims to further deepen the longstanding and rich relations
between Georgia and Italy.
