Professor
Zurab Khonelidze and Associate Professor Gela Tsaava conducted an official
visit to the Republic of Poland with the primary purpose of presenting the
monograph "Georgian Paradigm of Peace" by Professor Zurab Khonelidze.
The focus of the visit was Calisia University in Kalisz, Poland. The
presentation centered around the innovative concept of "University
Diplomacy" explored in the monograph.
This visit
was facilitated within the framework of the EU grant project (Erasmus+),
emphasizing study mobility as an opportunity to exchange experiences and
analyze the expansion of existing cooperation, especially in the realm of
scientific research. As part of the official visit, an introductory meeting
took place with the Rector of Calisia University, Dr. Andrej Wojtyla,
Vice-Rector Dr. Tatiana Manasterska, and other university professors. This
initiative not only broadens the horizons of the "Georgian Paradigm of
Peace" but also fosters international collaboration in the academic and
scientific spheres.
Professor Zurab
Khonelidze delivered a presentation on "University Diplomacy" as
outlined in the monograph "Georgian Paradigm of Peace." During the
address, he elaborated on the idea, goals, and potential implementation of this
concept, highlighting its role in resolving ethnic and political conflicts
between states and reinforcing regional security. The report emphasized that
the concept has garnered significant interest from various countries and higher
education institutions worldwide, leading to the creation of specialized
lecture courses.
Professor
Khonelidze mentioned that the concept has particularly intrigued academic
circles in Israel, several European states, and Turkey. Additionally, the
monograph has been translated into Bulgarian, with plans for publication in
Polish, Italian, and Turkish languages in the near future. The meeting at
Calisia University in Poland underscored the positive reception of the concept
of "University diplomacy" within the academic community. Calisia
University's Rector, Andriy Wojtyla, expressed a clear interest in developing
and implementing the concept within the university environment.
The host party
at Calisia University fully embraced the core meaning of the "University
Diplomacy" concept, emphasizing the importance of teaching peace and
creating a new political space. They found the presented idea intriguing,
recognizing its potential to fundamentally change the existing approach to
conflict settlement. Dr. Wojtyla expressed that, unfortunately, politicians may
not always rely on the results of scientific studies due to their focus on the
short-term political cycle and subsequent elections.
During the
meeting, representatives from both universities exchanged experiences and
shared innovative ideas. There was a mutual expression of desire and readiness
to further develop and deepen cooperation between the partner universities.
Professor Zurab
Khonelidze and Associate Professor Gela Tsaava had the opportunity to closely
observe the working environment and conditions of teachers and scientists at
Calisia University over several days. They visited the laboratories, libraries,
and simulation centers of various faculties, including polytechnic, medicine,
and social sciences. Rector Andrei Wojtyla personally invited Professor Zurab
Khonelidze to an international scientific conference on "Family Health in
Wartime and Emergency Situations," scheduled to take place at Calisia
University in May 2023. This invitation reflects the commitment to ongoing
collaboration and academic exchange between the two institutions.