From April 25th to April 27th, the Mediators’ Association of Georgia (MAG), with support from the USAID Rule of Law Program, organized a series of Mediation for Business events in Batumi. These events aimed to raise awareness of mediation among local businesses, providing a valuable platform for business organizations and legal practitioners to explore the benefits and evolving landscape of mediation.

Over the course of the days, 180 attendees, including representatives from the private sector, mediators, lawyers, and judges, gained valuable insights into mediation principles and its practical application.

On April 25th, an informational meeting for members of the Adjara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) highlighted the advantages of using mediation to resolve business-related disputes. Opening remarks were given by Irakli Kandashvili, Chairman of MAG, alongside Giorgi Romanadze, Chairman of ACCI, and Giorgi Chkheidze, Chief of Party at the USAID Rule of Law Program. Giorgi Romanadze emphasized the importance of educating businesses about the benefits of mediation, expressing optimism that businesses would increasingly embrace this alternative. Giorgi Chkheidze noted that "the USAID Rule of Law Program supports the development of mediation as one of the most important avenues for citizens of Georgia and businesses to access justice." Irakli Kandashvili underscored the role of MAG in promoting mediation as a viable alternative to traditional litigation. The meeting concluded with a dynamic question and answer session, enabling participants to engage directly with the speakers and explore topics of interest.

On the same day, a bench-bar meeting brought together judges from the Batumi City Court, including Irma Togonidze, Guliko Kazhashvili, Khatuna Bolkvadze, and Salikh Shainidze, along with mediators to enhance collaboration and address key challenges related to mediation in Adjara. Discussions focused on various types of disputes, including labor, commercial, and construction disputes. Judge Guliko Kazhashvili highlighted the significance of face-to-face discussions in fostering understanding and cooperation between judges and mediators. She outlined a proactive approach to referring cases, particularly those involving alimony and inheritance matters, to mediation.

On April 26th, the key event of the mediation days, held in partnership with the Business Ombudsman of Georgia, featured discussions on the role of commercial mediation in achieving business efficiency and the challenges of business disputes in court. Opening remarks were delivered by Davit Gabaidze, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Akaki Saghirashvili, the first deputy executive director of the Georgian Business Association, Nino Kvenetadze, Deputy Business Ombudsman of Georgia, Elguja Meladze, President of the Association of Georgian Employers, and Davit Ebralidze, General Director of Poti Free Industrial Zone.

The Mediation for Business events featured guest speaker Dr. Nadja Alexander, a distinguished Professor of Law and Director of the Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy (SIDRA), who presented on the benefits of mediation for businesses. Dr. Alexander emphasized how mediation can streamline dispute resolution processes, minimize costs, and preserve valuable business relationships. Participants noted that the event helped popularize a new dispute resolution mechanism and provided a stable platform for representatives of the business sector to learn essential information about mediation and effectively resolve their disputes at a reduced cost and in a shorter timeframe.

The final event, held on April 27th, involved members of the Georgian Bar Association in Batumi. Discussions centered on the advantages of mediation in business disputes and the role of a lawyer as a representative in business mediation cases. Topics included negotiation of mediation representation fees, the process of becoming a mediator, and how to choose a mediator.