The Mediators Association of Georgia (MAG), with USAID Rule of Law Program support, explained the benefits of mediation to civil society organizations, journalists, lawyers and academics in Batumi.

At the event, Irakli Kandashvili, MAG Chairman, disseminated information about mediation and its advantages to 23 people representing educational institutions including the Caucasus University and  Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University; civil society organizations including,  Transparency International Georgia’s Batumi branch, Institute of Democracy, Georgia’s Reforms Associates (GRASS), Civil Society Institute, Eastern European Center for Multiparty Democracy, Independent Journalists’ House, Public Broadcaster Ajara TV, Foundation “Ialkani,” and members of the Georgian Bar Association (GBA) based in Batumi.  

Mr. Kandashvili explained various aspects of mediation. These included an overview of mediation, its benefits, the types of disputes suitable for mediation, the associated costs, fundamental mediation principles and procedures, and the difference between court-annexed and private mediation. Attendees also learned how to engage a mediator.  At the end of the session, some of the audience members expressed an interest in becoming mediators.