On June 8-9, 2023, with USAID Rule of Law Program support, the Mediators Association of Georgia (MAG) organized a comprehensive ethics training course for mediators, furthering its commitment to the professional development of MAG’s members.

The training course was led by Irakli Kandashvili, MAG Chairman, and Natia Chitashvili, a mediator and associate professor at Tbilisi State University.

During the training course, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on various topics related to professional conduct and ethics in mediation, including: the ethical standards of mediators, the significance of ethics in shaping mediation as a profession, and effective strategies for managing ethical dilemmas. The training also included practical exercises and group discussions, allowing participants to analyze and address specific cases that raised ethical challenges.

Key areas of focus during the training included: promoting good faith negotiation and informed agreement; ensuring voluntary agreement in mandatory court mediation; the mediator's obligation to inform parties and maintain independence, neutrality, and impartiality; upholding confidentiality in the termination of mandatory court mediation; prioritizing the best interests of children; and ensuring equality.

A total of 19 mediators from Tbilisi and Rustavi participated in the training course. It was emphasized during the training that this continuing professional education program on mediation ethics is mandatory for all practicing mediators. By establishing and promoting uniform professional conduct standards, the course aims to strengthen the ethical sustainability and credibility of mediation, both in court and private settings. MAG remains committed to providing ongoing support and training opportunities for its members, contributing to the growth and advancement of the mediation profession in Georgia.