On March 28-29, 2024, fourteen Georgian mediators received training in professional ethics as a part of a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program for mediators. The USAID Rule of Law Program supported the activity.

Irakli Kandashvili, Chairman of the Mediators Association of Georgia (MAG), and Natia Chitashvili, a mediator and MAG board member, served as trainers. This course, which covered the ethical obligations of mediators, is mandatory for all practicing mediators. The course objectives are to enhance the perception of ethical integrity and credibility of mediation, as well as establish consistent standards of professional conduct.

During the training, key ethical principles, and practices specific to Georgian mediation were outlined. Discussions emphasized the significance of ethics in shaping the field of mediation, along with strategies and recommendations for navigating ethical dilemmas encountered by mediators.

The mediators participated in sessions that dealt with specific ethical challenges such as, maintaining confidentiality, ensuring mediator competence, safeguarding voluntary participation, and upholding principles of fairness, equity, accountability, self-determination, and the promotion of good faith throughout the mediation process.