On November 11, 2023, the Mediators Association of Georgia (MAG) with USAID Rule of Law Program support held its fifth experience-sharing meeting, bringing together 16 mediators from Tbilisi and Batumi.

Tamar Imnaishvili, the Executive Director of MAG, and Irakli Adeishvili, a member of the MAG Ethics Commission, moderated the event, where experienced mediators shared their practical insights with the Association’s new members. Topics covered included: challenges related to the involvement of parties in the mediation process; the role and influence of lawyers on the mediation process; the importance of correct communication with parties to mediation; the issue of holding obligatory sessions during the court-annexed mediation; failure of a party to appear at a mediation session; the issue of engaging a psychologist in cases involving juveniles – at the mediator’s discretion; the issue of impartiality and independence of a mediator; and commercial mediation.

Participants exchanged experiences about mediation cases that had posed challenges for them in their practice. They learned from their colleagues how they might navigate and manage such challenges, thus equipping them with strategies to handle similar situations more effectively. The participants also shared success stories from their practice. All told, the meeting helped mediators stay informed about the latest trends, best practices, and developments in the field of mediation.

MAG organizes such experience-sharing meetings regularly to foster a sense of community among mediators. Building connections and relationships with peers creates a supportive network where mediators can receive advice and other  assistance from colleagues.