On April 25, 2023, with USAID Rule of Law Program support, Grigol Robakidze University hosted the presentation of the first issue of Georgia’s first regional academic law journal.

Over 60 students and academic staff attended the event to learn about the publication, its format, and the procedures for publishing articles in the journal. The presentation provided law professors, researchers, and students both in the region and Tbilisi with an opportunity to interact and discuss important legal issues.

Giorgi Chkheidze, Chief of Party at the USAID Rule of Law Program, welcomed the attendees with his opening remarks. He emphasized the Program's continued support for the initiative that USAID started in Georgia 30 years ago to promote the rule of law and the development of a free society. He also highlighted the Program's special priority in promoting legal education in the regions and supporting regional educational institutions.

"The USAID Rule of Law Program helps educational institutions develop different programs, improve teaching methodology, produce teaching materials, and engage in academic research in areas such as legal ethics, protection of human rights, and more," said Giorgi Chkheidze.

Giorgi Mirianashvili, Vice-Rector at Grigol Robakidze University and chief editor of the journal, praised the regional universities for their active involvement and smooth coordination in the working process, which involved nine universities.

Levan Jakeli, Law School dean at Batumi State University, thanked the authors of the articles in the journal and the universities for participating in this initiative. He stressed that this was the first time in Georgia that a journal with the participation of nine regional universities was issued.

The first issue of the academic journal compiles eight articles from academicians and Ph.D. students on topics ranging from cybercrimes, ad hoc arbitration, juvenile justice, European Union law, separation of powers, and the formation of a constitutional court. It is planned that at least one issue per year will be published. Interested parties can submit abstracts for the next issue to the editorial board starting in May.