Youth Political Debate Participants to be Recognized

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TBILISI, Georgia – Participants in a series of debates among youth wings of political parties will be recognized at an event on Monday, July 2 at 3:00 p.m. at Betsy’s Hotel. U.S. Ambassador John R. Bass will present awards to the winning teams as well as certificates to all participants.

The third season of televised youth political party debates was arranged by the International Republic Institute (IRI) with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Eleven political parties debated various topics during the series. The debates helped define party ideologies, promote transparent public discussion of political issues, build emerging political leaders’ public speaking and communication skills, and encourage open and constructive dialogue between parties. Six of the youth political party members will travel to the United States on July 7th to share their experience and continue to learn more about youth political activities with other participants from across the globe.

The U.S. Government, through USAID, continues to support the development of political parties and young leaders through a four-year $6 million political competition strengthening project. The U.S. Government has also allocated more than $90 million in funding for new programs to support democratic development in Georgia over the next four years.