Participants in a series of debates among youth wings of political parties were recognized at an event on Wednesday, September 18 in Tbilisi.  U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland presented certificates to the winning teams as well as certificates to all participants.

The fourth 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).  Nine political parties, along with the youth parliament, 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.

USAID continues to support the development of political parties and young leaders in Georgia through a four-year political competition strengthening project.