Georgian FM unveils new diaspora policy concept focused on language, identity and closer coordination

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili has presented a new concept for implementing the country’s diaspora policy, outlining plans to strengthen ties with Georgians living abroad while placing greater emphasis on national identity, language and cultural unity.

Speaking at a session of Parliament’s Diaspora Committee, Botchorishvili said support for compatriots abroad has been a constitutional responsibility of the Georgian state since 2018, describing the diaspora as “an inseparable part of state policy.”

The Minister said more than 300 diaspora organisations, 120 Sunday schools, Georgian language courses and around 130 folklore ensembles currently operate abroad, alongside 94 Georgian parishes.

Botchorishvili also highlighted reforms within the Foreign Ministry, where diaspora and consular services have been merged in an effort to improve coordination and communication with Georgian communities worldwide.

According to the Minister, future diaspora programmes financed by the state budget will be built around three core values — homeland, language and faith — aimed at preserving Georgian identity among younger generations living abroad.

At the same time, Botchorishvili warned about increasing polarisation within parts of the diaspora, claiming that certain groups have attempted to use diaspora communities against Georgia’s national interests.

She also defended the Government’s decision to abolish voting procedures abroad, arguing that overseas voters represent only a small share of the electorate and have limited impact on election outcomes.