Georgia’s parliamentary speaker calls peace ‘special effort’ at Int’l Day of Peace event

Georgia’s Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, has said that peace “is not simply the absence of war but the result of special effort” and sustained commitment”.

Speaking at an event marking the International Day of Peace in Tbilisi on Wednesday, Papuashvili said the theme “Youth for Peace” should be a concern not only for young people but for all citizens. He stressed the responsibility of older generations to teach and guide young people in understanding and valuing peace.

“Peace is not just the absence of shooting, bombs or casualties. It is a deeper concept, based on fundamental social consensus, traditions, laws and justice. Unlike war, which has been a recurring feature throughout human history, peace requires constant effort and must never be taken for granted,” Papuashvili told the audience.

He warned that generations raised without direct experience of war often risk viewing peace as a natural state, gradually losing the skills needed to preserve it. Quoting the well-known phrase, he noted that “hard times create strong people, strong people create good times, but good times create weaker people”, adding that “today’s leaders bear the duty of passing on hard-earned knowledge and experience to the next generation.”

Turning to Georgia’s own challenges, the speaker underlined that peace was of “particular importance” for the country, given that parts of its territory remain occupied.

“We must not only restore our territorial integrity but also reconcile with Abkhazians and Ossetians. The starting point for this process can only be peace. Peace has no alternative, and the role of young people is crucial because the future of Georgia is in your hands,” he said.

The event was opened by State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Thea Akhvlediani and attended by members of both the legislative and executive branches.