CVMedia Publishes an Article on RICDOG’s Work and the Challenges Facing Civil Society in Georgia

Armenian media platform CVMedia has published an article titled “Forward, Georgia, Forward”: How RICDOG is Fighting for the Future of Civil Society, based on an interview with Irakli Tevzadze, Secretary General of the Research-Intellectual Club “Dialogue of Generations” (RICDOG).

The article explores the challenges currently facing civil society in Georgia, the country’s changing legislative and political environment, and the work RICDOG is carrying out together with its partners to support civil society and protect democratic values.

Civil Society Facing Growing Challenges

A significant part of the article focuses on the increasingly challenging environment in which civil society organizations operate in Georgia. It discusses recent legislative developments and the growing pressure faced by independent civil society organizations and media outlets.

Through RICDOG’s experience, the article illustrates that, in the current environment, the challenge for civil society organizations goes beyond simply continuing their work. Protecting their rights, communicating directly with the public, providing reliable information, and supporting other civil society organizations have become increasingly important.

In this context, the article highlights RICDOG’s cooperation with the Czech organization NESEHNUTÍ and the programme “United for Democracy: Advocating for the Future of Civil Society in Georgia.”

The programme aims, on the one hand, to strengthen civil society organizations and respond to their needs and, on the other, to help the wider public better understand the work and importance of civil society.

Direct Communication with the Public

The article also describes RICDOG’s public outreach and awareness-raising activities. One of the organization’s key objectives has been to communicate directly with citizens about what civil society organizations do, why their work matters, and how a strong civil society contributes to the country’s democratic development.

This is particularly important in an environment increasingly characterized by polarization, disinformation, and negative narratives targeting civil society organizations.

RICDOG’s approach is based on open communication with citizens through meetings, public awareness campaigns, media engagement, and various other formats for sharing information with the wider public.

Supporting Other Civil Society Organizations

The article addresses not only the challenges faced by RICDOG itself but also the organization’s work to support other civil society organizations.

Particular attention is given to the needs of organizations operating in the regions. In a rapidly changing environment, access to reliable information, professional consultation, and opportunities for cooperation is especially important for regional civil society actors.

In this regard, RICDOG provides civil society organizations with legal and financial consultations, information sharing, and other forms of support. Strengthening civil society actors in Imereti and developing opportunities for regional cooperation remain among the organization’s priorities.

Bringing the Voice of Civil Society to the International Arena

The article published by CVMedia provides another opportunity for RICDOG to share the experiences of Georgian civil society — particularly organizations working in the regions — with an international audience.

For RICDOG, it is important that information about ongoing developments in Georgia and the challenges facing civil society reaches audiences beyond the country’s borders, enabling international partners to gain insight into the current situation directly from the experiences of local organizations.

RICDOG continues its work to strengthen civil society, protect democratic values, promote youth participation, and foster open dialogue with the public.

The full original article is available in English on the CVMedia website.

სტატიის სრულად ნახვა CVMedia-ზე