Amidst a backdrop of evolving governance reforms, the Caucasus School of Governance (CSG) has embarked on a groundbreaking project aimed at elevating public administration education in Georgia. The project started with a kick-off meeting attended by key stakeholders from Caucasus University (CU) and USAID National Governance Program Representatives.
The project, which comes at a crucial juncture for Georgia's development, seeks to update the Bachelor's and Master's programs in Public Administration (PA) offered by CSG. With a looming accreditation deadline of December 2024, the school is poised to align its curricula with new national standards and international best practices.
During the kick-off meeting, representatives from CU and USAID outlined the project's objectives and discussed strategies for implementation. Emphasizing the importance of this endeavor, Dr. Akobia, Dean of CSG, underscored the need to equip future PA professionals with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of governance in a rapidly changing landscape.
The project's comprehensive approach includes:
- updating curricula
- developing extended syllabi to cover modern PA topics,
- organizing research workshops to enhance students' analytical skills, and
- hosting a national youth conference to facilitate research on needed PA reforms due to forthcoming EU accession requirements
The project places a strong emphasis on gender and social inclusion, aiming to engage women and underserved groups in its activities. It also prioritizes accessibility for students with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment.
As the project sets sail, stakeholders expressed optimism about its potential to shape the future of PA education in Georgia. With support from USAID, and other partners Caucasus University School of Governance is poised to lead the charge in producing a new generation of highly skilled and forward-thinking PA professionals.