On March 26, Caucasus University hosted the first meeting of the UN Global Compact “SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals.”

The program is being held in Georgia for the third time, with the Caucasus University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center acting as the exclusive partner of the UN Global Compact Network Georgia. The opening session featured remarks by Irakli Svanidze, Acting Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, and Keti Botchorishvili, Acceleration Programs and Academy Manager at UN Global Compact Network Georgia.

The workshop was facilitated by Sesili Verdzadze - , Project Manager of the UNDP project “Support to Public Administration Reform in Georgia.” During the session, participants were introduced to the program’s structure, goals, and overall approach. Mentors and company representatives were also presented. A key focus of the workshop was identifying challenges — participants explored the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflected on challenges within their own organizations, and took part in interactive exercises.

Throughout the program, participating companies will be supported by experienced mentors from the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center: Irakli Svanidze – Acting Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Giorgi Razmadze – CEO of Awork Giorgi Mumladze – COO of Awork Levan Asanidze – Co-founder and CEO of Herio Mentors will work closely with each team, offering hands-on guidance to help refine their ideas, strengthen their strategies, and move their projects forward.

The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals is designed for members of the UN Global Compact Network and aims to help young professionals drive business innovation while integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into their work. The third cohort brings together 15 companies, including: Combined Ratio Solutions, ICR, Gazelle Finance, Primera Golf & Residence LLC, Kudos, The Crossroads, Loialte, Socar, Betterfly, Green Steps, Eco Brands, BTU, TBC Bank, EY, and MFO Georgian Credit.

The program is implemented with the support of the UN Global Compact, in collaboration with Caucasus University, within the framework of the Swedish-funded project “Leadership for Sustainable Development in Georgia.”