Youth Internal Mobility in Georgia

Implemented by Nino Jibuti, this Fellowship project focused on shedding light on the challenges of youth internal migration in Georgia. Through extensive research and engagement with youth, local governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and experts, the project aimed to explore the root causes of internal migration and provide actionable recommendations to decision-makers for creating youth-centered policies.

At the heart of this project was the comprehensive report titled “Youth Internal Migration in Georgia through the Lens of Civic and Political Activism.” The report gathered the voices of over 80 young people from six different regions of Georgia, representing diverse perspectives on the factors driving internal migration and its impact on their lives. The research process also included 16 focus group discussions engaging over 80 participants aged 18–35, as well as interviews with over 100 individuals, including local government officials, CSO representatives, and public/private sector experts. The research was conducted in key cities across six regions: Batumi, Kutaisi, Mestia, Zugdidi, Gori, Rustavi, and Tbilisi.

This multi-stakeholder approach allowed the project to identify both the immediate and systemic issues leading to youth migration. Challenges ranged from economic opportunities and access to quality education to civic engagement and political activism in urban and rural areas. By centering the voices of youth, the research highlighted critical gaps in existing policies and infrastructure that contribute to the migration trends.

The project’s findings were compiled into a report that not only identifies these pressing issues but also provides actionable recommendations for local governments and Georgia’s Youth Agency. The Youth Agency, as a key policymaking body, has the authority to adopt these insights to create youth-centric policies at the national level, ensuring a more inclusive approach to addressing internal migration.

To maximize the impact of the findings, the report was presented to young people and key stakeholders, including local governments, CSOs, and the Youth Agency. These presentations sparked discussions about policy reform and the importance of engaging young people in shaping solutions to migration-related challenges.

By producing and disseminating this resource, Nino Jibuti’s fellowship project has created a valuable tool for advancing youth-focused policy development in Georgia. The report not only elevates the voices of young people but also provides a foundation for addressing the socio-economic and political issues driving internal migration, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for Georgia’s youth.