On August 12, 2012, seaside city of Batumi, which is the primary destination for youth during the summer, hosted UNFPA supported events dedicated to the International Youth Day. 

UNFPA Georgia and its partner organizations– First Lady’s Healthy Lifestyle Initiative “Don’t Worry, Be Healthy”, the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Employment Agency of Adjara, Municipality of Batumi, Batumi State University, Caucasus Social Marketing Association, and the Georgian Youth Development and Education Association, organized a number of sporting and cultural events in Batumi, planned and implemented by youth.

The theme of IYD “Building a Better World Partnering with Youth” was reflected in each event, giving the opportunity to youth to express their vision how to build and enjoy better world without wars, poverty, gender based violence, HIV/AIDS, tobacco and drugs, diseases and unsafe environment. The world, where everyone counts for better future.

Everybody was ready to start the day and perform the planned activities to better demonstrate their vision and dedication towards the priority topics such as youth for poverty reduction, reproductive health and rights, HIV/AIDSs prevention and healthy lifestyle, gender equality and peace. Consequently, each event was seemingly merged and corresponding to these priorities which were professionally visualized by the following activities: poster exhibit on domestic violence, painting contest on HIV/AIDS issues, biking marathon, three flash-mobs, beach football competition, promotion of safe behavior, and anti-tobacco, alcohol, and drugs campaign.

The holidaymakers and local inhabitants of Batumi and Ajara itself received thematic brochures and booklets distributed by the UNFPA’s peer-educators during the whole day. It is noteworthy that through UNFPA initiative and support, the most disadvantaged groups of youth from neighboring region-Ozurgeti have joined the event. In addition to the street events, the students had an outstanding opportunity to participate in an information session on employment and professional growth at the Employment Agency of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, Batumi.

At the end of International Youth Day, the winners of the contests and the activists were awarded by Tamar Khomasuridze, UNFPA/Georgia Assistant Representative and Nugzar Putkaradze, the Head of the Adjara Department of Youth and Sports and Natia Surguladze, the Vice Mayor of Batumi.

The culmination of International Youth Day was celebrated by blowing up candle balloons symbolizing the remembrance of the victims of wars and youth commitment to build peace.