On April 3-4, Kutaisi International University (KIU) is hosting the 1st Conference on Academic Collaboration Between Italy and Georgia: Objectives and Strategies of Internationalization, along with the presentation of KIU’s English-Language MD Program.
The organizers of the conference are Kutaisi International University, the Georgian-Italian Education Center "Minerva," and the International Education Center of Georgia.
The project is implemented with the involvement and support of the Embassy of Italy in Georgia. The goal of the conference is to strengthen academic cooperation between Italian and Georgian universities, promote exchange programs, and encourage new ideas to address challenges related to internationalization.
The event was opened by the Rector of Kutaisi International University, Professor Giorgi Khubua. Key speakers included the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Health, Labor, and Social Affairs of Georgia, Mikheil Sarjveladze; the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, Tamar Ghvamichava; the Chairman of the Health Care and Social Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Zaza Lominadze; the Ambassador of Italy to Georgia, Massimiliano D'Antuono; the Executive Director of the International Education Center of Georgia, Nunu Mitskevich; and the Vice President of the Georgian-Italian Education Center "Minerva," Giovanni Giacomantonio.
The event was attended by Vakhtang Tsagareli, Project Director of the Cartu Foundation; Mariam Kvirkvia, Deputy Rector of KIU; Levan Zalkaliani, State Representative in Imereti; Davit Eremeishvili, Acting Mayor of Kutaisi; as well as representatives from local self-government, the medical sector, academia, and honorary guests. Representatives from 13 Italian and 14 Georgian universities are also participating in the conference.
As part of the conference, a Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed between Kutaisi International University (KIU) and the Georgian-Italian Education Center "Minerva".
The highlight of the event was the presentation of Kutaisi International University’s (KIU) English-language medical program, delivered by Roin Rekvava, Head of the School of Medicine.
Notably, starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, KIU, in collaboration with the University of Naples Federico II, will launch this program. Upon successful completion, students will receive a double diploma - one from KIU and one from the University of Naples. The program provides students with a unique opportunity for international recognition and career advancement.
The educational process will be led by professors from both KIU and the University of Naples. The joint program will play a significant role in training highly qualified medical professionals in Georgia. Additionally, as part of the exchange semester, Georgian students will have the opportunity to study at the University of Naples, while students from Naples will study at the KIU campus for at least one semester. Academic staff will also engage in exchange programs and joint scientific research projects.
Kutaisi International University (KIU) is the largest charitable mega-project and the only international state higher education institution established in independent Georgia’s history. The university is the vision of Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family, with the international charitable foundation "Cartu" investing one billion euros in its development.
Founded in 1224, the Federico II State University of Naples is one of the world's oldest state universities, with more than 90,000 students.
