EU-funded GESR project concludes successful Media Mentorship Programme for Energy Reporting in Georgia

The Georgian Energy Sector Reform Project (GESRP), supported by the European Union, has successfully concluded its three-day Media Mentorship programme on Energy Efficiency (EE) and Renewable Energy (RE) in Tsinandali Estate, A Radisson Collection Hotel, Kakheti, Georgia. Spanning three days from April 19 to April 21, 2024, the program aimed to equip journalists, producers, and media professionals with enhanced skills and knowledge for reporting on energy-related topics.

Throughout the mentorship sessions, participants actively engaged in interactive workshops covering a range of subjects. These included effective dissemination strategies, visual storytelling techniques, legislative updates, and the integration of energy matters with economic sustainability. Thematic group Q&A sessions, led by experts, fostered valuable interactions and provided in-depth insights tailored to meet journalistic standards.

Selected participants had the opportunity to design media products of their interest on topics such as:

• The main aspects of the association agreement in the direction of energy efficiency and renewable energies, including achieved progress and future commitments.
• Energy policy and integrated energy and climate plan, focusing on policy directions and measures determined by the plan in terms of energy efficiency.
• Updates on energy efficiency directives and energy performance of buildings.
• The creation of new professions in the energy market and training/certification processes.
• The development of the Green Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan.

Q&A sessions were conducted for each thematic group with experts during the programme to ensure interactions and knowledge transfer aligned with the interests and needs of the participants. After the group sessions, participants worked individually on their media products with the help of field experts. During this phase, they had the opportunity to engage one-on-one consultations with thematic experts to address specific questions or concerns related to their topic of interest.

Outlines of the media products created during the programme received feedback from the field experts for further improvements. These products showcased a deepened understanding of energy-related issues and demonstrated the participants' enhanced skills in energy-related topics.

“We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and dedication of our participants in producing high-quality media content on energy efficiency and renewable energy”, said GESPR Local Project Manager Vakhtang Begashvili. "This Mentorship programme has empowered journalists and media professionals to create compelling products that contribute to informed discussions on crucial energy-related topics".

The Mentorship programme, conducted in both Georgian and English languages with simultaneous translation provided, was offered free to participants.

What’s next:

Participants can expect additional engagement through a thematic Media tour in Tbilisi. This tour will offer comprehensive insights into energy-efficient practices introduced by the private sector, highlighting the ongoing impact of reforms and changes on their activities within the capital city of Georgia.

Media representatives will have a month following the programme to complete their media products. These products will be covered by central and local outlets, aiming to raise public awareness on energy-related topics. The top three outstanding products will receive rewards as recognition for their excellence and contribution to informed public discourse.

About the European Union:

For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation, and financial support. The relationship between the EU and Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights, and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgia https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/

About the project:

The Georgian Energy Sector Reform Project (GESRP) is an EU-funded technical support project for the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, managed by KfW development bank and implemented by German independent energy consulting company GOPA Intec. GESRP provides legal, technical, and advisory support to the Government to further develop more aligned legislation, regulations, and policies in line with the directions of the Energy Community, along with strengthened capacity building across the energy sector, in particular, in implementing more excellent Energy Efficiency, with a focus on buildings, laying the foundations for increased Renewable Energy and promoting a more open and competitive power market facilitating more significant future trading to strengthen the country’s energy security.