We, the representatives of Georgian academic circles and civil society, are aware of the great challenges facing Georgia and at the same time, the unique historical chance to acquire a full-fledged place in the European community. We believe that the existing polarization impedes the development of the country.
 

All this will lead to disappointment among Georgia's partners and friends, which threatens the historical opportunity of the country's integration into the European Union and the Euro-Atlantic space. Moreover, the current polarization poses serious threats to our national interests and security. Russia's aggression in Ukraine revealed new threats for Georgia and the entire region, and highlighted, once again, the need to consolidate the Georgian society. Against the background of the risks arising from the war and occupation of Georgian territories, the current political polarization and the challenges facing democratic institutions increase the likelihood of failure to deal with these risks.
 

Despite significant differences and political diversity, Georgian society takes a unified, consolidated position on key issues, based on the constitutional priorities of joining the European and Euro-Atlantic space. This factor creates an opportunity for real depolarization as well as the introduction of high standards of political culture in society.
 

Today, it is hard to imagine the end of political polarization between the main political parties and the introduction of the principle of power distribution. Therefore, there is no alternative to the leading role of academic and civil society in this process. This cooperation should set an example for the political forces and the society as a whole to achieve depolarization and national consensus on the most important issues for the country through compromises.
 

Considering the mentioned circumstances, we, members of the academic and civil society of Georgia:
 

• Agree that Georgia should firmly continue to develop as a democratic state, where democratic institutions function properly, media freedom and judicial independence are guaranteed, the rights, security, and prosperity of citizens are protected, regardless of their political, ethnic, religious or other affiliation and development prospects are ensured;
   
• Believe that it is necessary for the democratic development of the country to refuse polarization and aggressive rhetoric;
   
• Consider that in order to ensure the de-occupation of our country and facilitate the integration of our citizens remaining behind the dividing line into a single state, it is necessary to develop a national strategy. The mentioned strategy will be based on the principle of peaceful restoration of territorial integrity;
   
• Believe that after the European Union has granted Georgia a European perspective, in order to obtain the status of a candidate for EU membership, which is a prerequisite for Georgia's accession to the European Union, it is important to implement relevant reforms, and in this way, we confirm the necessity of unswervingly fulfilling the conditions (12 conditions) set by the European Union. We understand that missing this chance will only distance us from the near prospect of integration into the European Union;
   
• Consider that joining NATO is a constitutional choice of our people and an effective mechanism for ensuring Georgia's security and defense;
   
• Agree that the Georgian Defense Forces are the basis of national security. The stability and development of the defense sector should become the main concern of the state and society. It is important to reach a common national consent to identify the challenges facing the defense of Georgia and to respond to them;
   
• Consider that Georgia should continue building an open market economy and ensure the rapid development of the sectors of the economy, which will lead to increased welfare for each citizen;
   
• Believe that in order to increase the level of education, it is necessary to fundamentally reform all levels of education, taking into account modern requirements and challenges. Development of the education system is a necessary prerequisite for the democratic, economic and social progress of Georgia;
   
• Agree that the quality and availability of public health care should be ensured for all citizens of Georgia and a fair policy of social protection should include those vulnerable groups and people who are most in need of state assistance. 

We hope that the spirit and essence of the declaration are acceptable to all representatives of organizations and civil society,
as well as to individuals for whom the future development of Georgia constitutes the primary focus of activities.