The ceremony marking the beginning of the academic year for the master's degree program at the National Defence Academy was held at the Army Hall of the Ministry of Defense. During the event, distinguished master's students from the previous semester were awarded, and Professor Levan Nikolaishvili of Security Studies and Professor Nikoloz Samkharadze of Defense Analysis were awarded the departmental medal "George Chkondideli ".
The Rector of the Academy, Brigadier General Mamia Balakhadze, attended the event and awarded the professors of the master's degree with a departmental medal. Deputy Rector Colonel Zurab Zerekidze and Head of Master's Degree Colonel Irakli Uchadze also attended the event.
It is important to note that this medal was awarded for the first time since its establishment. It will be given to the employees of the Ministry of Defence of Georgia, citizens of Georgia, and foreign countries for their special merits in the institutional development of the Ministry of Defence of Georgia, in the development of the military education system, and in strengthening the patriotic spirit of the Defence Forces of Georgia.
The Rector of the Academy, Brigadier General Mamia Balakhadze, presented honorary plaques to the family members of the outstanding master's students and wished the students a successful academic year. In the new academic year, studies began on three master's educational programs - Defense Analysis, State Resource Management and Security Studies.
It's important to note that this year, for the first time, members of the civil sector will participate in the educational process alongside representatives of the Ministry of Defence, Defence Forces, and various state agencies in the Academy's master's educational programs. This will enable them to deepen their knowledge in their areas of interest.