Lia Kvaratskhelia is a student of international relations and a youth worker from Georgia, committed to diplomacy, civic participation, and meaningful travel that contributes to both personal development and social impact. Her path is guided by a genuine curiosity about the world around her and a desire to make a positive impact. Lia’s academic focus lies in international politics, particularly the European Union’s external relations and Georgia’s evolving role within that framework. During her Erasmus+ exchange studies in Italy, she expanded her understanding of these areas through a series of courses on digital regulation, cultural diplomacy, and EU external action.

This experience enabled her to research and present on the European Neighborhood Policy and its significance for Georgia’s EU aspirations. In addition to her academic pursuits, Lia has been actively involved in a range of local and international initiatives related to democracy, human rights, and youth engagement. In Georgia, she has contributed to volunteer projects focused on education and community support. One of the most personally significant experiences for her has been volunteering to teach the Georgian language to Ukrainian refugees. She views this role not only as a form of support during a time of displacement but also as a meaningful way to build connection and understanding through shared learning. Lia has also taken part in youth programs and forums across Europe.

These experiences have brought together participants from diverse cultural and social backgrounds to address issues such as democratic participation, sustainability, and social inclusion. Through her participation in these programs, she has come to appreciate even more the importance of communication and collaboration across cultures and borders. In 2024, Lia was honored to be selected by the Council of Europe as a youth delegate to the World Forum for Democracy. At the forum, she participated in discussions on democratic participation, electoral trust, and value divides, with a particular focus on Georgia’s democratic progress and its aspirations for European Union integration. By sharing insights from Georgia’s EU aspirations, she contributed to bringing a national perspective into global conversations. Beyond formal events, Lia values learning through travel and movement. For her, travel is not a pause from education but a continuation of it. It represents a way to step outside familiar environments and grow through experience.

During an Erasmus+ training course, she was given the opportunity to participate as a speaker at EuroTalks, a public event held at the Official School of Languages in Vigo, Spain. There, she spoke to Spanish students about how international experiences had reshaped her understanding of herself and the world. Reflecting on her own journey, she described how traveling through international projects challenged her assumptions and encouraged personal growth. She particularly emphasized that meaningful travel does not require luxury and that fully funded opportunities, including Erasmus+, can make global learning accessible to those who might otherwise be excluded. Across her experiences, Lia remains guided by a passion for traveling and storytelling. She is committed to observing carefully and sharing insights that support meaningful dialogue. She is particularly drawn to how travel reveals the connections between cultures, places, and people’s everyday lives. Writing is one of the ways she reflects on these connections. It gives her space to process what she witnesses and capture lived experiences through words.

She believes that storytelling can unite individuals and offer a richer perspective on how humans understand the world. Lia continues to seek out environments, both local and international, that challenge her thinking and deepen her engagement. Through her academic studies, practical initiatives, and intercultural experiences, she remains committed to expanding her understanding of the world and working toward a more just and connected future.