The Digital University has been recognized as one of the top three innovative projects by the European Organization of Prison and Penitentiary Systems (Europris). Out of 37 projects submitted by European countries, the Digital University stood out in the annual Europris award.

This prestigious recognition was announced at the 13th annual meeting of Europris, held on June 26 in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The event was attended by Georgian officials, including Deputy Minister of Justice Beka Dzamashvili, Head of Special Penitentiary Service Nika Tshvarashvili, and Deputy Director of the Training Center of Justice Vakhtang Asanidze, along with representatives from penitentiary institutions of Europris member countries.

The success of the Digital University highlights the significant progress in Georgia's penitentiary system. Previously plagued by systemic human rights violations until 2012, the system is now regarded as exemplary across Europe by international institutions.

Launched in 2022, the Digital University project in Georgian penitentiary institutions provides convicts with access to education. It enables them to participate remotely in university courses, attend online lectures, and engage in direct, interactive communication with lecturers.

At the Europris meeting, plans for the annual conference of the European Association of Training Centers of the Penitentiary System (EPTA) were also discussed. This event is scheduled for September 11-13, 2024, and will be hosted in Tbilisi, under the chairmanship of the Georgian Training Center of Justice.

At the end of the event, a panel discussion featured the participation of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Security of the Republic of Korea, and ministers and deputies from various countries.

During the panel discussion, the First Deputy Minister of Justice, Tamar Tkeshelashvili, spoke about the reforms carried out in public administration and gender equality in Georgia. She emphasized the importance of increasing the role of women in the public sector, their involvement in decision-making processes, and Georgia's achievements in this area.

"Empowerment of women is one of the main priorities of the Government of Georgia. As a result of the implemented reforms, 47% of those employed in managerial positions in the public service are women. Additionally, among the employees in the Ministry of Justice, 59% of those in managerial positions are women. The state continues to strengthen the role of women in public service, monitor relevant governmental processes, and promote gender mainstreaming through parliamentary councils," noted Tamar Tkeshelashvili.

The International Public Service Forum was held over three days. The purpose of the forum was to share best practices regarding achievements, challenges, and future prospects in public administration and public service delivery.

The UN Public Services Forum will be held in Georgia in 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Justice.