The graduation ceremony for the inaugural class of graduates took place at Kutaisi International University (KIU). The event was attended by Prime Minister - Irakli Kobakhidze, Speaker of Parliament of Georgia - Shalva Papuashvili, and Minister of Education, Science, and Youth - Giorgi Amilakhvari, who all congratulated the graduates on their achievements.

In his address, Giorgi Amilakhvari highlighted the importance of supporting young people and the significance of establishing Kutaisi International University for the development of Georgia's education system and human resources. He noted that the vision for Kutaisi International University originated with Bidzina Ivanishvili and acknowledged the skepticism surrounding the project, which has now become a reality in Georgia.

The minister expressed gratitude to Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family for their unprecedented generosity, describing the "Kartu" Foundation's investment in Kutaisi International University as a remarkable contribution to Georgian education.

The ceremony also featured remarks from several distinguished guests, including Nikoloz Chkhetiani, chairman of the "Kartu" Foundation; Professor Giorgi Khubua, Rector of Kutaisi International University; Professor Wolfgang A. Herman, Emeritus President of Munich University of Technology and Honorary President of KIU; Dr. Andrey Heinke, Vice President of Future Research and Technology Strategy at Bosch; Professor Kurt Deketelaere, Secretary General of the League of European Research Universities (LERU); and university graduate Anano Shaverdashvili.

Minister Giorgi Amilakhvari, alongside Professor Giorgi Khubua, presented certificates to all graduates of the class of 2024. Graduates enjoyed photo opportunities in specially arranged zones, and a reception was held following the ceremony.

The event was attended by representatives from executive, legislative, and local governments, along with Georgian and foreign university professors, students and their families, rectors from various higher educational institutions, and other distinguished guests.

Before the ceremony, attendees toured the new academic building at Kutaisi International University, designed to European standards. This six-story, 27,000 square meter facility features state-of-the-art technologies, lecture halls, laboratories, administrative offices, and reading rooms, meeting international educational standards.

Kutaisi International University (KIU) is recognized as the largest charitable mega-project in Georgia, marking the establishment of the country's first international state higher educational institution since gaining independence. The project is supported by the "Kartu" Foundation, which has committed one billion euros to its development.