The Steering Committee selected Tblisi as this year’s site for many reasons. Georgia, which has aspired for many centuries to be more closely integrated with Europe, and with real prospects of achieving this, has experienced significant transformations in recent years.

These transformations have often involved both positive and negative extremes, and this dynamic is not unique to Georgia. The issues and trends of transformations and extremes which will be discussed over the two days resonate throughout Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

An open dialogue about such phenomena should help our community of funders examine our own programming as well as better understand the work of our peers, and ultimately, the people we seek to serve through funding commitments.

GEF 2010: Facing the Extremes plenary sessions will focus on select trends while also considering whether extremes are inherently negative or could in fact bring welcome innovation and constructive change. Additionally, you will have a chance through auctioned sessions to present issues of interest to you, explore them with peers, and share your successes and learning. Please help us shape the agenda by submitting, voting for and/or running a session!

GEF 2010 will also provide plenty of time for networking, always one of the most appreciated aspects of the Forum.  Participants will have a chance to mingle with colleagues during site visits and social events.  These will start with a pre-meeting opportunity to discover and explore Georgia with local NGOs the weekend before the conference (23-24 October).  Optional site visits will continue in and around Tbilisi on 25 October.  A welcome reception for all GEF 2010 participants on 25 October will precede the conference start. A classic Georgian dinner party on 26 October will cap the social program.

Tbilisi awaits you with its hospitality, balmy autumn and recently renovated venues!