We had the honour of presenting and moderating the panel “Community Power – Driving Energy Efficiency from the Ground Up” at the Just Transition Forum organized by Energy Community in Tbilisi.
This session highlighted one of the most meaningful elements of the Georgian Energy Sector Reform Programme (GESRP): the Regional Energy Efficiency Campaign, designed and implemented by our team to bring reforms closer to people and empower communities to lead Georgia’s just and inclusive energy transition.
Over 3 months, MES worked with nine civil society groups, local leaders and media organisations across 9 regions of Georgia, reaching:
• 3,572 direct participants
• 120 schools
• 42 partner organisations
• 60,000+ indirect beneficiaries
• 480,000+ social media views
• 100+ communication products
From youth-built board games and solar chargers to multilingual radio, mock audits, mobility actions and energy festivals — each campaign reflected local identity, challenges and ambition.
Our panel gathered inspiring speakers representing different engagement models. Together, we explored what drives real behavioural change, why youth involvement matters, and how local leadership sustains long-term climate and energy progress.
This campaign reaffirmed something I strongly believe: legislation creates the framework, but communities create the transition.
I am proud that MES led the design and implementation of this nationwide initiative, and to have presented its impact on such a significant platform. My sincere thanks go to every partner, volunteer, teacher, student and community leader who contributed to its success.
Programme partners: GESRP implemented by GOPA Tech, funded by the European Union and the Government of Germany through KfW.