Georgian Ambassador Lectures Students on Digital Diplomacy

Levan Beridze, Ambassador of Georgia to the Hellenic Republic, addresses Webster Athens students during the Ambassador’s Socio-Political Forum. 

Webster Athens students met April 3 with His Excellency Levan Beridze, Ambassador of Georgia to the Hellenic Republic, during the Ambassador’s Socio-Political Forum class, where he delivered a lecture on the growing role of digital diplomacy in international relations. 

Ambassador Beridze discussed how digital tools, particularly social media, are reshaping traditional diplomatic practices. “Digital diplomacy is a form of change management in international politics,” he said. “The adoption of digital diplomacy — the use of social media for diplomatic purposes — has influenced how diplomats engage in information management, public diplomacy, strategic planning, international negotiations and even crisis response.” 

Beridze also underscored the importance of economic, political and cultural exchange, along with educational collaboration, in strengthening ties among Greece, the United States and Georgia. 

In a statement posted to social media, the Embassy of Georgia in Athens noted that the lecture included discussion of Georgia’s tech and innovation landscape, as well as its geopolitical significance and energy sector. “The importance of having a strong tech and innovation ecosystem was discussed,” the Embassy wrote. “Georgia’s efforts in this field were highlighted, along with the need to deepen expertise to foster sustainable growth and development.” 

Levan Beridze, Ambassador of Georgia to the Hellenic Republic, receives a commemorative plaque featuring an engraving of Alexander the Great from Webster Athens Rector, Vasilis Botopoulos, and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Susie Michailidis, in recognition of his lecture to students.  Photo by Fotis Grivas

The Embassy praised the active engagement of Webster Athens students, noting their interest in tech diplomacy, innovation and Georgia’s growing startup sector. The post expressed, “special gratitude to Webster University in Athens, the leadership and the students for giving the Embassy of Georgia the opportunity to participate in this important initiative.” 

Levan Beridze, Ambassador of Georgia to Greece, with Webster Athens students, leadership, faculty and staff following his lecture.  Photo by Fotis Grivas

Reflecting on the discussion, students said it was “exciting to hear how technologies are changing the styles of international relations in the 21st century,” calling it an essential part of understanding how diplomacy continues to evolve. 

Associate Professor Dr. John Nomikos, Head of History/Politics and International Relations Department, who hosted the forum, said: “H.E. Levan Beridze delivered an exceptional speech highlighting the Republic of Georgia’s culture, customs, economic and security progress, while also addressing the Georgian diaspora and the current state of Greek-Georgian relations in the digital diplomacy era.” 

Webster Athens Rector V.J. Botopoulos added: “In this lecture, H.E. not only demonstrated a keen understanding of digital advancements, but also skillfully linked that knowledge to the realities of 21st-century diplomacy. That’s what made this speech stand out as a unique and valuable contribution to his field.” 

Ambassador Beridze has served as Georgia’s ambassador to Greece since June 2024. His prior diplomatic roles include Consul General in San Francisco, where he advanced Georgia’s partnerships with the United States in trade, technology and tourism. He also led the economic section of Georgia’s Embassy in Washington and worked with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on conflict rehabilitation. 

The Ambassadors’ Forum is an annual series hosted by the Department of History, Politics and International Relations at Webster Athens. It offers students a deeper understanding of diplomacy and international relations through lectures delivered by ambassadors and state representatives. Topics range from foreign policy and international organizations to global security, multilateral issues and cooperation frameworks such as the United Nations, European Union and NATO.  
 
Through events like the Ambassadors’ Forum, Webster Athens reaffirms its commitment to global citizenship, intercultural dialogue and academic diplomacy.  
  
About Webster Athens: Webster Athens is the only fully owned and accredited U.S. university campus in Greece, bringing the best of American education to the heart of Athens. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs that combine academic excellence with a unique cultural immersion, preparing students to succeed in an interconnected world. 
 
For more information about Webster Athens and its scholarship opportunities, contact Webster Athens Admissions.