The GTU Professor Participated in the Work of the Accreditation Commission of the UNESCO-UIA Architectural Program Validation Council

The Deputy Dean of the International Design School of the Georgian Technical University and a member of the International Union of Architects (UNESCO-UIA) Architectural Programs Validation Council, Professor Gocha Mikiashvili participated in the process of accreditation evaluation of the Architectural Engineering and Technology program of the University of Cairo (Egypt).

The five-member commission, together with the GTU professor, includes regional representatives of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and UIA on the African continent, thoroughly studied the pre-accreditation documentation and student portfolios received from Cairo University and determined the full compliance of the learning outcomes of the program presented for accreditation with UIA, that meets the requirements of the Charter of Architectural Education. As a result, it has been granted 5 years of unconditional validation.

According to GTU Vice-Rector Professor Tamar Tsereteli, the participation of the Deputy Dean of the International Design School (IDS), Professor Gocha Mikiashvili, in the UNESCO-UIA Validation Commission is important in terms of promoting internationalization and expanding global relations.

“Such higher education institutions’ collaboration and involvement in institutional activities strengthen the reputation and academic partnership of the faculty and the university while contributing to the wider goals of educational development, quality assurance, and cultural exchange. 

First, active involvement in international accreditation commissions under the auspices of UNESCO-UIA enhances the visibility and prestige of participating institutions. By aligning its programs with global standards and confirming its commitment to high-quality academic practices, Georgian Technical University strives to be recognized as an active player in the architectural education community in the international arena. Such interactions signal to current and prospective students, professors, and other stakeholders that the university strives to align its educational offerings with internationally recognized standards.

This commitment to quality can strengthen student attraction efforts and increase our attractiveness as a preferred academic partner. Moreover, participation in such missions contributes to the development of the teaching space partnership. By cooperating with multilateral commissions of experts and representatives of other prestigious institutions during the accreditation process, the Georgian Technical University can establish important relationships that will pave the way for joint research initiatives, employee exchanges, and the implementation of joint educational programs.

This partnership will facilitate the sharing of intercultural teaching experiences and the introduction of innovative teaching methodologies. Such efforts create an interconnected educational landscape where professors and students benefit from a rich spectrum of global ideas and practices,” noted Tamar Tsereteli.
 
According to the Deputy Dean of GTU International Design School, the accreditation process included comprehensive discussions around curriculum development, teaching strategies, and assessment methods, which provided members of the accreditation commission with valuable information on the latest educational models and emerging trends in architectural education.

“Knowledge exchange enriches our curriculum, ensuring it remains relevant and competitive. Familiarity with international best practices also helps to adopt more flexible and globally recognized frameworks that facilitate the process of student and faculty mobility between institutions.

In addition, participation in the International Accreditation Commission emphasizes the Georgian Technical University’s strategic role in promoting intercultural dialogue and academic excellence.

Participation in the activities of the UNESCO-UIA Validation Commission ensures that the unique strengths of GTU architectural programs are showcased.

By engaging in debates discussing the alignment of Cairo University’s architecture program with global standards, I was allowed to share my views on how GTU architecture programs meet or exceed standards. Such involvement ensures a stronger international partnership, strengthens the academic reputation of our higher educational institution, promotes the assimilation of the best global practices and the expansion of international academic relations,” said Gocha Mikiashvili.