The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, participated in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event related to the introduction of Georgian wheat culture on December 14, 2025, Sunday.
As the Prime Minister said during my speech, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee has made a historic decision to submit Georgian wheat culture, traditions, and rituals as a representative of the intangible cultural heritage of mankind, which is a world-class recognition of the truth that is encoded in our genetics. “Wheat has been an integral part of Georgian identity, spirituality, and presence for millennia,” he added.
According to him, Georgia is one of the oldest wheat origins. 15 of the 20 types of wheat known in the world are growing on our soil, and 5 of them are endemic and come only on Georgian soil. This biodiversity is a living treasure that our ancestors saw us through.
“For centuries, Georgian people worked tirelessly, baking bread and following traditions that protected the strength of their families. It is the result of this labor that unique diversity that adorns our corners and which, ultimately, forms the basis of our united, rich national culture,” Irakli Kobakhidze noted.
The PM noted that this UNESCO decision highlights one more important aspect – the tradition of breaking wheat and bread is a symbol of peace and social unity.
Today, when the world needs consent so much, Georgian table and bread serve exactly the idea of hospitality and bringing people closer. This recognition is a message for the future as well. Protection and development of endemic species is the greatest potential of our agrarian sector, agrotourism, and green economy. The main goal of Georgia is to keep this tradition a living, evolving process that will bring wealth to our farmers and the country.
Also, during his speech, he thanked scientists, researchers, ministries, Patriarchate of Georgia, and all the people involved in the process of preparing the nomination and noted that this victory is another proof that Georgia, with its unique culture, is a distinguished part of the world civilization.
