The participants of the meeting - representatives of various political parties, public figures, representatives of the scientific and creative intelligentsia, discussed the draft regulations on the future Council, the degree of relevance and necessity of such a structure.

Opening the meeting, Vice President Badra Gunba spoke about the idea of ​​a public council, which is planned as an advisory body. The statute on the Council and its composition is approved by President.

The main activity of the council should be the development of proposals and recommendations on topical issues of domestic and foreign policy of the state, development of the economy, social sphere, ensuring the observance of human rights and freedoms, the Constitution and laws of Abkhazia, on the basis of discussions with representatives of political parties, public organizations and other institutions of civil society.

According to the submitted draft regulations on the Council the main tasks of it are: holding consultations; development of proposals and recommendations on topical issues of the country's life; ensuring a constructive dialogue between representatives of political parties and public organizations and the authorities; consideration and preparation of recommendations for the most relevant draft laws, as well as forecasting their political and socio-economic consequences; study of the socio-economic and socio-political situation and the development of appropriate proposals to the head of state.

The Council has the right to participate in the development of decisions of executive authorities on issues affecting the interests of public organizations, political parties and other institutions of civil society, to disseminate information about its work and request the necessary information from state bodies, local government bodies and other organizations, to involve independent experts.

Meetings of the Council will be held as needed, but at least once every three months. If necessary, an extraordinary meeting of the Council can be convened by decision of its chairman, who will be the head of state.

“Today we want to hear the opinion of experienced people who have contributed to the formation and development of our state. We need to understand whether we need such a platform", Vice president said.

Those present supported the initiative of the head of state. Many participants in today's meeting noted the usefulness of creating a platform for dialogue, while emphasizing that the work of the Council should be constructive. Every effort should be made to ensure that this body becomes truly working and useful for society, and does not remain nominally on paper, as it already happened before with such sites.

Director of the Center for Economic Research Oleg Damenia emphasized that a similar council had already been created earlier, but there was no work.

“We must take into account the past negative experience and not repeat it,” said Damenia.

He considers it more effective to create working groups in the most relevant areas, which will systematically propose their ideas to  President.

Secretary of the Public Chamber Guli Kichba believes that such a council can become an effective tool for consolidating society.

“I welcome such advice, they consolidate society, provide an opportunity to discuss issues of concern. We are facing terrible challenges, and we need to consolidate more than ever. Good results can be achieved if all social forces apply all their experience and strength, ” Kichba said.

The benefit of such a body was also expressed by deputy of Parliament of the first convocation, businessman David Pilia: “The Council is necessary for our society and the political leadership of the country. This is a platform on which ideas will be generated in the future. The state has many problems, but it is very important to lay a good grain, which will sprout in the future. It's about the human factor. Our society will accurately assess whether this Council will be able to change something . "

Liana Kvarchelia, an employee of the Center for Humanitarian Programs, also expressed support for the presidential initiative and expressed hope that the Council's recommendations will be taken into account. “It will be very usefull if there is a Council in which all parties can discuss topical issues facing the country despite their interests,” Kvarchelia said.

Summing up the results of the meeting, Vice President Badra Gunba noted that all the wishes and comments of the audience will be taken into account and presented to President.

“It is important for us not to pretend that work is going on, but to actually carry it out. It is very important for this organ to become effective. I am sure that President in his choice of the Council composition will proceed from the merits of the person and his potential. The responsibility of the country's leadership is very high here” Gunba said.