EDUCATION: Master in Public Administration (MPA), JFK School of Government, Harvard University, USA; Edward S. Mason Fellow (2011). Master of Laws (LL.M), Southern Methodist University (SMU) School of Law, USA; Edmund Muskie Fellow (1997). Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Laws (LL.M) - the Ukrainian Institute of International Relations and International Law, Kiev State University (1991). Has attended special courses in law, international relations, security and public administration at the leading US and European Universities. 1998 - awarded the UN Scholarship (Participant, UN International Law Commission Session, Geneva). 1996 - awarded the US Congress Scholarship, Edmund Muskie Fellowship Program PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Public Service Career 2008- 2014 – Director, Intelligence Service of Georgia (GIS) 2005- 2008 - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia 2004 - 2005 - Assistant to the President of Georgia on National Security Issues - Secretary of the National Security Council (NSC) 2004 - Minister of Defense of Georgia (First Civilian Defense Minister) 2000 - 2004 - Deputy Minister of Defense of Georgia 1997-2000 – Director, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia 1993 - 1996 - Envoy Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of Georgia to the Republic of Kazakhstan 1991 - 1993 - Different positions at the International Law Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Private Sector Career January 2014 to Present: Non-Executive Director, Member of the Board, Georgian Industrial Group (GIG) January 2015 to Present: Chairman & CEO, “David Bezhuashvili Education Foundation”, Charity organization for the support of educational programs, scientific research and protection of cultural heritage of Georgia Since 2015 – Honorary Member of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (W.H.I.A) April 2017 to Present: Member of the International Advisory Board, San Diego State University (SDSU) Georgia December 2014 to Present: Member of International Advisory Council, Foundation Dom Cabral Business School, Brazil March 2016 to Present: Chairman, Supervisory Board, European School, Georgia 2015 - 2017: Chairman of Supervisory Board, HeidelbergCementGeorgia LLC (HCG) Achievements and Activities In 1998-2000 was actively involved as a national expert in cooperation with the European structures: Committee of National Advisers on Public International Law (CAHDI), Council of Europe; Multidisciplinary Group Against Corruption (GMC), Council of Europe; Ad hoc committee on Protection of National Minorities, (DH-MIN), Council of Europe; Alternate Member, Venice Commission (Constitutional Law), Council of Europe. In 1999 led the Georgian delegation at the BSEC high-level official negotiations and meetings in Istanbul, Thessaloniki, Chisinau. In 1997-1999 chaired the group of national experts on Georgia's accession to the Council of Europe; chaired the group of experts, that drafted the Georgian Law on International Treaties (1997) and the Georgian Law on Diplomatic Service (1999 and 2007); authored and led the elaboration of the Georgian Organic Laws: on National Security Council (2005) and Law on Intelligence Service of Georgia and Law on Intelligence Craft (2010). Since 2000, along with his official duties, has been involved in scientific research on International Law issues and has published a number of works. Since April 2017 lecturer at Georgian Public Policy Institute (GIPA). Awards Mr.Bezhuashvili holds highest Diplomatic Rank of “Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary” and highest Civil Service Rank of “State Chancellor”. Mr.Bezhuashvili was nominated as “The Man of the Year 2004” by the American Biographical Institute, USA. In 2006, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Independence of Ukraine, by Decree of the President of Ukraine, Gela Bezhuashvili was awarded Ukraine's national award – I Rank Order of Merit for contribution to the international policy and bilateral relations between Georgia and Ukraine. In 2007, by Order 94 of the President of Estonia, Gela Bezhuashvili was awarded Order of Maarjamaa Rist (Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana) - III Rank; the highest award of the Republic of Estonia. In 2013, by Decree N 01/11/04 of the President of Georgia, Gela Bezhuashvili was awarded Vakhtang Gorgasal’s Order - I Rank. In 2008, the American Biographical Institute, USA has proclaimed Gela Bezhuashvili as an approved Charter Member of the Leading Intellectuals of the World for his outstanding contributions in Defense Reforms, Civilian Control over the Military, Institutional Reform of the Foreign Service and Security System Reforms in Georgia. In 2008, the American Biographical Institute, USA has proclaimed Gela Bezhuashvili as a distinguished member of the American Hall of Fame for his outstanding commitment, dedication and inspirational leadership.