Mariam Lomtadze has lived, worked, and studied in six countries over the past six years. This summer, she conducted research for the United Nations Development Programme office in Tbilisi, the mountainous capital of Georgia.

“Last summer, I had the chance to intern at the UN headquarters in New York City, working for the Permanent Mission of Georgia. That cemented my interest further, so I decided to work for UNDP this year in my home country,” Lomtadze said via Zoom from a relative’s home in Tbilisi. “That way, I could support my local community and get involved in the work that international organizations are doing in Georgia.”

Working for the UN has long been a dream for the UR senior, a double major in global studies and political science. At 16, she moved to China to attend an international high school. Her wanderlust also brought her long-term stays in Armenia, the U.S., Switzerland, and Australia. She participated in UR’s multilateral diplomacy and international relations study abroad program in Switzerland and the global politics program at the University of Sydney. Growing up in western Georgia, she learned English from Peace Corps volunteers. She is also fluent in Georgian.

Her work with UNDP is focused on international development that is brought about by eradicating poverty and reducing inequality.

“We are working very closely on sustainability, gender equality, inclusivity, and empowerment of disadvantaged groups. Through these we believe that democratic governance can be achieved— that's what UNDP’s goal is,” Lomtadze said. “That's where I come in — to help them research these topics and develop solutions moving forward.”

She’s conducting research for the global governance program, mapping and analyzing donor organizations and funded projects. Recently, Georgia passed a law requiring media and non-governmental organizations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as acting in the interest of a foreign power.

She noted that elections were coming up in Georgia, undergoing fundamental political changes.

“The environment is very hectic,” Lomtadze said. “And just being part of that environment is teaching me a lot as someone who aspires to have a career in politics.”

In August, she flew to New York to continue her internship at the UN headquarters. She will help UNDP prepare for a high-level week in September. Then, she’ll be back on campus for her senior year.

But Georgia is always top of mind.

“Regardless of where I am in the world, I strive to represent and advocate for Georgia,” she said. “That keeps my homeland in my heart and mind.”