Yerevan, Armenia
- October 25-27, 2023
The 2023 APRI Forum, the annual gathering of the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia, brought together policymakers, academics, leading civil society voices and international experts under the theme “Making Progress in Times of Uncertainty.” The conference looked at ways to overcome the ongoing crisis, as well as pathways for enhancing the stability and sustainable development of Armenia. The program featured expert-led discussions on a range of themes and in-depth keynote sessions with high-level officials.
Quotes that inspired us:
“You can see the future but you can’t live in it. You live in the transition.” Taufiq Rahim
“Action is the antidote to despair.” Joan Baez
Forum Agenda
8:30
Registration
9:00
Words of Welcome & Open Discussion
- Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
9:45
Strengthening Human Rights as a Pillar of Regional Stability
The protection of human rights seems increasingly difficult in a region still recovering from past abuses. With both practical experience and deep analytical insights, Anahit Manasyan, Human Rights Defender of Armenia, examines the structural approach to countering human-rights violations and preventing new ones from occurring. This includes the integration of civil society and regional partners in a framework for improving the human rights record of the region.
- Anahit Manasyan, Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Republic of Armenia
- Moderator: Anoush Baghdassarian, Founder and President, Rerooted
10:15
Q&A: Understanding the ICC
In a brief interactive discussion, international law expert Anoush Baghdassarian addresses the legal implications of Armenia’s decision to join the International Criminal Court.
- Anoush Baghdassarian, Founder and President, Rerooted
- Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
10:30
Finding Stability in a Multipolar World
Beyond Armenia’s immediate region, many countries are dealing with the stability risks that come with geopolitical realignment in a multipolar world. Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman of the Observer Research Foundation, shares his reflections on how to find stability in the storm.
- Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman, Observer Research Foundation
- Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
11:00
Coffee Break
11:15
Making Diplomacy Work in the South Caucasus
Starting with an address by Toivo Klaar, the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus, we discuss the prospects for diplomatic success in what has been a bumpy road for negotiations. From multiple angles, our panelists examine the risks to a lasting peace deal and how to potentially overcome them.
- Toivo Klaar, Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia,
European Union - Tatevik Hayrapetyan, Expert in Azerbaijani Studies
- Olesya Vartanyan, Senior Analyst in the South Caucasus, International Crisis Group
- Moderator: Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia
12:30
13:30
Cybersecurity for Small States
The cyber arena has become increasingly important for both geopolitics and national
development. Gevorg Mantashyan, First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry, shares
Armenia’s concrete plans for cybersecurity development in an innovative public
consultation.
- Gevorg Mantashyan, First Deputy Minister, Ministry of High Tech Industry, Republic of Armenia
- Moderator: Yervant Zorian, Chief Architect, Synopsys
14:00
Redesigning Humanitarian Response for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh
Foregrounding the voices of people immediately impacted by the crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, our panel looks at evidence-based, practical strategies for ensuring an effective humanitarian response. Informed by their active work in the field, experts will make specific recommendations to best serve the people facing critical needs.
- Artak Beglaryan, Independent Expert
- Marina Malkhasyan, CEO & Co-Founder, Effective Government Foundation
- Marina Mkhitaryan, Executive Director, AGBU Armenia
- Moderator: Kim Hekimian, Senior Fellow, APRI Armenia
15:30
Coffee Break
15:45
Enhancing Public Health and Crisis Response
With a remit that includes strengthening Armenian health systems as well as the care of newly arrived refugees, Anahit Avanesyan, Minister of Health, will address what is being done for the development and well-being of people in Armenia.
- Anahit Avanesyan, Minister, Ministry of Health, Republic of Armenia
- Moderator: Kim Hekimian, Senior Fellow, APRI Armenia
16:15
Nagorno-Karabakh: The Aftermath and the Path Forward
With reflections from the long, difficult journey of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh over
the past three years, one of the region’s most vivid and vocal journalists shares her
reflections on where we go from here.
- Siranush Sargsyan, Freelance Journalist
- Moderator: Greta Avetisyan, National Communications Lead, APRI Armenia
16:45
How to Keep Going: Lessons from Garo Armen
Longtime philanthropist Garo Armen, founder of the Children of Armenia Fund, shares his vision for how to keep investing in the future and find an inner strength in difficult moments.
- Garo Armen, Founder and Chairman, Children of Armenia Fund
- Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
17:15
Closing Words & Open Discussion
8:30
Registration
9:00
Words of Welcome & Open Discussion
- Gevorg Tamamyan, Head, Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia
- Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
9:30
Connectivity Corridors in the South Caucasus
What could new roads, railways, and other connectivity projects mean for the region? On
what terms and with what aims will they be developed? What would this new form of
interstate cooperation mean for peace and stability? Our panel of experts will analyze
the various factors shaping regional connectivity in the coming years.
- Christine Arakelian, Chief Executive Officer, Theraxios
- Arthur Khachikian, Lecturer, Russian-Armenian University
- Sergei Melkonian, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia
- Moderator: Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia
10:00
Advancing the Concept of National Transformation
Two public servants working on Armenia’s National Transformation Strategy and public
administration reform conduct an in-depth conversation on how to improve government at a fundamental level. This session will take both a conceptual and practical approach to discussing targeted changes to Armenia’s public sector.
- Hakob Abrahamyan, Assistant to the Prime Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of Armenia
Viktorya Aydinyan, Advisor, Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of Armenia - Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
10:30
(Re)thinking Statehood
Two esteemed professors from the American University of Armenia share their collective thinking on statehood, citizenship, civic development, and the future of Armenia.
- Stephan Astourian, Director, Turpanjian Center for Policy Analysis, American University of Armenia
Vache Gabrielyan, Dean, Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics, American University of Armenia - Moderator: Nvard Chalikyan, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia
11:00
Coffee Break
11:15
(Re)thinking Foreign Policy: The EU’s Role in the South Caucasus
With the European Union playing an active role in peacebuilding for the South Caucasus, how does the 27-nation bloc successfully achieve its stated foreign policy goals of advancing stability and prosperity in its Eastern Neighborhood?
- Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia
- Sonja Stojanovic Gajic, Founder, Public Engagement
- Dennis Sammut, Director, LINKS Europe
- Moderator: Leo Wigger, Associate Partner, Candid Foundation
12:00
Making Progress on Armenia’s Digital Transition
The creation of the Information Systems Management Board of Armenia in 2022 was a landmark step toward the secure digitization of the country. Nerses Yeritsyan, the first person to lead the organization, will discuss how its agenda for reform and international partnerships is shaping plans for Armenia’s digital future.
- Nerses Yeritsyan, Director of Information Systems Agency of Armenia, Secretary of
Information Systems Management Board - Moderator: Yervant Zorian, Chief Architect, Synopsys
12:30
13:30
Reflections from the EU Monitoring Mission
As part of its growing role in the South Caucasus, the EU established the European Union Mission in Armenia in February 2023 to contribute to stability in the border areas of Armenia. Markus Ritter, the head of mission, will join us to discuss EUMA’s contributions, successes, and learnings.
- Markus Ritter, Head, European Union Mission in Armenia
- Moderator: Maria Titizian, Editor-in-Chief, EVN Report
14:00
Lessons from the G20 for Small States
In a conversation with one of the most seasoned diplomatic journalists in India, we draw lessons from the Indian presidency of the G20 and the overall rise of India on the world stage.
- Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, Diplomatic Affairs Editor, The Economic Times, India
- Jason Wahlang, Research Analyst, Europe and Eurasia Centre, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi
- Moderator: Nvard Chalikyan, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia
14:30
(Re)thinking Foreign Policy: Armenia’s Relations with the Arab World
As Armenia diversifies its diplomacy abroad, its dynamic relationship with the Arab world requires new analysis. With keynote remarks from Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vahan Kostanyan and commentary from expert panelists we will discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolution of Arab–Armenia relations.
- Vahan Kostanyan, Deputy Foreign Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Armenia
- Araks Pashayan, Head of the Department of International Relations, Institute of Oriental Studies, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia
Lynn Zovighian, Co-founder and Managing Director, The Zovighian Partnership - Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
15:00
Coffee Break
15:15
Russian Foreign Policy in the South Caucasus
Russia’s military involvement in Ukraine and its relations with regional actors continue to impact its foreign policy in the South Caucasus. In discussion with Artem Kobzev, a leading journalist from Russia who covers foreign policy, we explore the dynamics of Russian priorities in the South Caucasus.
- Artem Kobzev, Journalist, Profile Magazine
- Moderator: Sergei Melkonian, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia
16:00
US Foreign Policy in the South Caucasus
In a virtual interview from the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC, Senior Fellow Michael Rubin helps us understand the United States’ current approach to the South Caucasus and how it sees critical events in the region.
- Ruben Elamiryan, Chair, Department of World Politics and International Relations, Russian-Armenian University
- Grigor Hovhannisyan, Former Ambassador to US, Chairman of The Board, Araratbank
- Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
- Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
16:45
Understanding this Moment in History
Through a mix of historical recall and present-day analysis, Professor Georgi Derluguian shares his reflections on this moment in Armenia and the wider region. With the benefit of context and the space for open discussion, he will help make sense of where we have been and where we may go next.
- Georgi Derluguian, Professor of Social Research and Public Policy, NYU Abu Dhabi
- Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia
17:15
How to Keep Going: Lessons from Nerses III
Professor Roberta Ervine of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary reaches back to the seventh
century for lessons on rebuilding and resiliency that can help guide Armenia today.
- Roberta Ervine, Professor of Armenian Studies, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary
17:45
Closing Words
- Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
8:30
Registration
9:00
Words of Welcome & Open Discussion
9:15
Managing Armenia’s Waste – An Environmental Imperative
In the push for a clean, green Armenia, innovations in waste management and the circular economy are vital. We sit down with experts in the field who understand what needs to happen for the health and environmental protection of the next generation.
- Harutyun Alpetyan, Waste Governance Expert, Acopian Center for the Environment, American University of Armenia
- Irina Mkrtchyan, Co-founder, Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities
- Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
9:45
Advancing Strategic Technology for Future Success
Former Minister of High-Tech Industry Hayk Chobanyan and Professor Armen Kherlopian share insights on key areas for technological development and investment. In an era when deep tech may be the new geopolitics, this has the power to shape key elements of Armenia’s future trajectory.
- Hayk Chobanyan, Former Minister, Ministry of High Tech Industry, Republic of Armenia
Armen Kherlopian, Founding Partner, BAJ Accelerator - Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
10:15
Water Wealth for the Next 100 Years
Armenia is fortunate to have an abundance of water resources. But it is also a water-stressed country and one of the top 10 in the world in water wastage—a result of aging infrastructure and irrigation practices long in need of updating. In the face of declining rainfall and climate-change impacts, as well as regional interstate dynamics, this vital resource must be managed well in order to keep sustaining Armenia and its people. How can Armenia maintain its privileged position as a water-wealthy country for future generations?
- Babken Babayan, Deputy Director, Izmirlian Charitable Foundation, Chief Operating Officer, “Vanand Agro” CJSC
- Mher Kelian, Engineer, Armenian Territorial Development Fund
- Gabriel Meghruni, Managing Director, MekhorAgro LLC
- Moderator: Alen Amirkhanian, Director, Acopian Center for the Environment, American University of Armenia
11:00
Coffee Break
11:15
Holding Steady in Turbulent Times
One of Armenia’s most respected voices on managing risks and unexpected shocks, Central Bank Governor Martin Galstyan discusses the country’s economic growth and approach to advancing stability.
- Martin Galstyan, Governor, Central Bank of Armenia
- Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
11:45
Strengthening How We Care for Each Other
From core government welfare programs to innovation in social services, how do we strengthen support for people in Armenia? After keynote remarks from Narek Mkrtchyan, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, we turn to a civil society and philanthropic perspective to get a whole-of-society view on how we care for each other and for the next generation.
- Larisa Hovhanissian, Founder and CEO, Teach for Armenia
- Narek Mkrtchyan, Minister, Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Republic of Armenia
- Moderator: Lynn Zovighian, Co-Founder and Managing Director, The Zovighian Partnership
12:30
(Re)thinking Foreign Policy: Armenia’s Relations with the Arab World
As Armenia diversifies its diplomacy abroad, its dynamic relationship with the Arab world requires new analysis. With keynote remarks from Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vahan Kostanyan and commentary from expert panelists we will discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolution of Arab–Armenia relations.
- Vahan Kostanyan, Deputy Foreign Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Armenia
- Araks Pashayan, Head of the Department of International Relations, Institute of Oriental Studies, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia
- Lynn Zovighian, Co-founder and Managing Director, The Zovighian Partnership
- Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
13:30
How to Keep Going: The Symbols of a Nation
An artist, professor and calligrapher, Ruben Malayan shares some of the symbols that have captured the spirit of the Armenian people for centuries. How can they enliven and illuminate the path forward?
- Ruben Malayan, Lecturer, American University of Armenia
13:30
Closing Words: On Future Intelligence
- Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia
- Tamás Landesz, Author and Director, Administration and Finance, World Health Organization
14:00
Networking Lunch & Extended Musical Presentation
Speakers
Community Guidelines
APRI Armenia is committed to creating an inclusive environment for dialogue in an atmosphere of mutual respect. It is our duty and obligation to maintain an exchange of ideas that is free from harassment, discrimination, and threatening or disrespectful behavior. We expect all speakers and participants to abide by these guidelines.
APRI Armenia reserves the right to refuse admittance to or remove any person from its events at any time. This includes, but is not limited to, attendees behaving in a disorderly manner or failing to comply with our community guidelines. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form.
We hope you will enjoy the company of the distinctive speakers, facilitators, and participants who attend our events. We convene in the spirit of mutual understanding and with an appreciation of what each individual brings to the whole conversation.
To respect the integrity of our panelists and on-stage discussions we kindly ask that you refrain from posting the content of today’s conference on social media channels.
Artists In Residence
Tarup is an Armenian revival trio re-imagining folk music to shed light on new post-traditional sounds, combining the mesmerizing melodies of the tar with a bold association of jazz, electronic keyboards, and percussion. Tarup’s music is full of crafted harmonies, modern improvisations, and distinctive acoustic sounds, sometimes with an electronic touch.
The trio was formed in 2011 by Miqayel Voskanyan, a tar player, composer, and singer, who has managed to create modern, innovative music using an ancient instrument historically limited to traditional folk music.
Photo Gallery
Session Recordings
