2026 APRI Forum

Sketching the Architecture of Change

Yerevan, Armenia

  • September 23-25, 2026

The best way to predict the future is to design it. 
— R. Buckminster Fuller

Amidst the chaotic fractures of the global order, Yerevan’s figurative and physical landscape is changing. A new layout is emerging. And, paradoxically, in this volatility, Armenians’ reliance on crisis management is being replaced by a more forward-looking confidence. The time to sketch the first drafts of our future has come.

The theme for APRI Armenia’s 2026 Yerevan conference is “Sketching the Architecture of Change.” It will provide a platform for engagement on the fundamental building blocks required to boost Armenians’ agency and secure a sovereign future. 

The 2026 APRI Forum will bring together policy, diplomatic, private sector, civil society leaders and engaged Armenians to investigate the way forward for Armenia in key areas of development. The program will feature multidisciplinary discussions and in-depth keynote sessions with officials and foreign guests throughout the three days.

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Preliminary Program

09:25

Welcome and Opening Remarks

  • Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia

10:00

Fireside Chat: Armenia–US Relations 3.0

Armenia–US relations have reached a new level, entering a particularly dynamic phase in 2025. What Armenia, a small and remote South Caucasus country, has achieved in furthering its partnership with the US in a short time is notable. In this fireside chat, two Armenian thinkers with years of engagement in advancing Armenia–US relations will reflect on efforts to consolidate recent gains and explore a timely question: where does the partnership go from here?

10:30

Fireside Chat: Armenia–Russia Relations: Looking for a Modus Vivendi | Supported by the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund

Amid the growing Russia–West confrontation, Armenia is pursuing Western-focused diversification of its foreign relations, expanding relations with both longstanding and new partners while seeking a safe and constructive transformation of its relations with Moscow. Yerevan’s expanding relations with Washington and particularly with Brussels are viewed negatively by Moscow and have led to economic restrictions on segments of Armenia’s trade. But a new modus vivendi is necessary for both countries to move forward. What can the two countries achieve? What should the new configuration of the relationship look like, considering the changing geopolitical environment, past relations, and geography?

  • Ruslan Pukhov, Director, Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies
  • Moderator: Sergei Melkonian, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia

11:00

Coffee Break

11:30

Fireside Chat: Armenia and Iran: Morphing Relations in a Changing Strategic Environment

The ongoing Iran–US–Israel war has reshaped the Middle East. For the South Caucasus in general, and Armenia in particular, the conflict raises questions about the risk of spillover, the feasibility of regional connectivity projects currently under development, and how to navigate Great Power competition. The session will examine Iran’s strategy toward the South Caucasus and the future of Armenia–Iran relations, as the two countries continue to expand economic, energy, and diplomatic cooperation.

12:00

The Armenia–Azerbaijan–Türkiye Triangle: Breaking the Impasse

Consolidating peace with Azerbaijan, normalizing relations with Türkiye, and unblocking regional communications remain central to Armenia’s foreign policy agenda and to the region’s peaceful future. Yet the momentum generated by the 2025 Washington Summit has slowed, amid Azerbaijan’s insistence on constitutional amendments as a precondition for signing the peace agreement, and Türkiye’s continued linkage of normalization with Armenia to progress in Armenia–Azerbaijan relations. Between Baku’s precondition and Ankara’s Baku-first policy, is there a way to break the circle and bring lasting stability and security to the South Caucasus? And if not, what does the future look like?

  • Ambassador Mehmet Fatih Ceylan, President, Ankara Policy Center and Turkish Atlantic Council Association
  • Vasif Huseynov, Head of Department, Center for Analysis of International Relations and Multiculturalism (AIR Center) (Zoom)
  • Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia
  • Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia

12:45

Strengthening Agency for the South Caucasus Countries Amid Great Power Competition

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus has been a theater of geopolitical and geoeconomic rivalry among multiple external powers. Ethnopolitical conflicts and the differing foreign-policy orientations of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan have contributed to a deeply fragmented region. Today, the South Caucasus is undergoing unprecedented change amid a profound transformation of the global order, the weakening of multilateralism, and a renewed emphasis on hard power. How will Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan fare given their complex geography? How can the three countries claim greater agency and play a more decisive role in shaping their own trajectories, rather than being driven by the interests and rivalries of external powers?

  • Rusif Huseynov, Director, Topchubashov Center (Zoom)
  • Alex Petriashvili, Senior Fellow,  Georgian Foundation for Strategic & International Studies (GFSIS)
  • Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia
  • Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia

13:30

Networking Lunch

14:15

Armenia’s Economic Resilience in an Era of Geopolitical Uncertainties

In the context of rapidly changing geopolitical realities and global financial fluctuations, ensuring economic resilience and swiftly responding to newly emerging challenges have become key prerequisites for Armenia’s steady development. In his keynote speech, Martin Galstyan, Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia, will address ways to ensure the stability of the country’s economic system, mechanisms for absorbing external shocks, and long-term perspectives on economic growth, sketching the foundation of our economic future.

  • Martin Galstyan, Governor, Central Bank of Armenia
  • Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia

14:45

Defining and Driving Armenia’s Economic Security

The Washington Peace Summit gave Armenia new momentum for economic development by promoting foreign direct investment and fostering economic empowerment. At the same time, it posed fundamental questions about the future of industries operating in Armenia and their alignment with Armenia’s long-term national interests, as laid out in the government’s Doctrine published in January 2026. This cross-industry panel will bring together speakers to discuss how their respective sectors can contribute to strengthening Armenia’s economic security.

  • Hakob Avagyan, President, SME Cooperation Association
  • Vardan Jhanyan, First Deputy General Director, ZCMC
  • Bakur Melkonyan, Co-founder, Art Lunch LLC
  • Moderator: Eduard Mkrtchyan, Vice President, Operations, APRI Armenia

15:30

Growing our Talent, Trees, and Civic Space 

Talent, trees, and civic spaces take time to grow, and their results often become visible only years after the seeds are planted. Yet patiently nurturing talent, creating spaces, building communities, and developing infrastructure are essential to Armenia’s prosperous future. This session is about the patient side of building a country: raising skilled people, greening our cities, and creating public spaces. It is about how investment in people, sustainability, urban development, and innovation can work together to create an environment in which talent can grow, communities can connect, and civic life can flourish—and what it takes to keep doing so in a fast-changing and uncertain world.

  • Vanane Ararktsyan, Executive Director, Keron Development Foundation
  • Katerina Danekina, Chief Executive Officer, Green Rock
  • Aram Salatian, Chairman of Board, Engineering Association 
  • Moderator: Seda Arzumanyan, Vice President, Donor Relations, APRI Armenia

16:15

Reading the Waterscape of Araks: When Borders Become Bridges

“Borders are often seen as lines that separate us. But what if they could instead become spaces of connection? Art, architecture, ecology, and landscape can shape how we experience borders: as barriers or shared spaces. Shifting our outlook on spaces can open new possibilities for bringing people and communities closer, helping us sketch new possibilities for the future in Armenia and the region. Nairi Khatchadourian revisits her talk “Sharing a River, or the Poetics of Relation” and its vision of a bridge connecting Armenia and Iran along the Araks River, in light of the 2026 APRI Forum.

  • Nairi Khatchadourian, Founding Director, Curator, AHA collective

16:30

Coffee Break

16:45

Global Defense Reindustrialization: The Role of Small States and Firms

Growing security challenges are driving countries worldwide to expand defense production, strengthen supply chains, and accelerate innovation. These efforts are not limited to major powers or large defense companies. Smaller states and specialized firms can also contribute through niche manufacturing, software, maintenance, testing, and AI-enabled, autonomous, and data-driven systems. Drawing on lessons from Ukraine, South Korea, and Armenia, the panel will explore how smaller defense industries can identify competitive niches, overcome barriers to finance, procurement, and market access, and become credible partners in broader defense ecosystems.

  • Yeongkyun Jang, Senior Researcher, Korea AI Safety Institute
  • Michael Kofman, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment
  • Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia
  • Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia

10:30

Fireside Chat: Understanding the EU to Understand Our Future with the EU

2026 has been a landmark year for EU–Armenia relations, starting from the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agenda in December 2025 and continuing with the EU–Armenia bilateral Summit in May 2026 and the launch of the EU Partnership Mission in July. Political will on both sides has driven these achievements, along with broader geopolitical developments affecting regional stability and prosperity. In this fireside chat, Ambassador Delcorde will reflect on the evolving nature of the European project and opportunities for further expanding Yerevan’s relations with Brussels.

  • Ambassador Raoul Delcorde, Ambassador (Ret.), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium
  • Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia

11:00

Bridging Disconnections: The South Caucasus and the New Logistics of Eurasia

Growing geopolitical rivalries, the disruption of supply chains, and the need for economic resilience and diversification have made connectivity a critical feature of the emerging global order. The South Caucasus, a crossroads of East–West and North–South transit routes, is one of the active theaters where these dynamics are playing out. This session will discuss what needs to happen in the South Caucasus for it to facilitate connections between Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

  • Ambassador Mehmet Fatih Ceylan, President, Ankara Policy Center and Turkish Atlantic Council Association
  • Alex Petriashvili, Senior Fellow,  Georgian Foundation for Strategic & International Studies (GFSIS)
  • Moderator: Shant Arzoumanian, Macroeconomist, Central Bank of Armenia

11:45

Coffee Break

14:15

Beyond the Headlines: What Do AI Factories Bring to Armenia?

The establishment of Firebird’s flagship AI factory in August 2026 in Hrazdan, followed by the Eleveight AI factory operating in Gagarin, has been a breakthrough moment for Armenia’s economic development. These big investments come with the promise of a more prosperous future for Armenia’s technology sector and society at large. This intersectional panel will debate what these factories can bring to Armenia—from technological, environmental, and social perspectives—as well as the challenges that must be addressed to realize their full potential. The discussion will help the audience gain a broader, more holistic understanding of the implications of AI factories for Armenia and Armenians.

  • Tigran Jrbashyan, Partner, Director of Management Advisory Services Ameria CJSC
  • Irina Seylanyan, CEO, Afeyan Initiatives for Armenia
  • Tigran Tshorokhyan, Innovation and Sustainable Finance Portfolio Manager, UNDP Armenia
  • Moderator: Nazareth Seferian, Board Member, Impact Hub Yerevan

15:30

Why Armenia? Building a Competitive Technology Nation | A panel in partnership with UATE

Overcoming its small size and structural constraints, and leveraging both its engineering Soviet past and diasporans working in Silicon Valley, Armenia has built a well respected ecosystem of high-tech engineering talent and able technicians. That ecosystem is transitioning from a services-based model toward a more product- and innovation-driven one in line with global shifts driven by artificial intelligence. This raises questions about Armenia’s positioning in the tech landscape. What is distinctly Armenian in high tech? What makes our talent and firms globally competitive? How can the current trajectory be converted into sustained competitiveness, economic value creation, and diplomatic leverage for the country at large? This eminent panel will address these questions and explore the elements of a strategic national vision for building a competitive technology nation.

  • Syuzanna Azoyan, Managing Director, Sada Armenia
  • Armen Kocharyan, CEO & Founder, Spark.work
  • Suzanna Shamakhyan, Executive Director, Foundation for Armenian Science & Technology 
  • Moderator: Edita Ghazaryan, Executive Director, Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE)

16:15

Coffee Break

16:45

Institutionalizing AI Strategy: The Case of the Korea AI Safety Institute

The Korea Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute represents the Republic of Korea in international partnerships aimed at building global AI governance frameworks. It helps Korean AI companies enhance their global competitiveness while strengthening international cooperation and standards for AI safety. This fireside chat will offer an exclusive window into how the Republic of Korea built and institutionalized its AI strategy through the Korea Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute, and what lessons the Armenian government can draw at a time when it is honing its National High Tech Strategy and seeking to build synergies with its diplomatic endeavors.

  • Yeongkyun Jang, Senior Researcher, Korea AI Safety Institute
  • Moderator: Anahit Budaghyan, Tech diplomacy advocate

17:15

Unleashing the Power of Diaspora–Country Connection

This fireside chat will host a conversation between representatives of Armenian diaspora foundations and the founder of the Diaspora Institute, a Dublin-based organization championing diaspora empowerment, to discuss diaspora–homeland connections. In the Armenian context, such debates often center on questions of identity and the nature of ties between the homeland and diaspora communities, with less attention paid to lessons from other diasporas and to the agency diaspora individuals can exercise in contributing to their home country. This panel will explore the role of diasporas as strategic assets for national empowerment and transformation, drawing on lessons from the Irish experience.

  • Vicken Cheterian, Director, Diasporan Perspectives, Gulbenkian Initiative on Armenian Issues, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Zoom)
  • Martin Russell, Co-Founder The Diaspora Institute
  • Moderator: Vasken Yacoubian, President, AGBU Armenia / Member, AGBU Central Board

10:00

Public Administration Reforms: Can Armenia Build its Own Good Governance Model? | Supported by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

It is imperative for Armenia to translate its recently announced and ambitious public administration reform (PAR) agenda into reality with measurable results. Doing so requires more than policy commitments and a strategic management framework. It also means addressing fragmented inter-agency coordination, limited capacity for evidence-based policymaking, and weak institutional ownership. Drawing on relevant international experience and adapting lessons to Armenia’s institutional context, this panel will explore how to strengthen good governance, strategic management, civil service performance, and accountability in practice, and how stronger local ownership of the planned PAR strategy can help deliver lasting results.

  • Viktorya Aydinyan, Head of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia
  • Vache Gabrielyan, Dean, College of Business and Economics, AUA
  • Nane Harutyunyan, Public Sector Specialist, World Bank
  • Moderator: Armenak Minasyants, Senior Research Fellow on Public Administration Reforms, APRI Armenia

10:30

Smarter Services, Stronger State | Supported by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Digital transformation can improve policy design, public service delivery, and citizen–state interaction. Yet digital tools create value only when they address clear governance needs, protect data, build public trust, and support institutions and civil servants. This panel will explore how responsible digital and artificial intelligence-enabled solutions can help build more citizen-centered, responsive, and resilient public services, while ensuring safe, ethical, accountable, and locally owned implementation through cooperation between public institutions and the private sector. It will consider what Armenia needs to do to make digital transformation work for citizens and the state.

  • Andres Kütt, CTO, Proud Engineers
  • Nayiri Shorjian, Governance and Policy Innovation Lead, UNDP Armenia SDG Innovation Lab
  • Nerses Yeritsyan, Chairman, Information Systems Authority
  • Moderator: Armenak Minasyants, Senior Research Fellow on Public Administration Reforms, APRI Armenia

11:15

Coffee Break

11:45

Beyond the Stereotype: Armenian Youth as Civic Stakeholders

Conventional wisdom loads expectations on the young generation as agents of positive change. But this stereotype hides a complex reality for Armenian youth, with a mix of emerging civic leaders and evidence of political apathy. This panel, drawing on the advocacy and research work of its speakers, will explore how Armenia can move beyond symbolic inclusion and create spaces where young people are heard, trusted, and empowered to contribute to civic thinking.

  • Arpy Manusyan, President and Researcher, Socioscope
  • Yuri Movsesyan, Project manager, Restart Civic-Youth Foundation
  • Narek Ohanyan, Climate & Environmental Researcher, AUA Acopian Center for the Environment
  • Moderator: Greta Avetisyan, National Communications Lead, APRI Armenia

12:30

Rethinking Armenian Civil Society Organizations’ Watchdog Function

Civil society organizations (CSOs) play an important watchdog role in advancing civic debate, encouraging public engagement, and holding public institutions accountable to reforms. In Armenia, this role has been important since independence and remains so as the government works to meet international commitments requiring transparency, monitoring, and effective implementation. Bringing together perspectives from education, the environment, justice and anti-corruption, this panel will explore the evolving role of CSOs in civic debates and relations with state institutions, and the ways in which CSOs can monitor reform implementation, identify gaps, engage constructively with institutions, and build public trust—especially as civic space faces growing pressure.

  • Shamam Gevorgyan, Founding Director, 405 Educational Alliance
  • Marina Mkhitaryan, Director for Strategic Partnerships and Impact, Armenia Tree Project
  • Hasmik Harutyunyan, Lawyer, legal expert, Protection of Rights Without Borders
  • Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia
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Speaker Name
Vasken Yacoubian
Affiliation
President, AGBU Armenia Member, AGBU Central Board
Bio
Vasken Yacoubian is a civil engineer and has been President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Armenia since 2015. He founded and leads the Leon A. Yacoubian Contracting LLC (LAYC–Armenia) and has managed the family-owned LAYC–Syria, since 1985. Since 2006, he has served on the AGBU Central Board of Directors, representing the Middle East and overseeing outreach in Eastern Europe and CIS countries. He previously chaired the Executive Committee of the Armenian Apostolic Church Diocese of Damascus (2010–2014). Yacoubian serves on the boards of numerous educational, charitable, and strategic institutions, including the American University of Armenia and APRI Armenia, and is a member of Armenia’s Public Council. He has received the Medals of Gratitude from the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh for his contributions to Armenia-diaspora relations and support for Artsakh. He is fluent in Armenian, Arabic, English, and French, and resides in Yerevan with his family.
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Vasken Yacoubian
President, AGBU Armenia Member, AGBU Central Board
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Speaker Name
Edita Ghazaryan
Affiliation
Executive Director, Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE)
Bio
Edita Ghazaryan (PMP) is an Executive Director of the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE). With a keen focus on innovation and industry advancement, she serves the tech ecosystem in Armenia with the vision of making Armenia a High-Tech powerhouse driving unparalleled value creation. Passionate about driving innovation and fostering technological growth, Ghazaryan has been leading UATE’s Community Building initiatives for four years, helping Armenian tech companies advance to new levels, build strategic partnerships, and expand into international markets. She has extensive experience managing complex, large-scale projects and creating value-driven campaigns, previously working in leading positions in local and International NGOs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Yerevan State University (YSU) and a Master’s in Political Science and International Affairs from the American University of Armenia (AUA).
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Edita Ghazaryan
Executive Director, Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE)
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Speaker Name
Armen Sahakyan
Affiliation
Country Director, Armenian Assembly of America
Bio
Armen V. Sahakyan is an international political economy specialist with more than a decade of experience in democracy development, community advocacy, and institutional reforms. In his role as the Armenia Country Director of the Armenian Assembly of America, he oversees the organization’s in-country initiatives and communicates the Assembly’s advocacy and policy priorities in Washington to officials and civil society partners. Having moved back to Armenia from the US in 2021, he has served in various capacities, including as the Country Director for both the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, where he led high-level engagement with political stakeholders, public institutions, and civil society actors. His professional portfolio in Armenia has spanned sectors such as energy security, water management, youth empowerment, participatory policymaking, and the advancement of the Armenia–US strategic partnership.
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Armen Sahakyan
Country Director, Armenian Assembly of America
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Speaker Name
Greta Avetisyan
Affiliation
National Communications Lead, APRI Armenia
Bio
Communications Manager, National Communications Lead. Greta is responsible for shaping the organization’s public image, managing media relations, and driving impactful engagement across various platforms to support APRI Armenia’s mission and initiatives. From 2012 to 2018 she was a Senior Expert at the Public Relations and Information Center at the Office of the President of the Republic of Armenia SNCO, Service of Regional Analytics. From 2018 to 2021 she was the Deputy Head of the International Relations Department at the same SNCO.
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Greta
Greta
Greta Avetisyan
National Communications Lead, APRI Armenia
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Speaker Name
Seda Arzumanyan
Affiliation
Vice President of Donor Relations, APRI Armenia
Bio
Seda leads APRI Armenia’s development (fundraising) strategy and works closely with key individual and institutional partners to advance the organization’s research and policy mission—to shift Armenia’s trajectory toward a more stable, sustainable, and democratic future. Seda brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy and execution, and international development, with a professional background spanning US-based and international organizations. She holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential and is actively engaged with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as part of her commitment to continuous professional development and ethical fundraising practice. She holds two Master’s degrees, one in Social Work from Yerevan State University and another in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
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Seda Arzumanyan
Vice President of Donor Relations, APRI Armenia
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Speaker Name
Sargis Khandanyan
Affiliation
Chairman of Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia
Bio
2010 – Graduated from the Faculty of International Relations of Yerevan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Political scientist. 2013 – Graduated from the Anthropology Department of the University College London (UCL), receiving a MS degree in Digital Anthropology. 2010 – 2015- “Civilitas” Foundation, journalist, anchor, program editor for the “CivilNet” news channel. 2014 – 2015 – “Change.org,” Eastern Europe Office, Campaigner and Communications officer, Fellow of the Hrant Dink Foundation’s “Beyond Borders” fellowship program. 2015 – 2016 – Armenian General Benevolent Union, Responsible person for Communications and public relations. 2016 – 2018 – “Aurora” Humanitarian Initiative, Content Manager, Editor. 2018 – 2019 – Deputy Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. 2018 – 2021 – Member of the Board of Trustees of the Armenian National Agrarian University. 2019 – 2021 – Member of the National Assembly (national electoral list of the “My Step” alliance of parties). Member of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly. Member of the “My Step” faction of the National Assembly. 2021 – 2026 – Member of the National Assembly (national electoral list of the “Civil Contract” party). August 25, 2021 – February 09, 2023 – Member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly. February 09, 2023 – August 02, 2026 – Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly. Member of the “Civil Contract” faction of the National Assembly. June 7, 2026 – Elected Member of the National Assembly from the national electoral list of the “Civil Contract” party.
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Sargis Khandanyan
Chairman of Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia
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Speaker Name
Yuri Movsesyan
Affiliation
Project Manager, Restart Civic-Youth Foundation
Bio
Yuri Movsesyan is a public policy specialist, project coordinator, political analyst, and civil society consultant and trainer specializing in civic education. Since 2023, he has worked at the Restart Civic-Youth Foundation, where he coordinates the planning and implementation of various programs and works with youth groups. His research and political analysis focus on Armenia’s foreign policy, particularly its complementary foreign policy, as well as Armenia–Russia, Armenia–United States, and Armenia–European Union relations. Movsesyan also delivers training on critical thinking, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), youth activism, and election observation. He has a Master’s in Public Policy and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Yerevan State University.
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Yuri Movsesyan
Project Manager, Restart Civic-Youth Foundation
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Speaker Name
Irina Seylanyan
Affiliation
Chief Executive Officer, Afeyan Initiatives for Armenia
Bio
Irina Seylanyan is the Chief Executive Officer of Afeyan Initiatives for Armenia Foundation, where she oversees initiatives focused on high tech, innovation, education and long-term economic development. Irina is an international banking leader with over 25 years’ experience with HSBC Group across multiple markets. From 2020 to 2025 Irina served as the Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bank Armenia cjsc. Prior to that Irina was the Head of Global Markets of HSBC Bank Malta plc. Before Malta, Irina was the Head of Regulatory Risk Programs at HSBC Bank Plc (UK). Irina has a proven track record of driving institutional modernization, governance strengthening, risk-management enhancement and strategic operational transformation in complex and highly regulated financial environments. Irina also serves as the Board Chair of the National Foundation of Servicemen Insurance, Board Member of the Armenian Card (ArCa) – Armenia’s national cards system and Board Member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia.
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Irina Seylanyan
Chief Executive Officer, Afeyan Initiatives for Armenia
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Speaker Name
Bakur Melkonyan
Affiliation
Co-Founder, Art Lunch LLC
Bio
Bakur Melkonyan is an Armenian businessman and entrepreneur with more than 20 years’ experience in hospitality, food service, manufacturing, and investment projects. He is the Co-Founder of Art Lunch, Kayun Group, Black Quantum, Pikinko—an emerging hotel chain in Italy—DiliTown, Vitamina water, and Shake&Wake coffee businesses. His work focuses on creating and developing new business models, scaling existing businesses, integrating technology, and supporting the international expansion of Armenian entrepreneurial ventures. Melkonyan places particular emphasis on combining practical experience, innovation, and long-term investment thinking to build competitive businesses in Armenia and international markets.
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Bakur Melkonyan
Co-Founder, Art Lunch LLC
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Speaker Name
Andres Kütt
Affiliation
CTO, Proud Engineers
Bio
Andres Kütt is a system architect helping organizations execute their digital strategies. Over the past 35 years, he has built websites, internet banks, energy and government systems. He was an Architecture Team Lead at Skype. A passion for architecting things led him to the MIT, where he received a MsC from the System Design and Management program. He subsequently applied the knowledge gained there as a Chief Architect of Estonia, the leading digital nation, and now continues the same mission internationally. He is a published writer and a researcher. Kütt taught a unique system architecture approach to enterprise architecture at TalTech and is teaching an e-government masterclass at the University of Tartu.
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Andres Kütt
CTO, Proud Engineers
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Speaker Name
Vardan Jhanyan
Affiliation
First Deputy General Director, Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine
Bio
Vardan Jhanyan is the President of the Armenian Mining and Metallurgy Association and currently works at the Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine CJSC in Kajaran, Armenia. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Agarak Copper Molybdenum Combine in Agarak, Armenia, and as an Audit Manager at Deloitte. Jhanyan holds an MBA from INSEAD, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. He also has a Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance Analysis, and Audit from MEPhI (the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute).
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Vardan Jhanyan
First Deputy General Director, Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine

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