events

Yerevan, Armenia Organized by the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia (APRI Armenia), “2022 APRI Fall Meeting: Where Do We Go From Here?” brought together experts to discuss issues ranging from geopolitics and security to crisis leadership and national development. Held as part of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) General Assembly week in Yerevan, the conference explored issues including behavioral change, regional security, the future of Armenia-India relations and the need for a new social contract. Participants included visiting members from around the world, as well as representatives of the public and private sector, academia, and civil society in Armenia. Forum Agenda October 6 10:45 Coffee Break and Musical Transition 11:00 Opening Session Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 11:15 The New Mindset: Becoming Better People for a Better Nation How do we set the right policies and shift our individual behaviors in ways that build a stronger society? A joint initiative of the Government of Armenia and the United Nations, the Armenia National Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Innovation Lab works to mainstream the culture of innovation and experimentation in policymaking for sustainable development in Armenia. SDG Innovation Lab Lead, Tigran Tshorokhyan, will share policy-relevant insights on changing behaviors to achieve the scale and impact necessary for Armenia’s sustainable development. Tigran Tshorokhyan, Armenia National SDG Innovation Lab Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 11:45 People, Policy, and Problem-Solving in Challenging Times Policymakers in Armenia need to overcome a multitude of thematic, institutional, and procedural challenges to move the needle forward in their specific areas of responsibility. Parallel to this, there is an immense human capital in members of the global Armenian diaspora eager to engage and transfer knowledge, especially in sectors important for the country’s development. This session will explore how decision-makers in Armenia can navigate the system and what specific role the diaspora can play in helping create efficiencies to unlock the full development potential of Armenia.  Janna Andreasyan, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Republic of Armenia Rafayel Gevorgyan, Ministry of Economy, Republic of Armenia Gevorg Mantashyan, Ministry of High Tech Industry, Republic of Armenia Aram Meymaryan, Ministry of Environment, Republic of Armenia Lena Nanushyan, Ministry of Health, Republic of Armenia Tatevik Stepanyan, Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Republic of Armenia Moderator:  Arda Haratunian, APRI Armenia 12:45 Powering the Solar Energy Revolution An Armenian solar energy revolution is in the making. Using the abundant sunlight that Armenian lands can offer, leaders in both the public and private sectors are developing initiatives to advance green energy and support household savings through solar energy adoption. This panel will explore the current environment for solar energy, innovative approaches to accelerating solar energy use and future prospects for developing green infrastructure in the country. Erik Grigoryan, Environment Group Hayk Shekyan, Shtigen Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 13:15 Keynote Address: Artsakh/Karabakh, Approaching the Future The status quo in Artsakh has been shaken to its core in the aftermath of the 44-day war of 2020. While the official Yerevan and Minsk Group Co-chair countries declare that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict still exists and the final status of the region is yet to be decided, many questions remain over the process and timeline. State Minister of the Artsakh Republic, Artak Beglaryan, will deliver keynote remarks outlining his vision for overcoming these challenges. Artak Beglaryan, State Minister of Artsakh Republics Moderator: Nana Shakhnazaryan, APRI Armenia 13:45 Lunch and Musical Transition 14:30 Regional Security: Where Do We Go from Here? The volatile and rapidly changing security environment in the South Caucasus is a major cause for concern. How does a small state such as Armenia weather this storm? This discussion will focus on the longer-term risks of unresolved conflicts and explore the multiple methods of conflict management and pathways to stabilization. Laurence Broers, Conciliation Resources; Chatham House Nerses Kopalyan, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Ruslan Pukhov, Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST) Olesya Vartanyan, International Crisis Group Moderator: Maria Titizian, EVN Report 15:30 (Re)thinking Foreign Policy: India-Armenia Relations Marking the 31st anniversary of Armenian independence, Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, declared that India’s and Armenia’s “historical connections and contemporary convergences define our ties.” In a special address, India’s Ambassador to Yerevan, K. D. Dewal, will elaborate on the strategic relationship between the two countries, and consider how to fulfill the potential for greater cooperation. H.E. Ambassador K.D. Dewal, Ambassador of India to Armenia Moderator: Eric Hacopian, CivilNet 16:15 The Gray Rhino: Managing Risks A “gray rhino” is a highly probable, high-impact, yet all too often neglected threat. Despite a series of warnings and visible evidence of such risks, leaders and decision-makers too often fail to address these dangers before they spiral out of control. Michele Wucker, who invented the term in her internationally acclaimed book “The Gray Rhino,” will draw on her extensive background in policy formation and crisis management, as well as in-depth interviews with leaders from around the world, to shed light on ways to recognize and strategically counter high-impact threats. Michele Wucker, The Gray Rhino Company Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 16:45 The New Social Contract: Finding Our Way Forward A social contract defines the parameters that keep society functioning well, establishing the roles and responsibilities of both the state and its citizens. Reflecting on what we have heard and learned throughout the day, and acknowledging the need for a new mindset to envision our future, this panel will address how we set the course for a renewed, reinvigorated social contract. What could be the new social contract for Armenia and its diaspora and how do we go about making it a reality?  Vicken Cheterian, Webster University, Geneva Marina Mkhitaryan, AGBU Armenia Aram Pakhchanian, Ayb Foundation Moderator: Vache Gabrielyan, American University of Armenia 17:30 Closing Words Artists in Residence 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

Yerevan, Armenia The 2025 APRI Forum, with the theme “Finding Stability in an Unstable World,” took place June 11–13 in Yerevan. It offered in-depth and thought-provoking conversations on the global uncertainties shaping Armenia and the South Caucasus. With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the political metamorphosis under the Trump administration, and persistent instability, the Forum provided a place to think through and discuss these challenges and how to navigate them. The three-day conference brought together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, civil society representatives, and engaged Armenians to address a range of critical issues—from fostering technology and investments and advancing energy security to navigating shifting geopolitics and strengthening civic engagement. Thought leaders from various fields debated over actionable recommendations to confront Armenia’s challenges in an increasingly volatile world.  https://vimeo.com/1121812338 Quotes that inspired us: “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” Rumi   “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman   “I’m a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will.” Antonio Gramsci, Letter from Prison, December 1929  Forum Agenda June 11 June 12 June 13 9:25 Welcome and Opening Remarks Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 9:30 Stability through Technology and Innovative Partnerships  In this opening session of the 2025 APRI Forum, Hakob Arshakyan, Vice President of the National Assembly, shares Armenia’s vision for finding stability in an unstable world through enhanced focus on technology and innovative partnerships. Hakob Arshakyan, Vice President, National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Moderator: Arda Haratunian, Board Member, APRI Armenia, AGBU, AUA and Adjunct Professor, Queens College 10:00 APRI Armenia’s Foreign Policy Report: Diversification in the Post-Unipolar World APRI Armenia’s foreign policy report traces Armenian foreign policy developments since the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War and examines the challenges in diversifying and deepening diplomatic, economic, and security relationships in the last four years. With the launch of this report, APRI Armenia provides an analysis of Armenia’s foreign policy diversification and offers recommendations on how the next phase can address ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 10:15 Decoding the Global (Dis)Order From wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other regions to a shattered global trade system, uncertainty is worsening. This session will focus on growing instability in the global order and how different and sometimes competing powers are responding to these changes. Iskander Akylbayev, Chief Executive Officer, Xander Group Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation Evgeniya Goryushina, Researcher at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEIS), HSE / Head of the Caucasus Studies Sector (ICCA RAS) Stefan Meister, Head of the Center for Order and Governance in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, German Council on Foreign Relations, DGAP Moderator: Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 11:00 Coffee Break 11:30 Armenia–Azerbaijan Negotiations: Prospects for Progress Peace remains Yerevan’s top priority after the turbulence of recent years but the outstretched hand has often been met with a closed fist. Few signs suggest progress will be made toward a peace agreement with Azerbaijan this year—even as Armenia builds on its policy of constructive engagement while boosting deterrence. In conversation with Armenian experts, Rusif Huseynov, from the Topchubashov Center, presents the view from Azerbaijan on prospects for negotiations and regional peace. How will Baku respond and does it see any reason to make peace? Is no peace/no war the best the region can expect in the short- to mid-term perspective? Tatevik Hayrapetyan, PhD in History, Expert in Azerbaijani Studies Rusif Huseynov, Co-Founder and Director, Topchubashov Center (Zoom) Moderator: Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 12:15 Armenia–Turkey Normalization and the Quest for Regional Stability Despite high-level announcements, the Armenia–Turkey normalization process is at a standstill. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan links normalization with Ankara to the signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, leading to a seeming deadend. What is behind this and are there any prospects for change? How might a less Azerbaijan-focused Turkish foreign policy impact the region? Can external actors, including Europe, Russia, the United States, and Iran, provide effective support for Armenia–Turkey normalization? Mitat Çelikpala, Vice-Rector, Kadir Has University (Zoom) Varuzhan Geghamyan, Associate Professor, Chair of Turkic Studies, Yerevan State University Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 13:00 Networking Lunch & Musical Guests 14:00 Russia’s Foreign Policy and Russia–Armenia Dynamics Diplomatic relations between Yerevan and Moscow have intensified since mid-2024, while the economic relation remains strong. The need for a reset is now discussed between the two. How might Armenia and Russia capitalize on this moment? What are their mutual expectations? What role will Armenia, and the South Caucasus, take in Russia’s foreign policy? How will Armenia’s foreign policy diversification affect the Armenia–Russia relationship? Evgeniya Goryushina, Researcher at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEIS), HSE / Head of the Caucasus Studies Sector (ICCA RAS) Moderator: Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 14:45 Prospects for Iran–Armenia Relations Relations between Iran and Armenia are reaching a new level, with Iran a key partner for Armenia’s connectivity and security. Maintaining open trade with its neighbor is vital, as is Iran’s opposition to Azerbaijani plans for the so-called “Zangezur Corridor.” However, US pressure on Iran may intensify if the two sides cannot reach a new deal on nuclear restraints. In the wake of this uncertainty, how can Yerevan and Tehran continue to build upon their partnership? How does Iran view its foreign policy in the South Caucasus amid relations with regional and nonregional actors? Sergei Melkonian, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Seyed Mohammad-Kazem Sajjadpour, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Institute for Political and International Studies Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President, Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 15:30 Understanding Europe’s Outlook on the South Caucasus Trade and security tensions between Europe and the United States are heightening as European leaders look to develop their strategic autonomy. The European Union

New York, United States of America APRI New York Meeting, themed “Armenia’s New Balance: Russia, the West and the Future of the South Caucasus” took place on October 11, 2024 in New York City. The forum included distinguished experts in regional and global affairs, including leading voices engaged in shaping Armenia’s policy future. The three-hour conference covered Armenia’s new foreign policy balance between Russia and the West, the potential impact of the US presidential election on global stability, Armenia’s ongoing security and defense reforms, and the quest for peace and stability in the South Caucasus. In addition to serving as a vital platform for discussing Armenia’s foreign policy and peacebuilding in the South Caucasus, the event took place alongside the 93rd General Assembly of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. The assembled audience of community leaders, philanthropists, and young civic activists will present a unique opportunity to engage with some of the most constructive voices in the Armenian diaspora.   get to know the Program 11 October 2024 1:00pm Lunch and Registration 2:00pm Musical Guest Ara Dinkjian 2:10pm Words of Welcome and About APRI Armenia Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 2:20pm The US Election and Strategic Interests in the South Caucasus In the opening session of the APRI New York Meeting, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council Eurasia Center Ambassador John E. Herbst discusses the upcoming US elections and how they could impact US foreign policy in the South Caucasus. Ambassador John Herbst, Senior Director, Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center Moderator: Nvard Chalikyan, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 2:45pm Armenia’s Foreign Policy Pivot in a Multipolar World Armenia is undergoing a significant transformation in its foreign policy, engaging both new-country partners and traditional allies to build up its resilience in military, political, and economic domains. This panel will assess the current state of Armenia’s foreign policy diversification, the potential for a new diplomatic architecture, and the impact of ongoing geopolitical events on the South Caucasus. Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, Observer Research Foundation America Anatol Lieven, Director, Eurasia Program, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Garo Paylan, Visiting Scholar, Europe Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Michael Rubin, Visiting Scholar, Europe Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 3:35pm Musical Guest Ara Dinkjian 3:45pm Armenia’s Security in the Quest for Regional Peace In a turbulent and unstable region, Armenia is advancing its security and defense capabilities to protect its territorial integrity. But there remain many challenges and open questions. Where does Armenia’s security balance stand today? How can foreign partners engage with Armenia to build up its deterrent and defensive capacities, diminishing the risk of future conflict? Colonel (Retired) Robert E. Hamilton, Head of Eurasia Research, Foreign Policy Research Institute Nerses Kopalyan, Associate Professor-in-Residence of Political Science, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Margarita Tadevosyan, Executive Director, Center for Peacemaking Practice, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 4:35pm Armenia’s Conservative Outreach: On Foreign Policy and Religious Freedom Armenia’s recent diplomatic and military challenges dovetail with the threat to religious freedom worldwide. This discussion will evaluate how Armenia can position itself as a cornerstone of the international religious freedom agenda to craft a more effective foreign policy. Ambassador Sam Brownback, Co-Chair, International Religious Freedom Summit, Senior Fellow, Global Christian Relief, Board Member, Save Armenia, Chairman, National Committee for Religious Freedom Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia Speakers Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo Open Popup Speaker Name Affiliation Bio Photo < Page1 Page2 Page3 Page4 Page5 > 11 October 2024 1:00pm Lunch and Registration 2:00pm Musical Guest Ara Dinkjian 2:10pm Words of Welcome and About APRI Armenia Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 2:20pm The US Election and Strategic Interests in the South Caucasus In the opening session of the APRI New York Meeting, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council Eurasia Center Ambassador John E. Herbst discusses the upcoming US elections and how they could impact US foreign policy in the South Caucasus. Ambassador John Herbst, Senior Director, Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center Moderator: Nvard Chalikyan, Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 2:45pm Armenia’s Foreign Policy Pivot in a Multipolar World Armenia is undergoing a significant transformation in its foreign policy, engaging both new-country partners and traditional allies to build up its resilience in military, political, and economic domains. This panel will assess the current state of Armenia’s foreign policy diversification, the potential for a new diplomatic architecture, and the impact of ongoing geopolitical events on the South Caucasus. Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, Observer Research Foundation America Anatol Lieven, Director, Eurasia Program, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Garo Paylan, Visiting Scholar, Europe Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Michael Rubin, Visiting Scholar, Europe Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 3:35pm Musical Guest Ara Dinkjian 3:45pm Armenia’s Security in the Quest for Regional Peace In a turbulent and unstable region, Armenia is advancing its security and defense capabilities to protect its territorial integrity. But there remain many challenges and open questions. Where does Armenia’s security balance stand today? How can foreign partners engage with Armenia to build up its deterrent and defensive capacities, diminishing the risk of future conflict? Colonel (Retired) Robert E. Hamilton, Head of Eurasia Research, Foreign Policy Research Institute Nerses Kopalyan, Associate Professor-in-Residence of Political Science, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Margarita Tadevosyan, Executive Director, Center for Peacemaking Practice, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution,

Yerevan, Armenia APRI Armenia’s three-day Forum kicked off with in-depth discussions on the geopolitical challenges and opportunities facing Armenia and the region. Through engaging keynote addresses, fireside chats, and insightful panel discussions, we explored the basis of Armenia’s foreign policy strategy, navigated the security complexities of a changing world order, and unpacked some of the most promising diplomatic opportunities Armenia can offer. The day featured dedicated sessions examining bilateral relations and a forward-looking exploration of environmental diplomacy and building a sustainable future. Day 2 examined Armenia’s economic future and opportunities for sustainable prosperity. Inspiring examples of successful economic transformations from other countries were explored, with discussions focusing on how Armenia can attract significant investments and improve its infrastructure. Critical issues such as sustainable farming practices, clean energy solutions, and digital adaptation were also addressed. The afternoon broadened the conversation to encompass the environment, health, transportation, and artificial intelligence, reflecting a holistic perspective on Armenia’s future possible development. We wrapped up Day 2 with an inspirational intervention on creating a vibrant entrepreneurial culture in Armenia. The final day of our conference turned its focus toward Armenia’s long-term strategic development and its people. It explored public opinion on the country’s political journey, examine key bilateral relationships, such as with India, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, and analyze critical security considerations in a changing world. Additionally, the day featured discussions on building a future-proof workforce through education and international partnerships, along with sessions exploring the future of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and empowering Armenia’s regional communities. Program Day 1 – JUNE 26 Day 2 – JUNE 27 Day 3 – JUNE 28 8:30 Registration 9:15 Opening Session Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 9:30 Keynote: Armenia’s Strategic Diversification in a Changing World Order The Republic of Armenia is undergoing its most important geopolitical shift since independence, engaging new country partners and building a new matrix of dependencies in the political, diplomatic, and military spheres. This opening session of the 2024 APRI Forum will draw on regional and international perspectives to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of Armenia’s strategic priorities. It will also shed light on the opportunities and challenges for peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Armen Grigoryan, Secretary, Security Council of Armenia Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 10:00 Forging New Country Partnerships: The Path Forward Over the past year, Greece, India, France, and Armenia have engaged in cross-cutting conversations that have opened the door to higher levels of cooperation. Where has this begun to bear fruit? Where could it lead next in bilateral and multilateral formats for collaboration? Despoina-Ino Afentouli, Executive Director, Institute of International Relations Colonel Bruno Cunat, Deputy Head of the Europe, North America and Multilateral Action Department, Direction Générale des Relations Internationales et de la Stratégie Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Lieutenant General Arun Sahni, Distinguished Fellow, CLAWS and Strategic Advisor, TATA Group Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 10:45 Expanding Engagement and Testing the Limits of EU–Armenia Relations Pledges of support and expansion of ties between the European Union and Armenia have publicly intensified over the past year, up to the point of open statements by Armenian officials around potential candidate status for EU accession. What are the opportunities and limitations of the EU’s engagement with Armenia? How do they align with its foreign policy vision for the South Caucasus? H.E. Vassilis Maragos, Ambassador of the EU to Armenia Armine G. Margaryan, President and Founder, Women and Global Security Architecture Stefan Meister, Head of the Center for Order and Governance in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, German Council on Foreign Relations (Zoom) Amanda Paul, Deputy Head of Europe in the World Programme and Senior Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre Hugo von Essen, Analyst, Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 11:30 Coffee Break 12:00 How to Harness Technology for the Good of Tomorrow Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia and one of the luminaries of the modern internet, shares his thoughts about building tomorrow through the emergence of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies and how they might shape our world. How can we harness the best of technology to build the future while avoiding the dangers it poses to our humanity? Jimmy Wales, Founder, Wikipedia (Zoom) Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 12:30 Advancing Environmental Diplomacy: Partnerships for a Sustainable Future Cohosted with the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment In addressing the urgent global challenges posed by the climate crisis, the rapid loss of biodiversity, excessive freshwater consumption, and the pervasive threat of hazardous chemical pollution, nations must forge innovative partnerships and draw on the experiences of peers worldwide. This panel discussion examines how countries cultivate these crucial alliances and leverage environmental issues as a cornerstone of their foreign policy. By examining how environmental diplomacy can resolve conflicts and reshape international relationships, the discussion will explore the transformative potential of such cooperation in advancing a sustainable, shared future. H.E. Nilakshi Saha Sinha, Ambassador of India to Armenia H.E. Patrik Svensson, Ambassador of Sweden to Armenia Moderator: Alen Amirkhanian, Director, Acopian Center for the Environment, American University of Armenia 13:00 Networking Lunch & Musical Guests 14:00 Future Security: The New Formula for Defense and Deterrence In the South Caucasus, as in many parts of the world, the old formula for maintaining security has been undone by geostrategic shifts in power and declining global norms of behaviour. What are the new rules of order that are rising to replace the old ones? How will emerging technologies and the changing nature of warfare impact peace and stability? What strategies will every country need to adopt in order to achieve future security? Experts will discuss evidence-based approaches and innovative technologies that are transforming national and international security frameworks, touching upon cyber defense, advanced military technologies, and the integration of traditional and nontraditional security measures. Tigran Hovhannisyan, Director, Independent Center for Defence Studies Manu Pubby, Senior Editor, The Economic Times Lieutenant General Arun Sahni,