events

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,

Yerevan, Armenia APRI Armenia and AGBU have organized a public conference on Friday, June 23, 2023, at Sciences Po in Paris on the theme: “Armenia at the Crossroads: Peace and Prosperity at the Edge of Europe.” This conference brought together policy, diplomatic, academic, and civil society leaders to discuss peacebuilding and sustainable development at a critical time in the region. Quotes that inspired us: In order to live, a nation must always be able to know its past, judge it, and take responsibility for it.   I believe in the fundamental rights of every human being. The right to life, to liberty, to security, to education, to healthcare, to equality before the law— these are not mere ideals; they are the foundations of a just and compassionate society. Simon Veil  Forum Agenda June 23 9:00 Words of Welcome Lara Setrakjian, President, APRI Armenia 9:15 Morning Keynote I: Advancing Peace and Security in Turbulent Times With the South Caucasus at a vital crossroad between war and peace, we host a conversation with Nathalie Loiseau, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defense, to reflect on the importance of EU foreign policy goals for the region and how long-term investments in diplomacy can lead to greater stability for all. Nathalie Loiseau, Member of the European Parliament; Chair, Subcommittee on Security and Defense Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia 9:45 Making Diplomacy Work in the South Caucasus An analysis of the diplomatic process in the quest for peace in the South Caucasus, including the impact of the EU observer mission, the role of the US and Russia in a complex geopolitical context, and prospects for large-scale development investment as a critical driver for enhancing regional security. Armelle Charrier, International Affairs Commentator, France 24 Laure Delcour, Associate Professor in International Relations and EU Studies, SorbonneNouvelle University Benyamin Poghosyan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia Moderator: Taline Papazian, Director of Armenia Peace Initiative (API); Lecturer atSciences Po Aix / Ecole de l’Air 10:30 Morning Keynote II: Trade as a Vector for Peacebuilding How can trade be a vector for peace without the smaller country getting eaten for lunch? We discuss the prospects for economic growth and trade as a confidence-building measure with Arancha González Laya, the Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, and the current Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences Po. Arancha González Laya, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain; Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po Moderator: Tatiana der Avedissian, Head of Business Development, World Ocean Initiative, The Economist Group 11:00 Coffee Break 11:15 How to Protect Human Rights and Civilian Lives in Nagorno-Karabakh With many uncertainties ahead for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, we hold a solutions-based discussion on the protection of human rights and human security in this historically autonomous region. Andrew Forde, Visiting Fellow, Irish Centre for Human Rights, University of Galway Michael J. Strauss, Professor of International Law and International Relations, The Center for Diplomatic and Strategic Studies Jeanne Sulzer, International Human Rights Lawyer at Impact Litigation; Law Lecturer at Sciences Po; Head of International Justice Commission, Amnesty International, France Nina Shahverdyan, Teacher, Herher Village, Nagorno-Karabakh Moderator:  Sheila Paylan, Senior Research Fellow, APRI Armenia 12:15 Morning Keynote III: France, Foreign Policy & Peacebuilding A conversation with Ambassador Jacques Faure, former Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, assessing French foreign policy in an age of regional upheaval and examining the role that France can play in forging a lasting peace in the South Caucasus. Ambassador Sam Brownback, Co-Chair, International Religious Freedom Summit, Former US Senator from the State of Kansas, Former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 12:45 Networking Lunch and Muisucal Guest 13:45 Energy Security and Climate Solutions as a Pathway to Peace With the growing success of solar and other renewables in Armenia, this small country could become a substantial exporter of clean energy to Europe within our lifetimes. How can we accelerate the green energy transition in Armenia as part of a long-term vision for stable, sustainable prosperity in the South Caucasus? A discussion of clean energy adoption and diversification, as well as the prospects for energy trade as a potential vector for peacebuilding. Irina Ghaplanyan, Senior Climate Change Specialist, The World Bank Azad Kibarian, Senior Executive Vice President, Veolia Italy, Africa and Middle East Armén Sedefian, CEO, SOLGÉS ENERGY Hayk Shekyan, Founder and CEO, Shtigen LLC – Solar Solutions Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 14:30 Clean, Green Armenia: Advancing the Business of Sustainable Agriculture Armenia is transforming into a more sustainable, agritech-powered nation. We take a close look at sustainable agriculture as both a major business opportunity and a window for investing in climate resilience, food security, environmental management, and job creation in the region. Vardan Urutyan, Rector, Armenian National Agrarian University Anahit Markosian, Founder, Head of R&D and Product Development, Nairian Skincare Aimee Keushguerian, Founder & Owner, Zulal Wines; Managing Director, Keush Victoria Aslanian, CEO & Co-Founder, ArmAs Winery Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 15:15 Coffee Break 15:30 Creating Future Value: Transformative Technologies as the New Geopolitics A discussion of advanced technology developments in Armenia, with potential for success that far exceeds the country’s small size and population. How can Armenia serve as a partner to France and Europe as a whole in key fields of deep technology, such as AI and quantum computing? What are the partnership opportunities that support the EU’s digital sovereignty agenda through high-value strategic initiatives? Gevorg Mantashyan, First Deputy Minister, Ministry of High-Tech Industry of the Republicof Armenia Robert Vassoyan, Tech Entrepreneur and Investor, Vassoyan Conseil Moderator: Yervant Zorian, Chief Architect, Synopsys; Chair of APRI Armenia 16:00 High Tech Armenia: Accelerating the Success of an Ecosystem We hear from the technologists and entrepreneurs behind Armenia’s high-tech success stories to understand the interventions and enabling factors that will facilitate the faster, more effective development of this