events

Yerevan, Armenia 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 October 25 October 26 October 27 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 Networking Lunch & Musical Guests 13:30 Cybersecurity for Small States The cyber arena has become increasingly important for both geopolitics and nationaldevelopment. Gevorg Mantashyan, First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry, sharesArmenia’s concrete plans for cybersecurity development in an innovative publicconsultation. 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 overthe past three years, one of the region’s most vivid and vocal journalists shares herreflections 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? Onwhat terms and with what aims will they be developed? What would this new form ofinterstate cooperation mean for peace and stability? Our panel of experts will analyzethe 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 publicadministration 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 ArmeniaViktorya 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 ArmeniaVache 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

Paris, France 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. The quote 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

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 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

Yerevan, Armenia The APRI Forum: Security, Stability and Sustainable Prosperity was an invitation-only forum held in Yerevan from June 15–17, 2022. As the inaugural event of the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia (APRI Armenia), the forum brought together insightful thinkers from around the world for a series of vitally important discussions, with topics ranging from geopolitics and security to crisis leadership and national development. https://vimeo.com/814903199   The quote that inspired us: We don’t have the luxury of running away. Of hiding. Because we have something very specific we’re trying to do. We have an obstacle we have to lean into and transform.   No one is coming to save you.  If we’d like to go where we claim we want to go – to accomplish what we claim are our goals – there is only one way. And that’s to meet our problems with the right action.   Therefore, we can always (and only) greet our obstacles  with energy with persistence with a coherent and deliberate process with iteration and resilience with pragmatism with strategic vision with craftiness and savvy and an eye for opportunity and pivotal moments.   When people ask where we are, what we’re doing, how the “situation” is coming along, the answer should be clear: We’re working on it. We’re getting closer.  When setbacks come, we respond by working twice as hard.     Ryan Holiday The Obstacle is the Way Forum Agenda June 15 June 16 June 17 11:30 Registration and Lunch 13:30 Opening and Welcome Sessions 14:30 Opening Keynote Martin Galstyan, Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia Moderator: Lara Setrakian, President, APRI Armenia 15:30 Working Together in the Age of Divisionr In a highly polarized political atmosphere, how can different groups work together to tackle national challenges and find constructive solutions for a country’s development? How can people with different viewpoints and opinions build bridges of collaboration? In recent years, growing political polarization has been a key issue for countries around the world. This session will explore how to overcome those dynamics to build a more harmonious future. Arman Tatoyan, American University of Armenia Moderator: Yervant Zorian, Synopsys 16:30 Global Keynote: Skills for a 21st-Century Government In today’s rapidly changing and increasingly complex world, governments must adopt new forms of leadership in order to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. This keynote session will address the “what” and the “how” of effective government, based on lessons learned from dozens of countries. Lisa Witter will share top insights from Apolitical, a platform she co-founded, where civil servants around the world share best practices forbetter public administration. Lisa Witter, Apolitical Moderator: Anahide Pilibossian, BlackRock Moderator: Eric Hacopian, CivilNet 17:00 Peace/Negotiations: What Lies Beyond? Even in the best of times, peace negotiations are a difficult process with complex dynamics that require deep trust and sensitivity, as well as a range of creative breakthrough ideas. This session will place regional peace negotiations in a wider historical context, exploring how other countries have navigated the road to peace and what can be learned from those cases. P. Terrence Hopmann, Johns Hopkins SAIS Arthur Martirosyan, The Bridgeway Group Olesya Vartanyan, International Crisis Group Nerses Kopalyan, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Moderator: Maria Titizian, EVN Report 18:00 Global Keynote: Decision Making in Times of Crisis Much research has been carried out into the art and science of decision-making, using clear data and often complex mathematical models to make policy choices. How does that process change during a period of crisis? Through the eyes of a world-class professor of decision sciences, we will explore the questions we all must face for clear decision-making in uncertain times. Ioana Popescu, INSEAD Moderator: Lara Setrakian, Presidnet, APRI Armenia Moderator: Yervant Zorian, Synopsys 18:30 Closing Words 19:00 APRI Armenia Launch Reception at Point of View 9:00 Registration and Breakfast 10:00 Fireside Chat: Public Sector Innovation/Policy Entrepreneurship Innovation is one of the keys to remaining competitive and successful in today’s world. Generating and implementing new ideas – or revolutionizing fields altogether – is an everlasting quest for policymakers and social entrepreneurs. This fireside chat will explore examples of policy innovation in Armenia – both successes and shortcomings – and how to pave the way forward for sustained progress. Sara Anjargolian, Impact Hub Moderator: Lusine Manukyan, APRI Armenia 10:30 Global Keynote: (Re)thinking Economic Development Sustainable economic development is the key to realizing a country’s full productive potential and enhancing the lives of its citizens. There is still significant debate and research on how best to pursue economic growth in a way that benefits all members of society. This keynote session will take a close look at economic development models and what Armenia’s policymakers can do to advance national prosperity for all. Reuben Abraham, Artha Global Moderator: Erik Khzmalyan, Enterprise Armenia 11:00 Leading Armenia in Times of Crisis Times of crisis require distinct forms of leadership that provide communities with a clear sense of purpose and direction, while mobilizing efforts to overcome the challenges at hand. Many societies have pulled forward from crisis through the extraordinary leadership of people at all levels, from heads of state to business leaders and grassroots organizers.This session will explore the qualities and values of leadership that can support recovery,resilience and renewal in difficult times. David Akopyan, reArmenia Vache Gabrielyan, Dean, Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics, American University of Armenia Moderator: Maria Titizian, EVN Report 13:15 The Briefing: Cybersecurity and Critical Risks Today, countries and communities face ever-evolving cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. Addressing these entails the effective bridging of cybersecurity policies, information technologies and human behaviors. This briefing session will present ideas on how to address these vulnerabilities, enabling Armenia to increase security and mitigate critical risks. Artur Papyan, CyberHub Anahit Parzyan, Nork Center Moderator: Nerses Ohanyan, HyeTech 13:45 The Briefing: Jobs, Labor and Sustainable Livelihoods Sustainable economic development requires not only reducing poverty and inequality but also doing so in a way that generates meaningful jobs for all those seeking employment. This briefing will examine specific actions that Armenia’s government