events

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