Empowering Tomorrow and Fostering Community Engagement: Inauguration of the Armenian Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program 2024
The Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia is currently executing the annual Diaspora Youth Ambassador program, which is funded by the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Jinishian Memorial Foundation. The “Diaspora Youth Ambassador” 2024 program, now in its fourth year, has selected 30 participants from 20 countries across the globe, including Australia, USA (Los Angeles), China, Iran, Georgia, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Germany, France, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
The selected participants have arrived in Armenia and have completed their first day of intensive lectures and workshops. The day commenced with the “Armenia within the current political processes” lecture by the political consultant, “CivilNet” commentator Eric Hacopian, engaging in candid dialogues regarding Armenia’s evolving political landscape and the role of the Diaspora within that context. Following this, the seminar, led by Artak Shakaryan, the founding director of the School of Young Leaders (2006-2016) and Senior Head of Armenian programs at the International Republican Institute, provided valuable insights into the attributes and traits of an effective leader, as well as the necessary steps to assume leadership roles within communities. Hovhannes Aleksanyan, Head of the Strategy Development Department at the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, extended a warm welcome to the participants and shared his invaluable experiences while outlining the successful programs undertaken by his department. Subsequently, Aram Voskanyan enlightened the participants on advocacy and implementing strategic advocacy techniques within community activities. The day concluded with the official opening ceremony of the project, which was attended by distinguished guests and provided networking opportunities for the participants of this year’s program.