The Armenian student from Nanjing University, China, showcased the Armenian taraz at the Young Leaders Sustainability Week in Tashkent

Mane Vardanian, an Armenian student at Nanjing University, represented both her homeland and academic institution with distinction during the Young Leaders Sustainability Week held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from April 23 to 26, 2025. This prestigious forum, co-organized by the International Institute of Meta Professionals, an affiliate of UNESCO, and Tashkent State Agrarian University, brought together emerging leaders from over 30 countries to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
During the event, Vardanian delivered a speech on climate action and presented innovative approaches to sustainable development, drawing on her research at Nanjing University.
One of the highlights of the cultural dinner was Vardanian’s showcase of Armenia’s rich heritage, as she wore a complete taraz ensemble from the ChinArmArt ethnographic collection. Her meticulously crafted Yerevan-style attire, which included a voluminous dress adorned with floral ornaments, a traditional headdress, and a stylized apron, served as a vibrant testament to both cultural sustainability and environmental stewardship.