Esteemed Brothers and Sisters in the Diaspora,

Warm and heartfelt greetings to you on the occasion of the New Year and Christmas festivities.

Throughout 2023, the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering healthy dialogue, nurturing mutual trust, and upholding shared responsibilities, all aimed at actively engaging the Diaspora in our Homeland’s endeavours.

The previous year for the Office was distinguished by the inauguration of Armenia's first Repatriation and Integration Center, a pivotal step towards establishing a unified resource hub and a primary point of resolution for repatriates. Additionally, Yerevan hosted the maiden Armenian National Youth Forum and the Armenian Lawyers’ Assembly, converging on diverse themes encompassing Armenian statehood and Diaspora concerns. Discussions spanned from safeguarding Armenian interests to exploring realms of education, identity, and human rights.

It brings us great joy to highlight the continuity and sustained excellence of cherished programs within the Diaspora. The fourth cohort of Diaspora Armenian specialists in the esteemed iGorts program commenced their contributions within Armenia's state administration system. Simultaneously, participants from the third iteration of the Diaspora Youth Ambassador program began their impactful work within communities. The adventurous journey of Diaspora-Armenian youths exploring their homeland continued through the enriching Step toward Home educational program. Furthermore, a ground-breaking initiative, the DiasPro expert-consulting program, was launched, offering a platform for volunteer specialists from the Diaspora to lend their expertise for the first time.

The launch and initial deployment of the Institute of Diaspora Commissioners within various communities served as a cornerstone in enhancing the Office's operational effectiveness.

Throughout the year, the Office prominently demonstrated its exceptional practices on an international scale. This encompassed delivering presentations at esteemed global forums like the European Economic Forum in Poland, engaging with officials from Greece and Egypt overseeing Diaspora affairs at the Cypriot Diaspora World Conference, participating in impactful gatherings such as the Future Forum of the European Union and the "Strategic Future of Armenia: EU-Armenia" conference in Brussels. Furthermore, the Office actively participated in an international workshop on “Prospects of the Kurdish Diaspora" held in London.

As we step into 2024, our commitment remains unwavering, rooted in the belief that pan-Armenian unity and solidarity between our Homeland and Diaspora are fundamental for continued advancement. The Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs will persist in fostering a robust dialogue and collaboration with the Diaspora, guided by a state-centric ideology.

To my fellow Armenians,

May the year 2024 usher in enduring peace, notable triumphs, and remarkable successes for us all. May every endeavor, whether in our Homeland or across the Diaspora, find its stride and culminate in success.

I extend my sincere wishes for good health, unwavering determination, and an abundance of creative ideas aimed at improving Armenia and enriching the lives of every Armenian.