Diaspora Youth Ambassador program Concludes

11 October 2024

The Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs summarized the course conducted in Armenia as part of the 2024-25 Diaspora Youth Ambassador program.

This year, 28 Armenian youth from 18 countries — Russia, Belarus, France, Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Netherlands, Great Britain, Georgia, Iran, Australia, USA, Syria, and China — participated in the program.

Over two weeks, the participants engaged in lectures, workshops, meetings, and experience-sharing activities. They also visited state, scientific-educational, cultural, spiritual institutions, memorial sites, and various regions of Armenia. After returning to their respective communities, they will carry out one-year community projects as part of the program.

At the closing ceremony, High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan congratulated the Diaspora Youth Ambassadors, expressing hope that they would expand their community initiatives and strengthen their partnership with the Office. He also expressed gratitude to the Jinishian Memorial Foundation, a key project partner.

Zara Janibekyan, Head of Health Programs at the Jinishian Memorial Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to ongoing cooperation within the program framework.

Aghasi Hakobyan, a participant from St. Petersburg, remarked that the program allowed him to better understand how Diaspora youth could support their homeland. "We had many significant meetings and received answers to questions we often faced in our communities. We are confident that our homeland is on a path of progress," said Aghasi.  "Armenia is waiting for us, and we felt that every day we were here. We have the responsibility to contribute to its development," added Ruzanna Grigoryan from Latvia.

Silva Sahakian from France highlighted the importance of knowing Armenia in a realistic sense and emphasized cooperation with Armenian youth. "I’m returning to Paris with my heart full of love and a piece of Armenia in my suitcase, ready to share it with the youth of our community," she said.  Participants Ani Margaryan from China and Vicken Antounian from the USA noted the valuable friendships and partnerships formed during the program, as well as the rich educational, cultural, and cognitive experiences they gained.

The program is financed by the Government of Armenia and the Jinishian Memorial Foundation.

 

Սփյուռքի Գլխավոր Հանձնակատարի Գրասենյակ Diaspora High Commissioner's Office