On June 3, the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Zareh Sinanyan, met with a delegation from the University of Southern California (USC).

The delegation included 15 USC students, as well as Gegham Mughnetsyan, a researcher and archivist at the USC Institute of Armenian Studies, and Steve Swerdlow, a human rights advocate and associate professor of political science and international relations at USC.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the history of the Armenian diaspora, its active involvement and significant role in Armenia’s development, as well as the challenges of repatriation.

Zareh Sinanyan presented the mission and functions of the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, along with the key policy priorities of the Republic of Armenia. He encouraged the students to be proactive and engaged in fostering strong, reciprocal ties with Armenia.

The meeting was held within the framework of the Human Rights in the Caucasus: Georgia and Armenia summer academic program, organized through a collaboration between USC’s Department of Political Science and International Relations and the USC Institute of Armenian Studies. The program runs from May 17 to June 11, 2025, blending academic study with hands-on experience.