Diaspora - Zareh Sinanyan

Zareh Sinanyan

Brief information

Position

The High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of RA

Birth year

1973

Place of birth

Yerevan

Education

Zareh Sinanyan was born in Yerevan, Armenia, in 1973 and attended the local school No. 172.
He and his family immigrated to the United States in 1988 and settled in Burbank, California. Sinanyan attended the John Muir Middle School in Burbank and went on to graduate from Burbank High School. In 1997 he earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and history at the University of California, Los Angeles. He then attended law school at the University of Southern California, where he obtained his Juris Doctor. While in law school, Sinanyan worked for the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and interned for Justice Earl Johnson of the California Court of Appeal. After his graduation from law school, he entered civil litigation service, working for several law firms.

Professional

In 2006, Sinanyan was appointed to the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission of Glendale, California, and held this position until 2008. He was also appointed to and served on the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee from 2008 through 2013. He served as chairman to the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee from 2009 through 2011.

In April 2013, Sinanyan was elected to the Glendale City Council. He was the first Armenian-born politician elected in the United States, and as a Council Member in Glendale, which is home to the largest concentrated Armenian diaspora community in the world. From April 2013 through April 2014, and from April 2017 through April 2018 he served as Chairman of the Glendale Housing Authority, he was also the founding Chair of the Glendale Economic Development Corporation.

Sinanyan served as Mayor of Glendale from April 2014 through April 2015, and April 2018 through June 2019.

From May of 2017 through June of 2019 Sinanyan served as Chair of Eco-Rapid Transit rail authority and President of Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. From March 2017 through June of 2019 Sinanyan served on the Metropolitan Water District Board and Southern California Association of Governments Board of Directors.

On June 14, 2019, Sinanyan was appointed to serve as the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. He has been living in Armenia since then.

Other

Political Affiliation
Non-partisan

Marital Status
Sinanyan is married, he has one daughter and three sons.

News and announcements

Meeting with the Armenian community of Zurich

11 March 2024

During his visit to Switzerland, High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan convened with representatives of the Armenian community of Zurich.

Meeting with the Armenian community of Geneva

11 March 2024

During his visit to Switzerland, High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan convened with members of foundations, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and business leaders within the Armenian community of Geneva.

Zareh Sinanyan's Working Visit to Switzerland

07 March 2024

High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan embarked on a working visit to Switzerland. At the invitation of the Hakob Topalian Foundation of Geneva, he officiated the opening of the Armenian pavilion at the Geneva International Book Fair on March 6. The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Switzerland Andranik Hovhannisyan, President of the Hakob Topalian Foundation Vahe Gabrash, Nicolas and Mischa Aznavour, along with several representatives of the Swiss Armenian community and distinguished guests.

Meeting with the Armenian Communities of Nice and Surrounding Areas

29 Fabruary 2024

High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan attended the official ceremony held at the Barsamian complex in Nice, honoring Armenian students who successfully completed their educational internships in France through the French University in Armenia. The event celebrated their return to Armenia and was organized by the Association SOS-Armenie Côte d'Azur.

High Commissioner's Participation in the Nice Conference Commemorating Missak Manouchian

27 Fabruary 2024

In Nice, High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan participated and delivered a speech at a conference honoring the memory of Missak Manouchian, the Armenian Hero of the Resistance Movement.

Meeting with Rev. Father Archimandrite Nshan Hmayakyan

30 January 2024

Zareh Sinanyan, the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, recently held a meeting with Rev. Father Archimandrite Nshan Hmayakyan, the General Prelate at Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka’s General Prelacy.

A New Year's Message from Zareh Sinanyan, High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

31 December 2023

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.

Zareh Sinanyan meets with representatives of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party-Ramgavar

17 October 2023

Zareh Sinanyan, the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, met with Alexan Karadanaian, the Deputy Chairman of the Central Department of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party-Ramgavar, Hrachya Karapetyan, the Chairman of the Republican Department of the Party, and Karen Kakoyan, the Deputy Chairman of the Department.

Zareh Sinanyan participated in the DigiTec 2023 exhibition

16 October 2023

Zareh Sinanyan, the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, visited the largest technological exhibition in the region, "DigiTech 2023". This year, the exhibition was held under the theme "Tech Fusion: Connecting ideas, Transforming industries". The main focus of DigiTech 2023 was the influence of technology on different aspects of the economy and social life, ranging from education to medicine.

The High Commissioner meets with the AIWA Representatives

03 October 2023

On October 3rd, RA High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan met with the President of the Armenian International Women's Association (AIWA) Silva Katchiguian, Board member Tsoleen Sarian, and representatives of the organization Ani Aivazian and Anni Barsoum.

Launch of the “Diaspora Youth Ambassador” Programme 2023-2024

27 September 2023

The “Diaspora Youth Ambassador” programme for 2023-2024 has officially launched with the arrival of participants in Armenia. This programme is presented by the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs.

Zareh Sinanyan meets with Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia

26 September 2023

On September 26, the RA High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Zareh Sinanyan, met with Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, newly appointed Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Armenia.

A khachkar dedicated to the Armenian-Polish relations was opened in Poland

27 June 2023

During his visit to Poland, High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan in Zabrze participated in the opening ceremony of the khachkar dedicated to the 655th anniversary of the archbishopric of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Poland and centuries-old Armenian-Polish friendship. The opening ceremony was attended by RA Ambassador to Poland Samvel Mkrtchyan, RA Honorary Consul in Zabrze Hrachya Boyajyan and others.

The High Commissioner participated in the consecration ceremony of the Armenian church in Tyumen

19 June 2023

High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan in the Russian city of Tyumen participated in the ceremonies of consecration of the Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Mesrop Mashtots, opening of the square and monument of the Russian-Armenian friendship named after Marshal Baghramyan. During the events, the delegation of the Government of the Republic of Armenia was headed by Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan. The ceremony was also attended by Governor of the Tyumen region Aleksandr Moor, representatives of regional and city authorities.

The khachkar symbolizing century-old Armenian-Polish friendship opened in Yerevan

17 May 2023

The ceremonial opening and consecration of the khachkar dedicated to Pope John Paul II and century-old Armenian-Polish friendship took place in the Khachkar Park (Pavstos Buzand Street, Yerevan). The solemn event was attended by Authorized representative of the government for Diaspora and Poles Abroad, Secretary of State Jan Dziedziczak, High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Zareh Sinanyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Honorary Consul of Armenia in Poland Hrachya Boyajyan, spiritual fathers, government officials.

The High Commissioner is on a working visit to Germany

08 May 2023

High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan is on a working visit to Germany. In Munich, he toured the "Anush" dance and culture center, met with Head of the center Anush Chakhalyan and its members, got acquainted with the activities and problems. Then the High Commissioner participated in the cultural event dedicated to the International Dance Day organized by the center and highly appreciated their patriotic activities.

New Year speech from RA High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan

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