PAN-ARMENIAN CONFERENCE OF POLITICAL SCIENTISTS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS EXPERTS ON “CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY AND THE SECURITY ISSUES OF ARMENIA” KICKS OFF
The conference has brought together Armenian political scientists, analysts and experts working for the leading scientific research and analytical centers in different countries around the world. They have all made contributions to the study and development of the given country’s political system, have helped set forth and study political issues of pan-national significance, have helped enhance the respective countries’ partnership with the Republic of Armenia and have helped strengthen the friendly ties between the countries. For two days, reputable analysts from the United States, Russia, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Argentina, Iran, Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic will discuss the challenges of the 21st century and the security issues of Armenia, will listen to each other’s views and opinions and will propose new approaches and positions. The sessions will be held with three main topics, including “Challenges Facing Armenia in the Globalizing World”, “The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict and Armenian Political Thought” and “Memory Policy and the Armenian Genocide: Current Challenges and Risks”.
Chief of Staff of the RA President Vigen Sargsyan transmitted the message of the RA President to the participants of the conference. In the message it was particularly stated: “I am pleased that this conference has helped bring together famous Armenian political scientists from all four corners of the globe. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to clearly assess the global and regional developments, the most important issues in international relations and the situation in Armenia and Artsakh. Today, we need your insightful analyses, as well as discussions and conclusions on issues that concern the region and are on the international agenda.”
In her opening remarks during the official opening ceremony, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan greeted the Diaspora Armenian experts and the guests from Armenia and particularly mentioned: “Today, the world has become unpredictable and is rapidly changing. It is harder to control, everything is rapidly accessible and everything is diminishing. The independent Republic of Armenia faces several domestic, foreign and global challenges amid the rapid and dynamic changes, and some of those challenges are global terrorism, armed conflicts, as well as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, xenophobia and violence. The dissemination and transfer of narcotics, human trafficking and money-laundering are especially dangerous. Natural disasters, climate change, the waste of natural resources and the emergence of epidemics cause a threat to the development of Planet Earth. The growing poverty, the polarization between rich and poverty-stricken countries, the financial-economic crisis, the growing rates of unemployment and the tremendous amount of migration are serious challenges facing Planet Earth. The existence of dictatorial and authoritarian regimes, the Arab Spring and its unpredictable consequences, the large amount of violations of human rights and freedoms are a matter of concern for political circles, but scientific circles as well. Add to this the challenges in the region such as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the delay of the peaceful settlement, Azerbaijan’s belligerent policy in the region which is a direct military threat to Armenia and Artsakh.” In closing, the minister said: “I am certain that by presenting, analyzing and discussing the challenges facing Armenians, the participants of this conference will be able to find mechanisms and directions for working more systematically and effectively in order to help strengthen and improve our national security.”
Secretary of the RA National Security Council Artur Baghdasaryan attached importance to the conference and presented the systems of managing the different types of challenges facing the Republic of Armenia.
“In the current intricate geopolitical situation which Armenia is in, I attach great importance to such scientific conferences that bring together the academic and analytical potential of Armenia and the Diaspora. As we touch upon the issues and challenges, we must combine the most key elements, that is, our strength and our insight. The Armenian Army is the only undefeatable army in the region, and everyone knows about Armenian political thought,” RA Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan said in his speech.
The opening ceremony was also attended by RA Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Shavarsh Kocharyan.
The delegation of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic also participated in the conference and NKR Minister of Justice Ararat Danielyan said the following in his welcoming remarks: “For the past two decades, we have been building our corner, our country in the big world and have been doing so by overcoming more and more difficult challenges. We are building the country by resisting war, disasters, blockade and a crisis. Contrary to that, the forces of the region are taking destructive and inhumane steps and organizing campaigns against our country and all Armenians at the international level. I am certain that the speeches and reports by political scientists and international relations experts gathered at this highly significant conference organized by the Ministry of Diaspora will serve for the solution of the security issues of not only Armenia, but also Artsakh, the Armenian Diaspora and all Armenians, for that matter.”
The solemn opening ceremony was followed by the first session on “Challenges facing Armenia in the globalizing world”.
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