3rd Armenia – Diaspora conference announcement (18-20 September 2006)

We have received the following announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

?

The third Armenia Diaspora conference will convene on September 18-20 in Yerevan.??

?

This year will also mark the 15th anniversary of Armenia?s independence.? In that context, ArmeniaDiaspora III will examine, analyze, assess our past and consider how history and current geo-political realities raise new issues before our nation, and how the possibilities and prospects for resolving them together.

?

The agenda of ArmeniaDiaspora III will consist of various strands.?

?

On September 18, at the first plenary, we will explore the current condition and future prospects for Armenia-Diaspora relations and cooperation ? a traditional concern which requires new approaches, taking into consideration ever-changing geopolitical development. During this session, speakers will include the leadership of the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, as well as other spiritual leaders, and the heads of all Diaspora-wide structures.

?

During the second half of the day and on the next day, we will focus on the second agenda item ? rural development in Armenia. To secure Armenia?s total development, and from the perspective of certain strategic concerns, the comprehensive development of Armenia?s rural communities must be assured. Therefore, our objective is to rally the resources of the Armenian government and Armenia?s business community, the Diaspora and international organizations, to renovate rural infrastructure, facilitate economic development and create the necessary contemporary conditions to live and work in rural communities.

?

As a starting point, and for obvious strategic reasons, we have decided to begin with Armenia?s border villages.?

?

Participating in this agenda item will be the representatives of those communities, organizations, groups as well as those individuals who have already agreed to take part in this program. Of course, those conference participants who are interested in this topic may also attend.??

?

Beginning Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday, September 20, there will be a forum entitled ?New Answers to Old Questions for a New Nation-State in the 21st Century.?? Armenian identity in the context of globalization? ? preservation, language, culture, education, dual citizenship, repatriation as a phenomenon, the history of Armenian repatriation, its organization, new repatriation possibilities, prospects, as well other issues will be on the agenda.

?

Also on Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development will be holding a forum on economic developments and prospects.

?

On Thursday, September 21, independence day celebrations will take place throughout the capital. All conference participants are invited.

?

On Friday, a major exhibition on Armenia?s economic activity, agricultural development, prospects and partners will take place in the same venue as the conference, at the Demirchian Sports Complex, and all conference participants will be encouraged to attend.

?

Additional information about the agenda, registration forms, as well as modalities of participation will be available and regularly updated at www.armeniaforeignministry.am or at www.armeniadiaspora.com.

?

The conference is open to all who wish to be present and take part in Armenia's future.

?

END OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT

??????

Photo:?

Hrayr Soghomonian, member of the delegation of the UAE Armenians at the 2nd Armenia – Diaspora conference (Yerevan, 2002).