MEETING OF ALUMNI OF THE YEREVAN SCHOOL OF POLITICAL STUDIES WITH THE RA PRESIDENT

On 14 September 2018 alumni of the Yerevan School of Political Studies met with the RA President Armen Sarkissian.

Noting that they can grow into today’s and tomorrow’s leaders, the President specifically talked about leadership’s key qualities, dwelling on the idea of national identity. In conclusion, the President answered numerous questions of interest to meeting participants.

YSPS ALUMNI SECOND GATHERING

On 16-17 June 2018 2-day seminar on “Armenia - Time of Changes: Towards Changes of Minds” organized by the Yerevan School of Political Studies in collaboration with the UN Armenia office was held in Tsaghkadzor.

Among the key topics discussed were Democracy, Constitutional Realities, Economic Developments, UN Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, International Community and Armenia after Revolution and many others.

This event highlighted the need for stronger cooperation and constant meetings between YSPS alumni from different fields of life.

YSPS ALUMNI SEMINAR

Yerevan School of Political Studies conducted seminar foreseen solely for YSPS alumni of different years. The outgoing seminar was held in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia.

The event served as a platform for dialogue and exchange, a space for communication and socialization between YSPS graduates of different years.

The seminar sessions included topics such as European policy of Armenia, EU-Armenia relations and CEPA, regional developments and its possible impact on Armenia, multiculturalism in 21^st century and economic challenges facing Armenia nowadays.

YSPS DELEGATION ATTENDED THE WORLD FORUM FOR DEMOCRACY 2017

IS POPULISM A PROBLEM?
Strasbourg, 8-10 November 2017


On 8-10 November 2017 the 12^th generation of the Yerevan School of Political Studies participated at the 6^th Edition of the World Forum for Democracy together with participants of 21 Schools of Political Studies of the Council of Europe, to debate and share their opinions on the role of political parties and media in the context of rising populism.

The objective of the World Forum for Democracy 2017 titled “Is Populism a Problem?” was to review novel initiatives and approaches which can enhance democratic practices and help parties and media, but also other political actors, to reconnect to citizens, make informed choices and function optimally in 21^st century democracy.

YEREVAN SCHOOL OF POLITICAL STUDIES WELCOMES THE NEW GENERATION AND ANNOUNCES THE START OF 2017-2018 STUDY YEAR

On 30 September 2017 the Opening Ceremony of YSPS 2017-2018 study year was held in Yerevan, Armenia.

Opening remarks were made by Mr. Armen Zakaryan, YSPS Founding Director; Mr. Vache Gabrielyan, Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Minister of International Economic Integration and Reforms of the Republic of Armenia; Mr. Shavarsh Kocharyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and YSPS alumni – Mr. Artak Zakaryan, First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, YSPS alumnus-2^nd generation; Mr. Artem Yerkanyan, Political Analyst, YSPS alumnus-4^th generation and Rev. Fr. Ruben Zargaryan, Clergyman, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, YSPS alumnus-6^th generation.

Mr. Vache Gabrielyan, Mr. Shavarsh Kocharyan and Mr. Artak Zakaryan called on the new generation to actively engage in the school activities and take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to learn, exchange ideas and debate with lecturers.

CIVIC ROUNDTABLE 2017

On 10-11 July 2017, Civic Roundtable on “Forced Migration and Asylum: Dynamics and Policy Responses in Europe and its Neighbourhood” was organised in Strasbourg, France.

The event brought together 32 young professionals working in the field of migration, from governments, public bodies, think tanks, international organisations and NGOs. Over the course of the two days, participants shared experiences and good practices, looking at national and international policy responses. Working both in plenary and in smaller working groups, the Civic Roundtable offered young leaders to study trends and challenges across the European continent and beyond, as well as to build a peer network for future exchange.

“FIRST TIME VOTERS” AWARENESS RAISING PROJECT
LAUNCHING OF MOCK ELECTIONS IN HIGH SCHOOLS OF ARMENIA


On 18 November 2016 the launching of mock elections was held in Yerevan High School N198 in the framework of the “First Time Voters” awareness raising project.

Pupils and teachers of the school were welcomed by H.E. Mr. Piotr Świtalski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, Mrs. Natalia Voutova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Yerevan and Mr. Armen Zakaryan, Director of the Yerevan School of Political Studies.

Special webpage designed for the project was presented, its usage and function was explained (ftv.ysps.am).

The project is implemented in all 110 high schools of the Republic of Armenia.

YSPS DELEGATION ATTENDED THE WORLD FORUM FOR DEMOCRACY 2016

DEMOCRACY AND EQUALITY - DOES EDUCATION MATTER?
Strasbourg, 7-9 November 2016


On 7-9 November 2016 the 11^th generation of the Yerevan School of Political Studies participated at the 5^th Edition of the World Forum for Democracy together with participants of 21 Schools of Political Studies of the Council of Europe, to debate and share their opinions on the role of education in developing democracy.

Education is essential for a democratic society. Schools, universities, civil society organizations and other learning institutions should encourage the acquisition and practice of values and skills which are essential for democracy. On the whole, the higher their level of education, the more likely citizens are to participate in elections and other democratic practices. This year, the Forum focused on how education can help bridge the social divide and become a real asset for diverse democracies.

SECOND FORUM OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF POLITICAL STUDIES OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

On 17-18 October 2016 second Forum of the Association of Schools of Political Studies of the Council of Europe titled “In Search of Lost Universalism” was held in Berlin, Germany.

The Forum brought together leading cultural figures, experts, representatives of European think tanks, international journalists and alumni of the Schools to address key democratic challenges facing Europe today and to suggest ways of promoting solidarity among young people to combat the current crisis.

Many discussions in different formats covered, among others, topics such as Security vs. Freedom, Politics of Memory and History, Nationalism and Migration, War and Peace.

YEREVAN SCHOOL OF POLITICAL STUDIES WELCOMES THE 12TH GENERATION AND ANNOUNCES THE START OF 2016-2017 STUDY YEAR

On 17 September 2016 the inauguration ceremony of YSPS 2016-2017 study year was held in Yerevan, Armenia. The event brought together YSPS participants, alumni and experts.

Opening remarks were made by Mr. Armen Zakaryan, YSPS Founding Director, Mr. Matjaž Gruden, Director of Policy Planning of the Council of Europe, Mr. Shavarsh Kocharyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and YSPS alumni - Mr. Artsvik Minasyan, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, YSPS alumnus-1^st generation, Mr. Shirak Torosyan, MP, National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, YSPS alumnus-1^st generation and Rev. Fr. Ruben Zargaryan, Clergyman, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, YSPS alumnus-6^th generation.