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.

The speakers attached importance to the Schools of Political Studies as Schools give political culture as well as skills and knowledge on how democracy operates. They expressed hope that YSPS alumni will be the elite that Armenia needs today.

Mr. Zakaryan in its turn stressed the need to shape modern Armenia the pillars of which will be democracy, rule of law and human rights. 

The launching ceremony was followed by the presentations and lectures. Topics like “Why Democracy has to be Liberal?”, “Changes and New Realities in the Region” and “Mass Media and Society” were debated and discussed.

The event was closed by the Diploma award ceremony to YSPS 10^th generation.