Armenia-Diaspora Unity

The Convention discussed Goal “Armenia-Diaspora Unity” in three main viewpoints:

• “Armenians and the Armenian Diaspora today”
• “Armenia at the Center”
• “The objective is the preservation of Diaspora”

5.a. “Armenians and the Armenian Diaspora today”

On the Armenia-Diaspora current relations, the Convention noted that

‒ We need new cooperation platforms. The crisis of confidence is surmountable, and unity will multiply the results (56.96%)

On the implementation of the Armenia-Diaspora agenda, the Convention’s preference was that

‒ It should be managed from Armenia with the participation of Diaspora Armenians, by providing mechanisms for the diaspora to participate in state administration with constitutional reforms (45.91%)

The participants generally agreed that the current platforms and formats are not efficient, and the ties between Armenia and the Diaspora should be further strengthened through new platforms that provide comprehensive interaction and constant dialogue.

Among the effective and viable solutions, the Convention prioritized the following:

• Organization of professional pan-Armenian conventions – organization of periodic Conventions for Armenians, according to their profession, which will present sectoral recommendations and programs (86.35%)

The organization of professional pan-Armenian conventions is a crucial initiative that fosters collaboration and exchange among Armenian professionals worldwide, promoting sector-specific advancements and innovative solutions. By periodically bringing together experts by nationality and profession, these conventions can serve as a platform for formulating strategic recommendations and programs, significantly contributing to the development and prosperity of the Armenian community (both in Armenian and Diaspora) across various fields.

• Collaborative network of businesspeople – creating an opportunity for Armenian businesspeople living in various parts of the world to find one another and implement joint projects (82.39%)

The establishment of collaborative network/s for Armenian businesspeople globally is vital for fostering economic unity and innovation between the Armenian communities. By facilitating connections and enabling the implementation of joint projects, such network will empower entrepreneurs to leverage collective resources, knowledge, and markets, significantly enhancing the global Armenian economic footprint and creating new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

• A coordinating council for youth exchanges (for details, see Section 3.d.)

5.b. “Armenia at the center”

During the discussions of the conference, the idea that today a strong Armenian diaspora is possible if a strong Armenian state stands behind it became tangible. In this regard, the conference stated that

• The main agenda of Armenia-Diaspora cooperation should be strengthening of Armenia, with the expectation that a stronger Armenia will contribute to the preservation of Armenianness in the Diaspora much more easily (53.16%)

In the discussions of the Convention, it has been repeatedly noted that the Diaspora experience, professional and expert knowledge can be of fundamental importance in the development of various sectors of Armenia and in making important internal decisions. The agenda of strengthening and supporting Armenia implies the direct representation and involvement of the Diaspora in this agenda as not only as a primary supporter of the Armenian state, but also as a beneficiary. The participants of the Convention adopted a number of proposals regarding the role and opportunities of the diaspora in supporting and strengthening Armenia, such as:

• A pan-Armenian movement “Back to Armenia” – establishing the necessary public support mechanism for the adoption of a large-scale immigration strategy at the state level (65.14%)

The program can be pivotal in rallying comprehensive public support for the implementation of a large-scale immigration strategy at the national level. By fostering an environment conducive to repatriation, the initiative may play a critical role in reinforcing Armenia’s demographic and economic development through the reintegration of Armenians worldwide back into their homeland. The “Back to Armenia” pan-Armenian movement embodies a strategic initiative intersecting with three Goals of the Convention. The movement fosters unity and solidarity among Armenians globally, creating a robust network of support that transcends borders and reinforces the sense of belonging to a shared homeland.

It actively supports cultural preservation and identity reinforcement by encouraging Armenians from the diaspora to reconnect with their roots, history, and traditions through repatriation. This movement not only facilitates the sharing of diverse Armenian experiences and narratives but also strengthens the fabric of the national identity by blending the rich cultural contributions of diaspora communities with those of local Armenians.

• An investment company named “Armenia” – creating an opportunity for every Armenian to participate in the development of Armenia’s economy in the form of buying shares (57.55%)

Such institution can offer a transformative opportunity for Armenians worldwide to directly engage in and contribute to the economic development of Armenia by purchasing shares. This initiative not only democratizes investment in Armenia’s growth but also strengthens the bond between the diaspora and the homeland, encouraging collective economic engagement and fostering a shared responsibility for the nation’s prosperity.

5.c. “The objective is the preservation of the Diaspora”

On the preservation of the Diaspora communities and their identity, the Convention proposed the following programs:

• Organization of citizens’ assemblies in the Diaspora – based on the experience of the Convention of the Future Armenian, to organize citizens’ assemblies in Diaspora communities aiming at reaching joint decisions at the local Armenian community level (65.38%)

Organizing citizens’ assemblies in Diaspora communities can be crucial for ensuring that local Armenians actively participate in decision-making processes and engaging in dialogue on the problems of the community. This approach empowers diaspora communities to collaboratively address their unique challenges and opportunities, fostering a stronger sense of unity and collective action towards common goals. This is another way to strengthen and develop strong ties between Armenian Diaspora Communities and foster a preservation of the Armenian identity and culture.

• Creation of a foundation/institute that will arrange regular trips of Armenian language teachers from Armenia to Diaspora communities – a system through which Armenian teachers will alternately be sent to Diaspora communities to develop Armenian study centers or teach Armenians abroad) (67.04%)

Establishing a foundation to facilitate the regular travel of Armenian language teachers to Diaspora communities is a critical step towards preserving and promoting the Armenian language and culture in the Diaspora. This program can have the capabilities to ensure the development of Armenian study centers and provides high-quality language education to Armenians abroad, reinforcing cultural ties and identity among the global Armenian diaspora.

• A coordinating council for youth exchanges – (70.90%) (for details, see Section 5.a)
• An online, pan-Armenian dating platform – facilitating contacts among Armenian youth interested in getting to know each other and starting a family, through a competently managed, thorough verification of applications and registration of only Armenian participants (56.41%)

The creation of an online, pan-Armenian dating platform can play a crucial role in fostering connections among Armenian youth globally, aiming to build strong, culturally cohesive families. By ensuring a thorough verification process and exclusive Armenian participation, this platform not only upholds the integrity of the community but also supports the continuity of Armenian heritage and traditions through the formation of new family units. This is one of the most effective ways nowadays for people to meet each other, establish personal and community connections, find suitable partners for life and contribute to population growth.