
On December 5, the Komitas Museum-Institute hosted an impressive conference-event dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the ARAR Foundation. The milestone occasion was marked by a review of the foundation’s achievements, the launch of new collaborations, and the outlining of a vision to address ongoing challenges. The event brought together representatives of partner organizations, leading experts from the diaspora and Armenia, as well as friends of the foundation.
The opening remarks were delivered by David Pakhchanian, Chairman of the ARAR Foundation Board. He emphasized: “In recent years, our in-depth study of geopolitical developments has led us to a unified conviction that in the emerging world order, countries with limited resources like ours have no alternative but to maximize the mobilization of public and private resources, intellectual and technological capacities, and become strong enough to be an inconvenient and indigestible adversary for enemies and a desirable ally for friends.”
New Collaborations for the Development of Military-Educational Culture
To promote military and educational culture in Armenia, ARAR Foundation Director Armen Khachikyan signed cooperation agreements with Ani Hovhannisyan, Director of the “Zark” Educational Program; Artavazd Vardanyan, Director of the “Arshakuni” Military Sports NGO; and Naghash Baghdasaryan, Director of the “Azatazen” Educational NGO. These agreements affirm the foundation’s commitment to strategically support and develop the infrastructure of military sports and educational organizations.
Armenia’s Security Prospects in a Changing World Order
The first panel discussion focused on “The New World and a Comprehensive Security System: Challenges for Armenia.” Dr. Eduard Abrahamyan, Lecturer at University College London and an Doctor in international relations, delivered a keynote address, highlighting:
“The multipolar world order is fraught with wars and changes in the rules and systems of international relations. To withstand this turbulent era of existential threats, the Republic of Armenia requires asymmetric solutions and systems of new quality, such as a ‘Comprehensive Security System.’”
During the panel, Arman Poghosyan, Director of the NGO for the Development of Comprehensive Defense and Security Systems; political scientist Gevorg Melikyan; Arpi Topchyan from the “Berd” NGO; and ARAR Foundation co-founder Avetik Chalabyan discussed the obstacles and opportunities for advancing the concept of comprehensive defense in Armenia.
Economic Security for Comprehensive Protection
The second part of the conference centered on Armenia’s economic security issues. Manuk Hergnyan, Managing Partner of Civitta Armenia, presented the findings of a study that, for the first time, developed a comprehensive framework for assessing Armenia’s economic security and resilience.
Among the speakers were Vache Gabrielyan, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at the American University of Armenia; former Armenian Finance Minister Vardan Aramyan; and Arto Minasyan, co-founder of Krisp. The discussion explored opportunities to improve the investment climate and promote technological innovation.
Key Takeaways from the ARAR Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Event
The event once again emphasized the imperative of forming a comprehensive security and defense system to effectively address Armenia’s security challenges.
Established in 2014, the ARAR Foundation is dedicated to providing fundamental solutions to Armenia’s critical challenges. Over the years, its work has focused on research and solutions to security issues, incorporating cutting-edge technological expertise.