Challenges We Face Can Be Solved by Uniting Our National Potential, Prime Minister Pashinyan Accepts Participants of the "iGorts" Program

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today met at the government with participants of the "iGorts" program, aimed at engaging diaspora specialists in Armenia's public administration.

Welcoming them, the Prime Minister noted: "This program was prepared with great enthusiasm and high expectations and hopes. The essence and purpose of the program were for young specialists from the Diaspora to come and engage in Armenia's public administration for a certain period, bringing with them new perspectives, fresh insights, and an ability to observe and assess what is happening from the outside. However, we must admit that the program has faced several challenges from the very beginning. It was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and coincided with the most difficult, harsh, and brutal time for us—war. In this respect, this period was not the most favorable, although, on the other hand, your presence here during perhaps the most challenging time was, in some way, a significant moral support for all of us in the ministries and agencies where you have been involved. And I want to thank you for sharing this difficult and extremely hard period with us from the inside.

"Now, the topic and idea initially set at the foundation of the program have become more urgent and acute, because the challenges our country faces can certainly be solved through uniting our national intellectual and overall potential. But when making such statements and formulating resolutions, we must articulate very specifically what we mean and what needs to be changed in these relationships and how it should be changed. But that's a matter for a longer conversation. I would also like to hear from you, particularly Mr. Sinanyan, your opinion regarding the progress of the program. And also to exchange thoughts on what impressions the participants and government representatives have regarding the program, its future, continuity, and forms of expression.

The Head of the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Zareh Sinanyan, mentioned that the initial results of the "iGorts" program indicate that it aligns with the vision set at its foundation. Around 800 applications have been received for participation, and this year the number of participants is 49, with the program lasting one year. Diaspora Armenian specialists have arrived from various countries including the USA, Austria, Germany, Thailand, Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Canada, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Sweden, China, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, and France. Notably, participants also arrived during and after the war. They have started working in 19 public organizations, having the opportunity to invest their experience and knowledge in improving various sectors, and in developing policies and programs.

The head of the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs also addressed the social aspect of the program, noting that some of the participants have decided to repatriate and move to Armenia with their families. Regarding the practical aspect, Z. Sinanyan stated that diaspora experts have already recorded certain successes in their 3-4 months of work, demonstrating results in the form of developed programs and proposals. Participants of the program have also visited Artsakh.

"iGorts" participants presented themselves, the work they are doing in various state agencies, and shared their impressions with the Prime Minister, asking him questions. During the dialogue, Nikol Pashinyan exchanged thoughts with them on what needs to be done in post-war situations, on the transformation and progress of Armenia, on economic development, enhancing the effectiveness of the public administration system, education reform, promoting innovative and knowledge-based thinking, developing IT in various fields, strengthening the connection between Armenia, the Diaspora, and Artsakh, working on the preservation of Armenian culture in Diaspora communities.

The participants of "iGorts" expressed gratitude to the Armenian government for initiating such a program, which allows them to apply their knowledge and skills in the development of their homeland, especially in today’s challenging situation. They reported that they already have success stories, have proposed certain initiatives and program proposals, and will continue to work.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government aims to consolidate and harmonize nationwide collective efforts in the development of the motherland through this program, so that, apart from a strong spiritual fundamental bond, the Diaspora also has other platforms of connection with the homeland. In this regard, Nikol Pashinyan highlighted the importance of feedback and urged "iGorts" participants to document problems and present proposals for solutions.