Session: “Social Entrepreneurship, Charity, and Volunteering: Opportunities and Perspectives in Armenia”
The Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia hosted the Second World Armenian Summit in Yerevan from September 17 to 20, 2024. This summit served as a significant platform for representatives of the Armenian Diaspora and Armenia to engage in discussions on key topics and strategic issues of national importance. Various formats were employed to address pressing matters such as Armenia-Diaspora relations, the country’s development, and critical issues pertaining to the present and future. Key themes included national security, sustainable development, economic potential, the capabilities of the country and its Diaspora, the integration of new technologies in science and education, as well as community concerns and repatriation. The summit brought together 1,000 participants from both the Diaspora and Armenia.
Yelena Hakobyan, President of the “Hurry for Good” Foundation, participated in the Second World Armenian Summit in Armenia. The session focused on the theme “Social Entrepreneurship, Charity, and Volunteering: Opportunities and Perspectives in Armenia,” moderated by Arevik Hambardzumyan, Director of The LOFT. The distinguished speakers included:
- Eliza Minasyan, Chief Executive Officer of the Jinishaian Memorial Fund
- Hayk Hayrapetyan, Founder of IMAST, social entrepreneur, and co-founder of the online educational platform GeekBrains
- Yelena Hakobyan, President of the “Hurry for Good” Charity Fund
- Ani Giloyan, Director of the Women’s Support Center
- Vanuhi Petrosyan, Chief Policy and Legislation Specialist at the Westminster City Council, London, and participant in the DiasPro program
This discussion provided an essential platform for evaluating the roles of social entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and volunteering in Armenia. The session facilitated a unique opportunity for exchanging innovative ideas and experiences, paving the way for further development in this sector and opening new avenues for collaboration in support of the Armenian community and Diaspora.
