Diaspora Connected

Samedi 2 mai, le Comité organisait une rencontre en ligne entre les représentants d'associations arméniennes de Belgique et le Haut-Commissaire à la diaspora de la république d'Arménie, Zareh Sinanian. Une première prise de contact à l'occasion de laquelle les institutions de la Communauté arménienne de Belgique furent présentées à M. Sinanian et furent abordés de nombreux sujets d'actualité.

Il fut question notamment de la situation actuelle en Arménie, les commémorations du 24 avril et l'évolution de la politique d'encouragement au retour en Arménie. D'autres réunions de ce type auront à nouveau lieu à l'avenir.

Diaspora High Commissioner's Office

The next video conference in the "Diaspora Connected" series featured the Armenian community of Belgium. Dozens of representatives from various community, educational, cultural and political organizations took part. Nicolas Tavitian, Chairman of the Committee of Belgian-Armenians and Director of the AGBU Europe Office, briefly introduced the community. He noted that 50 Armenian organizations operate in Belgium, and that the Belgian-Armenian community will celebrate its 100th anniversary in two years.

High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan praised the community's organization and exemplary unity. Afterwards, the Commissioner touched upon the situation in Armenia, including restrictions, economic challenges and social impact of the coronavirus. Presenting the programs of the office and possible changes to them, Zareh Sinanyan noted that the implementation of the "Step to Home" program of young leaders may be postponed, a number of community visits have been canceled, and that the conferences will probably be held online. The iGorts program of Diaspora specialists will start in September, where 800 professionals have already applied to work in the state system of Armenia. The High Commissioner also touched upon the goals of the office: strengthening ties between Armenia and the Diaspora, maximizing mutual involvement and cooperation, creating the necessary conditions for repatriation, promoting investment and improving the investment sector. Afterwards, the community representatives asked the High Commissioner questions, especially pertaining to repatriation law and strategy, privileges offered to repatriates, investment support and preservation of the Armenian identity.

In response to a question about the relationship between the diaspora and the state, Zareh Sinanyan noted that a strong Armenia is the guarantee of the Diaspora's longevity, and that the continued development and strengthening of the country will help resolve challenges within the diaspora. Regarding the preservation of Western Armenian, the Commissioner stressed that it should be widely taught in Armenia as well, and that the homeland should become a center for teaching the language.