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Policy Forum Armenia (PFA) Youth Forum
Armenia-Diaspora Relations: Future Endangered?
Armenia-Diaspora Relations: Future Endangered?
Call for Proposals
On October 10, 2009, the foreign ministers of Armenian and Turkey signed two protocols entitled the “Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations” and the “Protocol on the development of bilateral relations”. The period between the announcement (August 31, 2009) and the signing witnessed significant and wide-spread demonstrations in the Diaspora, with limited public resistance in Armenia. Yerevan’s handling of the process that preceded the signing of the protocols appears to have deepened the divide between the Diaspora and the establishment in Armenia. The fragmented opposition in Armenia is yet to form a common view on the issue, all while the establishment is still struggling with challenges of legitimacy resulting from the fraudulent elections in February 2008 and May 2009.
To provide an opportunity for young professionals to discuss Armenia–Diaspora relations, perspectives on and approaches to the present-day challenges facing the Armenian nation, Policy Forum Armenia announces a Youth Forum to take place on Saturday, January 23, 2010 in Washington, DC. The full-day Forum will include 3 panels each comprising 4 panelists. An additional panel of academic and policy experts will also present at the Forum. The event will feature a keynote speech on the overall topic of Armenia-Diaspora relations.
Topics of interest for the Organizing Committee include:
- Benefits and drawbacks of the protocols
- Concerns of legitimacy and the signing of the protocols
- Licking the wounds and looking ahead: An optimist’s agenda
- People of Armenia vs. its governments: Who should Diaspora pledge its allegiances to?
- Globalization and transnationalism: Are Diaspora-Armenia relations stuck in the past?
- Legal, developmental, and moral reasons for Diaspora’s engagement in Armenia
- Traditional Diaspora leadership: Out of touch, out of vision, or out of integrity?
How to Apply
Interested undergraduate and graduate students residing in the United States and Canada should submit a 1-page proposal on their topic as well as a cover letter containing the following information:
- Applicant’s full name
- Personal contact information including mailing address
- Institutional affiliation (college or university) and status (years completed)
- Major area of study
- Names and contact information for two referees (at least one academic)
Applicants should also mention in this letter whether they would like to be considered for need-based travel funds. These funds are limited and will only be available to a small number of applicants.
The application deadline is December 14, 2009. Applications should be forwarded electronically to forum@pf-armenia.org with a subject “PFA Youth Forum.” Participants will be informed about the Committee’s decision by December 20. Successful applicants must submit their full position papers (5,000 word limit) by January 17, 2010.
Policy Forum Armenia (www.pf-armenia.org) is an independent professional non-profit association aimed at strengthening discourse on Armenia's economic development and national security and through that helping to shape public policy in Armenia.
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Comments
Armenians must bring Turks to
Armenians must bring Turks to justice in national and international forums. Furthermore, Armenians must start building modern weapons within Armenia, if they wish to protect their identity. Everything else does not matter.
Այո՛, միայն զէնքով կայ Հայոց
Այո՛, միայն զէնքով կայ Հայոց փրկութիւն...
An Excellent initiative
Policy Forum Armenia should be commended for this excellent initiative. An organization, a party, ultimateley a people that does not listen to its youth fails. In any community it's the young and energetic individuals who challenge the status quo, provide new ideas and eventually lead in future.
Let the young people speak!
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