David Akobyan, in conversation with Lara Tcholakian, speaks about his journey from a physicist to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Director. Akobyan reflects on his leadership experience, his human qualities, and his ability to generate mutual trust and compassion towards staff, local and international stakeholders while working in war-stricken, conflict-ridden, impoverished countries such as Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria. He connects his leadership values and behaviors to his memories of his family’s history and narratives as survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Having witnessed the collapse of different statehoods from different nations, he shares his thoughts about the need for Armenians to revive, recreate and reestablish their will, determination, and identity.
About David Akobyan
Dr. David Akopyan is First Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Artsakh, and Principal Advisor to the State. He is also ReArmenia’s Advisory Board Chairperson. He has worked with the United Nations for over 30 years with experiences in 15 countries in Europe, Central Asia, East Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. His international assignments have enabled him to work with government decision makers, civil society leaders, and business leaders on issues related to peace, state building, socio-economic development, and social change. He is an experienced alpinist, has studied spiritual philosophies such as Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism, and holds a PhD in Physics.
Program overview
Armenian leaders share inherited cultural and historical narratives, memories, life learnings and experiences. Down-to-earth, authentic and mindful conversations preserve the stories and legacies of families, and reflect on the lessons learnt from inherited collective trauma and introspective leadership.
