CivilNet talks with the political analyst, the former head of the Caucasus Research Resource Center, Hans Gutbord, on lessons learned and to be learned on the way to democracy in the region.
Talking policy, not politics. Questions that matter
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Reinventing Yerevan through technology
In this interview, Hazem Galal, PwC’s global leader on Smart Cities and AI, shares his expertise on how Yerevan can harness cutting-edge technologies to transform into a more liveable, efficient, and sustainable urban center. This conversation provides a compelling vision of Yerevan’s potential future, where ancient history and modern innovation converge to create a city that’s not just smart, but also deeply attuned to the needs of its citizens.
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How to foster and keep Armenian startups
In this candid conversation, Artur Karapetyan, founder of the fintech startup Text’n Pay Me, offers a ground-level view of Armenia’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Karapetyan shares his experiences building a tech company in Armenia, comparing the country’s approach to fostering startups with neighboring Georgia.
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The gas trade and trends among Russia, Azerbaijan, and the
By Ani Avetisyan As Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine continues to affect all parties involved, Azerbaijan attempts to position itself as a key player – maintaining good relations with both Russia and Ukraine and positioning itself as an energy and economic ally for the West. As the European Union seeks alternatives to Russian gas since the start of the war, Azerbaijan and its rich resources come into focus. Although Azerbaijan cannot fully replace Russian energy supplies in the foreseeable future as now its share in the EU’s total gas exports is less than three percent, it has already significantly increased […]
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Areni Wine Festival celebrates its 16th year
By Sophie Holloway Wine producers and enthusiasts gathered in Areni village on Saturday to take part in the Areni Wine Festival, a yearly celebration of Armenian wines and viticulture. Located in the Vayots Dzor region, the village of Areni is lauded as a viticultural epicentre, boasting high-altitude vineyards, indigenous grape varieties, and even a historic winery, which was discovered in 2007 in a nearby cave and dates back to 4100 BC. This date has particular significance for one of the wine-makers at the festival, Maria Saghatelyan, whose popular red wine, “6100”, leaves many guessing the origin of the name. “Our […]
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Armenia’s high-tech ambitions in a turbulent world
In this conversation, Hakob Abrahamyan, assistant to the Prime Minister of Armenia, offers an insider’s perspective on the nation’s ambitious vision to transform into a democratic, prosperous, and globally competitive high-tech hub. Abrahamyan candidly discusses the unique advantages Armenia possesses, the significant challenges it faces, and the strategic initiatives being undertaken to realize this vision, all within the context of today’s complex geopolitical landscape.
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“We need to celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things”
In today’s segment of Mindful Leaders, we speak with Dr. Noubar Afeyan and Dr. Eric Esrailian. Noubar Afeyan, founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering, is also a co-founder and Board Chairman of Moderna. His journey from Armenian parents in Lebanon to becoming a leading figure in biomedicine is a testament to resilience and determination. Afeyan has co-founded several therapeutics and biomedicinal companies, holds over a hundred patents, and initiated various philanthropic projects, including the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, FAST Foundation, and the UWC Dilijan School. Eric Esrailian is a physician, Emmy-nominated film producer, and entrepreneur involved in philanthropy. He, too, is […]
