Please join the Fletcher Eurasia Club and the Tavitian Scholars for a series of conversations examining the complex challenges and opportunities facing Armenia in the spheres of security, humanitarian affairs, economics, and business. The events will feature the Tavitian Scholars, who are currently studying at The Fletcher School, to provide insights into the country’s evolving security and humanitarian landscape, its efforts to ensure economic resilience, and the strategies it employs to foster entrepreneurship and investment. 

Through the series, we seek to contribute to a deeper understanding of Armenia’s current situation and explore potential paths forward in an increasingly complex regional context. The conversations will be held under the Chatham House Rule. The series is intended to be a scholarly dialogue, and opinions expressed during the sessions do not reflect the official positions of the institutions that the Tavitian Scholars represent.

The conversation will delve into Armenia’s current investment climate and the effects of geopolitical factors on business prospects. The participants will explore the impact of Russian migration on business activity, the role of the Armenian diaspora in promoting entrepreneurship, and government measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises. The event is open to members of the Fletcher and Tufts communities and invited guests. Please register via the Google Form here to attend the event in person. Lunch will be served.

	Edgar Harutyunyan has dedicated his career to the financial sector, currently serving as the Head of the Business Analysis Division at the Central Bank of Armenia, leveraging over a decade of experience. His professional journey commenced with ten years at a commercial bank, focusing on the development of bank products. Edgar holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Armenian State University of Economics, having focused on economic principles and financial systems, and also holds an MBA from the American University of Armenia with concentrations in finance and business management. Combining his extensive banking industry experience with leadership roles at the Central Bank since 2020, Edgar’s expertise lies in business analysis, product development, and strategic decision-making within the financial landscape.
	Ani Jabaghyan has over a decade of experience across government, finance, and business development. Her expertise spans legal frameworks, financial management, statistical analysis, and innovative strategies for business expansion. Ani’s tenure at the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia involved related contributions to legislative initiatives. At the “Nork” government foundation, she excelled in cultivating partnerships between public and private sectors, leading diverse teams collaborating with 30+ companies. Presently, as the Head of the Training and Methodology Department at the Training Center of the State Revenue Committee, Ani drives projects enhancing the development and performance of tax and customs officers.
	Karine Kalenchyan holds a Master’s degree in Management with honors from the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, and possesses over seven years of experience in the field of internal auditing. Currently serving as an internal auditor at the Central Bank of Armenia, her previous tenure involved a year-long engagement as a specialist in business processes and management systems at a consulting company. Outside her professional commitments, Karine actively contributes to the Institute of Internal Auditors as a dedicated member, holding the esteemed Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification.
	Ashot Vardanyan brings over 15 years of combined experience from both public and private sectors, cultivating a unique skill set aimed at shaping and advancing policies for societal improvement. His journey began at the Central Bank of Armenia, as a Banking Banking Supervisor in the Financial Supervision Department from 2008 to 2015. After transitioning to the private sector and completing the role of Head of Financial and Strategic Risk Analysis Department in “Unibank” OJSC between 2015 and 2019, he returned to the Central Bank in 2020, as the Head of the Quality Assurance Unit, focusing on developing and implementing internal quality assurance systems. His varied experiences revolve around financial supervision, risk management and regulatory compliance. Ashot holds a Master’s degree in Macroeconomics and related certifications such as CRISC and COBIT 2019.
	Meri Zakaryan holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics from Yerevan State University. She began her career as a Math teacher in Byurakn Educational Foundation and as a training assistant in the Armenian Pedagogical Initiatives Association. From 2012 to 2017, Meri managed library operations at Ayb Educational Foundation, overseeing virtual library systems and resource procurement. Her roles diversified as a Program Manager, SAS programmer, and biostatistician in different organizations before joining the Ministry of High-Tech Industry. There, she contributed significantly to technological program design, feasibility studies, and international programs. Currently, as the chief specialist of the Military Industrial Complex Development Department, Meri actively promotes dual technological programs, international affairs development, and national tech product commercialization. She is trained in international finance and program management and is dedicated to advancing Armenia’s tech ecosystem. Meri is proficient in English, Russian, and intermediate French.