PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
Contact: Information Desk
Tel: (374-10) 52-35-31
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Diaspora Conference in Yerevan to Feature Forum Called "New Answers to Old
Questions"

As part of the ArmeniaDiaspora Conference to take place in Yerevan on
September 18-20, there will be a forum on the universal themes facing
diasporas. Entitled, "New Answers to Old Questions: Armenians in the 21st
century," this forum will explore questions about nations, nation-states,
identity, culture, economics, emigration and citizenship, in a borderless,
globalizing, electronically-linked world. Scholars from Armenia and the
Armenian Diaspora, as well as specialists on the Israeli, Irish, Basque and
Indian experiences will consider diaspora-related topics — some of which
are new for Armenians, who have a state for (nearly) the first time in
centuries. On the other hand, many of the questions that will be raised
will be the recurrent, traditional questions that diasporas ask. However, as
times and technology changes, and with an independent state as a homeland,
the answers can be new and different.

On the theme of Nation, State and Identity in the 21st century, a group of
international experts will look at approaches to understanding the elements
of culture and identity, their application to diasporas, and to Armenia and
the Armenian Diaspora. Understanding how other diaspora-homeland relations
have evolved, especially when the diaspora is older than the state, larger
than the state, more diverse than the state is important for Armenians. Can
diaspora institutions and politics develop without the homeland, and can a
homeland develop independently, unaided by its diaspora — that’s a question
that requires consideration. How to match reciprocal perceptions, therefore
expectations of each other — is another. Is there / will there be an
Armenian Diaspora outside of the traditional structures and institutions?
How does a diaspora shape perceptions of the homeland?

The culture of identity is another topic — one very significant for
Diasporans. How does one go from feeling to being Armenian? What is the
role of language, literature, arts, religion, history (including memories of
genocide and involuntary migration) in defining citizenship and culture?
Will the universal culture/mechanics of the internet and MTV become an
advantage for bringing new dynamics to relations and making ³culture² less
rigid and more democratic, making ³definers of official² culture less
relevant? Is globalization seen as a threat to both or can we see new forms
of being and feeling Armenian? Are there bridging efforts? Participants
from Armenia and the Diaspora will address these questions.

The economics of diaspora-homeland relations is a two-way street that must
be looked at in the social and cultural context. (A specific conference on
economic development and investments will take place concurrently, on
September 20, in the same conference hall.) But this session will focus on
whether mechanisms and an economics can be created to give direction to
future cultural and social developments?

Finally, a special panel will focus on migration and repatriation, studying
emigration and repatriation in history, around the world. What is the
Armenian experience and memory of emigration and repatriation? What is the
capacity for repatriation today? Should the government take on an active
role? Can or should today¹s migration and repatriation trends be reversed?

Finally, the forum will conclude on the second day with a look at the
Armenian Diaspora in 2020. It is necessary to develop some scenarios of
possible prospects for Armenian national treasures around the world, for the
future of historic communities, for language and culture even in the largest
communities, for the need and capacity for new and old institutions, around
the world. What facts and analyses are prerequisites to future programming
and policies? What will the Diaspora look like in 2020? How will each
other¹s perceptions of Armenia and Armenians have changed? What will today¹s
youth be doing as tomorrow’s Armenians?

Each of these topics will be addressed by specialists in the field, followed
by a group of discussants from the Armenian diaspora and Armenia. Finally,
the floor will be open to questions as time permits.

There will be simultaneous interpretation in four languages: Armenian,
English, Russian, French.

Participation in the ArmeniaDiaspora III conference is open and registration
is available at or
There will be many special cultural and social events during the conference,
including a special session on rural poverty eradication — a joint program
of the Armenian government, the Armenian Diaspora and the international
community.

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