PRESS RELEASE
Policy Forum Armenia
1250 I (Eye) Street N.W., Suite 710
Washington, D.C. 20005
Contact : Irina Alaverdyan
Email: exrelations@pf-armenia.org
Internet:

PFA Youth Forum

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 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.