RUBEN VARDANYAN INSPIRES AT AUA – PHOTOS

DECEMBER 7, 2014 in UNIVERSITY

YEREVAN, Armenia – On December 6, 2014, the American University of
Armenia (AUA) welcomed Ruben Vardanyan for an inspiring presentation
on “Armenia and the Armenian World.” He discussed the present state
of Armenia, possibilities for the future of the country, and the role
that both local and diasporan Armenians can play in its development
and success.

Vardanyan’s presentation began with his optimistic vision for the
future, which emphasized philanthropy and development as the key
factors for a prosperous Armenia. “Philanthropy is important only
if it serves its ultimate purpose: to initiate positive changes and
improvements at the systemic level,” he said.

To achieve this, Armenians around the world should be active
participants and knowledgeable citizens in their quest for an even
greater independent republic. He stated, “It is our responsibility
to do something for our nation.” Vardanyan also discussed the need
for Armenians to have a respectable and recognizable modern-day
figure that can aid in the development of the Armenian “brand” and
the marketing of Armenia as a desirable place to live and visit.

One important theme throughout Vardanyan’s presentation was how
Armenians can become global citizens without losing their national
identity. He emphasized the importance of traveling the world,
interacting with different people and cultures, and learning several
languages. He cited education, research, and the development of higher
education institutions like AUA as key factors to achieving an Armenia
in which its citizens think globally and act locally.

Vardanyan is involved in many projects for the sustainable development
of Armenia, one of which being the “Armenia 2020” project, which he
discussed during the presentation. The project brings together key
individuals of the Armenian diaspora to address and find solutions to
the major problems that Armenia faces. It encourages dialogue among
the diaspora as well as investment in a vision for the future of
the country. He encouraged audience members to make their own small
investments in the country, not just financially, but practically
and sustainably.

Ruben Vardanyan, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, is Co-Founder
of the IDeA Foundation, an organization which implements strategic
charitable initiatives for Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian diaspora,
and a Founding Partner of the UWC Dilijan College. He serves as Advisor
to the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Sberbank of Russia. He is
a Founding Partner and Vice-Chairman of the International Advisory
Board of the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO, as well as Chairman
of the SKOLKOVO Institute for Emerging Market Studies. Vardanyan
graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University and has completed
post-graduate courses and programs at INSEAD, Harvard Business School,
Yale University, and Stanford University.

Following his presentation, Vardanyan answered questions from
the audience on topics such as his involvement with educational
institutions, his experiences as an entrepreneur, his personal and
professional plans for the future, and more.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a
private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and
affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global
education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality, graduate
and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting
public service and democratic values.