Working visit of the President Vahagn Khachaturyan to the Swiss Confederation

Within the framework of the working visit to the Swiss Confederation, President Vahagn Khachaturyan attended an event organized to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Armenian Studies Research Center at the University of Geneva.

The Armenian Studies Research Center at the University of Geneva, operating since 1974, is one of the few places in Europe and the only one in Switzerland where students can receive comprehensive training in Armenian language and literature, from undergraduate to doctoral levels.

The event opened with a speech by Valentina Calzolari, Head of the Department of Armenian Studies.

In his welcome address, the President delivered the following remarks:

"It is a great honor for me to be here to mark the 50th anniversary of the Armenian Studies Research Center at the University of Geneva. This day is not only an occasion to celebrate, but also an opportunity to reflect on the journey taken and to express gratitude to all those who have contributed to the creation and development of this important educational and cultural institution.

Since 1974, thanks to the Armenian Studies Research Center at the University of Geneva, the first Chair of Armenian Studies in Switzerland was established in 2007, becoming an outstanding center for preserving the Armenian language, culture, and heritage.

Today, the Armenian Studies Research Center unites people interested in the Armenian language, literature, culture, and heritage, remaining an integral part of Geneva's cultural life. It serves as a unique bridge between the societies of Armenia and Switzerland, strengthening the longstanding friendship between our two nations.

The significance of this day extends beyond the celebration of the anniversary of the academic department. Today, we once again recognize the resilient Armenian culture, its rich language, and literature, which, having endured the trials of millennia, have become intertwined with world culture while preserving their unique character.

From the adoption of Christianity to the invention of the Armenian alphabet, from the golden age of Armenian culture to the present day, the Armenian language and culture have played an invaluable role in the establishment and development of Armenian statehood.

Today, it is impossible to overestimate the role of Armenian studies centers worldwide in counteracting attempts at historical distortion, preserving and documenting endangered cultural heritage, and now also digitizing Armenia's rich heritage. These centers make Armenia and the Armenian people known to the entire world, allowing the study of Armenian culture and literature in Armenian, and providing comprehensive knowledge about both Armenian and other cultures through Armenian-language sources.

As cultural cooperation becomes an inseparable part of our daily lives, I want to highlight the importance of collaboration between Armenian studies institutions. In this regard, I would like to especially acknowledge the contribution of the Head of the Armenian Studies Research Center in Geneva, Mrs. Valentina Calzolari, not only in the establishment and maintenance of the center and department but also in uniting Armenian studies centers across different continents.

I am confident that the Armenian Studies Department at the University of Geneva will continue to be a source of inspiration for students, researchers, and all those interested in Armenian culture. I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone involved in the operation of the department - the faculty, university staff, and, of course, the students. Your contribution to the establishment and development of the department is invaluable. Today, I wish not only to celebrate your work over the past fifty years but also to look forward, being confident that future generations will have the opportunity to study the Armenian language, Armenian literature, and Armenian culture.

Congratulations to all of us on this memorable day, and I wish you continued success and new achievements."

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During his working visit to Switzerland, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.

Over the course of the conversation, the interlocutors discussed armed conflicts occurring in various regions around the world and emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateralism aimed at protecting human rights.

The President presented to his counterpart the large-scale reform agenda implemented in Armenia since 2018, aimed at protecting human rights and strengthening democratic institutions.

A reference was made to the programs implemented by Armenia to address the needs of forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Both sides highlighted the necessity of uniting the efforts of internationally recognized organizations and political authorities of various countries to address human rights protection and humanitarian challenges.

They also exchanged views on the importance of ensuring quality education in the protection of human rights and democratic values.

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Within the framework of his working visit to Switzerland, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo.

During the meeting, the sides discussed issues related to the protection of labor rights, social security, and the implementation of programs aimed at economic development.

President Khachaturyan stressed that the Armenian government values cooperation with the ILO and is ready to actively participate in shaping the international labor agenda.

In his remarks, the President highlighted that since joining the ILO in 1992, the Republic of Armenia has consistently collaborated with the ILO's Decent Work Technical Support Team and the Office of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, as well as the ILO headquarters in Geneva.

Gilbert Houngbo, in turn, expressed satisfaction with the high level of cooperation with the Armenian government and stated that the ILO is ready to support Armenia's development programs, particularly in ensuring stable and decent working conditions.

A reference was made to the importance of trade union cooperation. President Khachaturyan noted that trade unions play a crucial role in fostering engagement and protecting labor rights. He emphasized Armenia's support for the trade union movement, which contributes to social dialogue and the improvement of working conditions.

In this context, the President highlighted that since 2018, Armenia has initiated several reforms aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Numerous international legal acts related to human rights have been ratified, focusing on gender equality, social protection, support, accessibility of public services, and guaranteeing equal opportunities and rights for women.

The President also stressed the importance of Armenia joining the Global Coalition for Social Justice, contributing to the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals and the international partnership platform for the "Decent Work" agenda.

At the end of the meeting, the sides agreed to make every effort to further promote and expand active cooperation.

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President Vahagn Khachaturyan participated in the opening ceremony of the Crans Montana Forum and delivered a speech.

"Today, we have gathered here to share ideas and find solutions to challenges that not only impact the welfare of our societies but also pose direct threats to survival.

Before proceeding with my main speech, I would like to note that this year is an anniversary of special significance for the Forum's central peace agenda, marking 30 years since the historic meeting between Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres during the Bucharest session of the Crans Montana Forum. It is worth mentioning that this chapter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the history of the two Oslo Accords, holds particular importance for me personally. Let me remind you that, as a mark of recognition for their determination and courage, both leaders were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize just months after their meeting. Moreover, this year also marks 25 years since President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, during his first international visit to attend the Forum, announced the 1999 Algerian Civil Concord Referendum, which was a pivotal step in resolving the country's "Black Decade" of civil war.

Today, security challenges have evolved beyond traditional threats. Cybersecurity has become as critical as physical security, with both state and non-state actors having equal access to digital tools capable of disrupting critical infrastructure and spreading chaos.

At the same time, climate change presents its own security threats, affecting food security and water resources while acting as another driver of migration.

In parallel, transnational criminal networks adapt to technological advances faster than law enforcement can respond. Social transformations, security challenges, and both military and non-military threats demand our full attention and immediate action to establish constructive dialogue across political and ideological divides. These areas become more interconnected, impacting almost every aspect of life.

This brings us to the importance of education. The challenges of our time demand a commitment to education as a fundamental human right. Investment in education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and hostility, equipping future generations with the skills needed for success and prosperity. Education is the cornerstone of progress and a vital component of achieving social justice.

This directly ties into the issue of human rights. Human rights are not merely an entitlement but a shared responsibility for us all. We are united in our determination to ensure that the rights of every individual are respected and protected, as the protection of human rights is a prerequisite for the welfare of our societies.

Recent pandemics have exposed our vulnerabilities, underscoring the necessity of robust public healthcare systems that can detect, prevent, and effectively respond to such threats. We must foster collaboration to safeguard against future outbreaks, ensuring that no community is left unprotected.

Finally, ensuring energy security is critical for sustainable development and economic resilience. Energy security is vital for protecting human rights and establishing social equality.

Dear colleagues, there is a saying: "Every challenge presents an opportunity. " This opportunity is clear. Let us unite in addressing the challenges our societies face. Let us confront these challenges with wisdom and unwavering commitment to building a better future for our societies. A vision for a better future depends on our ability to combine efforts and share knowledge.

To make my remarks more practical, I invite you to attend the presentation organized by the Armenian delegation at the Forum today.

Once again, I thank you for this opportunity and wish you productive discussions. Let us remind ourselves that great change can begin with what may seem like a simple idea."

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President Vahagn Khachaturyan met with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.

During the meeting, they discussed issues related to missing persons, prisoners, and other detained individuals, as well as other humanitarian matters.

President Khachaturyan emphasized the importance of close cooperation with the ICRC, highlighting its role in addressing humanitarian crises and protecting international humanitarian law.

He underscored the critical importance of ongoing efforts to secure the return of prisoners and other detained individuals and to clarify the fate of missing persons, stressing the need to intensify joint efforts in these directions.

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Within the framework of his working visit to Switzerland, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

During the meeting, they discussed Armenia's participation in international trade processes and the expansion of cooperation with the WTO.

President Khachaturyan highly appreciated Armenia's close cooperation with the organization for over two decades and emphasized the crucial role of the WTO in ensuring global economic regulation and stability. He noted that the WTO's activity is significant not only for trade liberalization but also for improving the global economy.

During the conversation, President Khachaturyan presented Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" project to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, which aims to achieve regional stability and foster economic cooperation.

The sides also exchanged views on the opportunities and importance of Armenia's development in the field of information and high technologies, noting that promoting the digital economy can enhance the country's economic competitiveness by creating new opportunities and attracting investments.