iGorts Program Utilizes Diaspora Potential in Armenia’s State Institutions
YEREVAN, ARMENIA (September 8, 2021) – The first year of the iGorts yearlong program for Diaspora Armenian professionals has concluded. The RA Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, along with a number of ministers and deputy ministers, awarded the 50 Diaspora Armenian professionals for their invaluable contributions to Armenia’s public sector during a closing ceremony on September 7, 2021.
Over 50 iGorts professionals from 19 countries joined the ranks of Armenia’s state system in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and Second Artsakh War, offering their expertise, education and skills to new projects and improving their respective institutions. Diaspora professionals implemented projects in the spheres of healthcare, education, culture, social work, territorial administration and business/foreign investment. One year later, 22 of our participants have found a permanent home in Armenia alongside their families, 14 of which will continue their work in the public sector and 8 in the private sector.
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“We are beyond moved at the level of professionalism iGorts participants have brought to Armenia’s public sector,” said RA High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs during the closing ceremony.” “Their eagerness to be a part of the nation-building process and implement various projects, particularly during a post-war and pandemic situation, is commendable and welcomed at all levels. I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors, and will continue to support their work for the betterment of our Homeland.”
“I witnessed the successes of our participants first-hand, and the information exchange from both sides has been incomparable,” said RA Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan. “I am convinced that anyone who has a chance to come to Armenia through this program or another to offer their time and skills and participate in our Homeland’s nation-building process will cherish those moments for the rest of their lives.”
“iGorts is an invaluable program, and the essence of this program also guarantees the rapid growth of Armenia,” said RA Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan.
“I returned to Armenia, all thanks to the iGorts program,” said Tatevik Gevorgyan, former iGorts fellow at Migration Services of Armenia. “I have decided to stay in the Homeland knowing that the fate of our home lies in our hands.”
“I never thought that I would return to Armenia, but I did and brought my parents with me,” said David Ivanyan, former iGorts fellow at the RA Ministry of High Tech Industry. “I have decided to stay and will continue my work at HayPost, Armenia’s national postal operator.”
“As an iGorts participant, I began my journey with the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and established a great network and group of friends,” said Shoushan Keshishian, former iGorts fellow at the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “I was later offered to move to Artsakh and work on developmental projects in the President’s office – an offer I couldn’t refuse. I look forward to working towards the development of both Armenia and Artsakh.”
The RA Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs and Armenia’s state institutions are in the process of welcoming another 50 Diaspora professionals this month. They will arrive in Armenia throughout September and work in over 20 state bodies. The professionals will work in their respective departments for one year, implementing programs and developing strategies and new ideas.
The iGorts program is the first time in the history of the Republic of Armenia where the state invites Diaspora Armenian professionals en masse to work inside of the government and finances it fully without any external funding. The program not only offers an unparalleled public service opportunity, but also opens a new window for Diaspora Armenian professionals to establish a deeper connection with the homeland on the institution-building level. For more information about the iGorts program, please see the iGorts page at http://diaspora.gov.am/en/programs/25/fellowship.
Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs
Republic of Armenia
Department of Media and Communications
