YEREVAN, Armenia – On October 7, 2025, Yerevan State University (YSU) and UNFPA in Armenia officially announced the launch of the new project “Demographic Resilience: Expanding Women’s Capacities and Choices through Data-driven Policies” with funding by the UK International Development from the UK government, as well as in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs inaugurated the Demographic Research Center at YSU.
The Demographic Research Center will serve as a hub for in-depth population research, promoting evidence-based policy-making and demographic education, supporting implementation of Armenia’s new demographic strategy. The new project, in collaboration with the center, will focus on using data to expand women’s capacities and choices, a key component of building demographic resilience in Armenia.
The event, held at Yerevan State University, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the government, academia, civil society, the diplomatic and donor communities, and the UN system. It served as a platform to underscore the role of research, data, and evidence-based policymaking in fostering inclusive demographic resilience.
The event featured opening remarks from high-level officials, including Mr. Arsen Torosyan, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs; H.E. Ms. Alexandra Cole, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Armenia; Mr. Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, Rector of YSU; Mrs. Françoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator; and Mrs. Lusine Sargsyan, UNFPA Head of Armenia Office.
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“The primary goal of the Demographic Center is to develop data-based policies, promote new research, and later add an educational component. It will also allow us to conduct trainings for various specialists in the field, and it is a great platform for our students, who will be involved in research and become demographers, thereby filling the professional gap,” said the YSU Rector in his welcoming speech.
“We are glad that the program starting today is in full compliance with the priorities of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, combining scientific research, data analysis, and policy development, which allows us to adopt fact-based and effective approaches to respond to modern demographic and socio-economic challenges. I am full of hope that our joint work will continue to contribute to the fulfillment of the commitments undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Armenia aimed at demographic stability and the full realization of human potential in the country,” noted the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs.
The UK Ambassador is convinced that: “This project is more than just a policy intervention, it’s a commitment to Armenia’s future. By empowering women through lifelong learning and gender-responsive policymaking, the UK Government is helping to lay the groundwork for stronger demographic resilience and inclusive economic growth”
“The establishment of the Demographic Research Center is an important step forward. It will serve as a hub of excellence not only for Armenia but also for the region. Sustainable development is key for the UN, and when you are investing in an educational institution you are guarantying sustainability,” said Francoise Jacob, the UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia.
“The project we are launching with the support of the UK Government is not an isolated initiative. It is part of a bigger picture: how Armenia can turn demographic challenges into opportunities, and how women’s empowerment and gender equality can become engines of resilience and growth.”, said Lusine Sargsyan, Head of UNFPA Office in Armenia.
Following the official opening, Mr. Tigran Gasparyan, Head of the Demographic Research Center at YSU, presented the center’s mission and goals. Mrs. Tatevik Badalyan, UNFPA Population and Development Analyst, then provided an overview of the new demographic resilience project. The event also included an interactive dialogue on “Work, Care and Choice” with Mr. Tigran Jrbashyan, Partner and Director of Management Advisory Services at Ameria Consulting.
An exhibition titled “Double Shift: Women’s Stories of Invisible Labour” was also on display, providing a powerful visual component to the discussions on gender dynamics and labor.