Ruben Vardanyan Inspires at AUA

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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.