My journey as an environmental enthusiast took a significant turn when I participated in the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) on Environmental Issues program offered by the U.S. Department of State. This prestigious exchange program allows international leaders to study in American universities, fostering cultural understanding and promoting global engagement.
Through the SUSI program, I was immersed in an academic environment that expanded my horizons and deepened my understanding of global climate issues. This experience reinforced my pride in the American University of Armenia (AUA); I came to the realization that AUA is “as American as any other American university and as Armenian as any Armenian university.” It also connected me with inspiring peers and mentors who share my passion for sustainability and environmental advocacy. As a proud U.S. Government Alumnus (USG) and a nominee in the Community Service category of this year’s USG Alumni Annual Awards, I am eager to leverage the insights and skills I gained through the SUSI program to strengthen my efforts in combating climate change back home in Armenia.
My journey as an environmental enthusiast began in the heart of Ararat Valley, where the stark realities of climate change are an everyday challenge. My childhood experiences there shaped my commitment to combating climate change.
At 13, I joined the “Tree of Life” eco-club, which ignited my passion for environmental science. This early involvement inspired me to dedicate my academic and professional life to solving the pressing environmental issues facing Armenia. Over the past five years, I have taught environmental science in various eco-clubs, directly engaging nearly 5,000 young people from different regions.
As an active community member, I have combined my academic work with real-world activism. I actively collaborate with UNICEF in Armenia, United Nations (UN) agencies, and European Union programs to spread awareness of climate change and sustainable solutions among adolescents, such as our green campaign with UNICEF to promote a zero-waste lifestyle. Locally, I have authored and conducted several educational projects on sustainable communities and climate adaptation, planting the seeds for a more sustainable Armenia.
My role as a UN Children and Youth High-Level Climate Champion for COP27 honed my leadership skills and enhanced my understanding of global climate issues. One pivotal moment was my meeting with President of the UN General Assembly Abdullah Shahid, during which we discussed how the UN can assist Armenia in transitioning to renewable solutions and demineralizing its economy.
In addition to these initiatives, I developed an educational board game called Climapolis for adolescents ages 13 and older. This game aims to teach players about climate adaptation and aligns with 12 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Currently, I am launching the Earth Champions Academy, a project designed to empower young environmental leaders in Armenia. Additionally, I plan to establish a mobile museum on climate change as part of my Bus Stop Climate Change project, which will convert a bus into a traveling museum that will visit rural areas. This initiative seeks to educate communities about climate change through engaging exhibits and interactive learning experiences.
Moreover, I am working on a book titled One Hundred Steps Towards a Sustainable Planet, which will provide practical guidance on sustainable living and environmental stewardship. This book reflects my commitment to education and strives to reach a broad audience, ensuring that critical environmental knowledge is accessible to all.
Through my story, I aim to highlight the importance of education and activism in addressing environmental issues and inspire others to join the fight for a sustainable future. By sharing my experiences, I can encourage more young people to engage in environmental advocacy and positively impact their communities.
