YEREVAN, Armenia — On March 11-14, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Clinic in partnership with the Chamber of Mediators of the Republic of Armenia hosted the “Mediation in Action” Spring School 2026.
The four-day program focused not only on theoretical knowledge but also on developing practical skills essential for professional licensed mediators. The Spring School brought together students from leading universities in Armenia, including Yerevan State University, AUA, the French University of Armenia, the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, and others.
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Gayane Demirchyan, chairman of the Chamber of Mediators, who greeted the 21 participants. Later, licensed mediators Ani Mkrtchyan and Artak Poghosyan shared their experience by presenting the essence and principles of mediation, the role of the mediator and how it differs from the role of the judge or arbitrator, as well as the advantages of mediation compared to court proceedings.
On the second day, licensed mediator Gohar Avagyan led interactive sessions aimed at strengthening participants’ communication and negotiation skills, while also deepening their understanding of emotional intelligence. Later the same day, Lilit Petrosyan, director of the Arbitration and Mediation Center of Armenia presented the legislative aspects of the mandatory mediation in the Republic of Armenia and the practical impact it has on the effective resolution of disputes.
The third day was fully dedicated to practical training. Licensed mediators Narek Sahakyan, Svetlana Hovhannisyan, and Gayane Demirchyan demonstrated a master class on handling mediation sessions by presenting mediation simulations for the participants. The simulations were conducted in live-action mode, giving participants the opportunity to pause the process and make their remarks, comments, and suggestions.
After intensive theoretical and practical preparation on the last day of the Mediation Spring School 2026, participants took part in mock mediations, putting into practice the skills they had acquired over the previous days. At the end of the mock mediations, three participants who had demonstrated the best results received awards for the first, second, and third places.
The Spring School concluded with a closing ceremony, during which LL.M. Program Chair Adelaida Baghdasaryan delivered inspiring remarks. All participants received certificates of participation and gift cards from a bookstore.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
