While many Armenians in the Diaspora snub the Armenia Diaspora conclaves, whose sixth session will take place on September 18-20, 2017, 1,700 Armenians from around the world have registered to participate. This means that large numbers find a value in holding and in participating in those gatherings. Therefore, the truth lies somewhere in between.
Those who have contributed to the homeland in substantive ways seldom appear at these conclaves — benefactors who contribute to the tune of millions, technology experts, successful entrepreneurs who have set up projects in Armenia, respected writers, people in the creative and performing arts who have achieved fame around the world, people of Armenian origin who hold government positions in foreign countries and famous newscasters and anchormen in the foreign media.
The goal of the organizers, perhaps, should be to target that category of people rather than holding an open forum for every participant to feel important. But certainly, the participants do talk about the areas outlined above — and they talk a lot. Doers are not there but talkers are there in abundance.
We do not intend to tackle the issue with sarcasm, because we appreciate the cognitive value of the endeavor. Since the collapse of the Soviet Empire, Armenians around the world and in Armenia have been engaged in a diligent effort to get to know each other and thereby create a common level of understanding and cooperation in helping the homeland and using that homeland as a resource to preserve and to regenerate their identity. That is why the organizers of the conclave have adopted a motto which translates to: “Mutual confidence, unity and responsibility.” This goal certainly implies that there still is room for improvement in developing mutual trust.
The two-day gathering proposes an ambitious program which is well-structured with the following specialized areas:
- Major goals for Armenia’s development. This topic includes foreign investments, promoting tourism and cooperation in business.
- Security concerns in the face of modern challenges — the emphasis is on Armenia’s defense and the violability of border towns and villages.
III. Armenia’s foreign policy, on whose agenda the major issues are Karabakh conflict and the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
- Preservation of the Armenian identity through language, literature and culture.
