UN in Armenia Partners with the Diaspora in Boosting Development in the Country

United Nations, Yerevan - Today Ms. Consuelo Vidal, the head of the United Nations in Armenia hosted a reception where, in the framework of the "Global Armenia" initiative, TOKTEN (Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals) Program and "Global Armenia" website (http://www.globalarmenia.am) were launched. Through TOKTEN Diaspora Armenians with vast experience and skills will have the opportunity to provide technical expertise, policy advice and research services to the government institutions, private and public sector enterprises, universities, and research centers in fields such as the environment, education, sciences, health, public administration, IT and business management. While invigorating the spirit of voluntarism, the UN will cover airfare and stay in the country. The programme is based on competition and its transparency is guaranteed by the UN's world class standards. The "Global Armenia" bilingual (English and Armenian) website will be another UN managed tool for the Armenian Diaspora to engage in TOKTEN and many other UN-Armenia projects, and have up-to-date information about the initiative and job opportunities through the TOKTEN Program. From now on, Diaspora Armenians can apply for TOKTEN at http://www.globalarmenia.am website.

Ms. Consuelo Vidal, UN RC/UNDP RR in her opening speech stated that "Global Armenia' initiative is a relatively recent UN initiative, aimed at stimulating the Armenian Diaspora's involvement in and support to development projects, which could be highlighted as national priorities. It is also designed to enhance the capacity of Diaspora individuals and organizations to contribute to their home country."

Acknowledging the scale and magnitude of Diaspora's contribution to Armenia, Ms. Vidal stressed that "the United Nations comes to enhance that, to offer to Diaspora' individuals and organizations its own institutional capacities, mechanisms, methodology and status to help people build in partnership a better life in Armenia."

In their speeches Mr. Arman Kirakosian, Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, Ms. Hranush Hakobyan, Chairwoman of MFA State Committee for Diaspora Affairs, and Mr. Yervand Zorian, member of the AGBU Central Board of Directors, commended the United Nations in Armenia for this important undertaking and highly valued the partnership of the Diaspora for the development of Motherland through their professional skills and experience.