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Diaspora Conference in Yerevan to Feature Forum Called "New Answers

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  • Diaspora Conference in Yerevan to Feature Forum Called "New Answers

    PRESS RELEASE
    Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
    Contact: Information Desk
    Tel: (374-10) 52-35-31
    Email: [email protected]
    Web: http://www.ArmeniaForeignMinistry.am

    Diaspora Conference in Yerevan to Feature Forum Called "New Answers to Old
    Questions"

    As part of the ArmeniaDiaspora Conference to take place in Yerevan on
    September 18-20, there will be a forum on the universal themes facing
    diasporas. Entitled, "New Answers to Old Questions: Armenians in the 21st
    century," this forum will explore questions about nations, nation-states,
    identity, culture, economics, emigration and citizenship, in a borderless,
    globalizing, electronically-linked world. Scholars from Armenia and the
    Armenian Diaspora, as well as specialists on the Israeli, Irish, Basque and
    Indian experiences will consider diaspora-related topics -- some of which
    are new for Armenians, who have a state for (nearly) the first time in
    centuries. On the other hand, many of the questions that will be raised
    will be the recurrent, traditional questions that diasporas ask. However, as
    times and technology changes, and with an independent state as a homeland,
    the answers can be new and different.

    On the theme of Nation, State and Identity in the 21st century, a group of
    international experts will look at approaches to understanding the elements
    of culture and identity, their application to diasporas, and to Armenia and
    the Armenian Diaspora. Understanding how other diaspora-homeland relations
    have evolved, especially when the diaspora is older than the state, larger
    than the state, more diverse than the state is important for Armenians. Can
    diaspora institutions and politics develop without the homeland, and can a
    homeland develop independently, unaided by its diaspora -- that's a question
    that requires consideration. How to match reciprocal perceptions, therefore
    expectations of each other -- is another. Is there / will there be an
    Armenian Diaspora outside of the traditional structures and institutions?
    How does a diaspora shape perceptions of the homeland?

    The culture of identity is another topic -- one very significant for
    Diasporans. How does one go from feeling to being Armenian? What is the
    role of language, literature, arts, religion, history (including memories of
    genocide and involuntary migration) in defining citizenship and culture?
    Will the universal culture/mechanics of the internet and MTV become an
    advantage for bringing new dynamics to relations and making ³culture² less
    rigid and more democratic, making ³definers of official² culture less
    relevant? Is globalization seen as a threat to both or can we see new forms
    of being and feeling Armenian? Are there bridging efforts? Participants
    from Armenia and the Diaspora will address these questions.

    The economics of diaspora-homeland relations is a two-way street that must
    be looked at in the social and cultural context. (A specific conference on
    economic development and investments will take place concurrently, on
    September 20, in the same conference hall.) But this session will focus on
    whether mechanisms and an economics can be created to give direction to
    future cultural and social developments?

    Finally, a special panel will focus on migration and repatriation, studying
    emigration and repatriation in history, around the world. What is the
    Armenian experience and memory of emigration and repatriation? What is the
    capacity for repatriation today? Should the government take on an active
    role? Can or should today¹s migration and repatriation trends be reversed?

    Finally, the forum will conclude on the second day with a look at the
    Armenian Diaspora in 2020. It is necessary to develop some scenarios of
    possible prospects for Armenian national treasures around the world, for the
    future of historic communities, for language and culture even in the largest
    communities, for the need and capacity for new and old institutions, around
    the world. What facts and analyses are prerequisites to future programming
    and policies? What will the Diaspora look like in 2020? How will each
    other¹s perceptions of Armenia and Armenians have changed? What will today¹s
    youth be doing as tomorrow's Armenians?

    Each of these topics will be addressed by specialists in the field, followed
    by a group of discussants from the Armenian diaspora and Armenia. Finally,
    the floor will be open to questions as time permits.

    There will be simultaneous interpretation in four languages: Armenian,
    English, Russian, French.

    Participation in the ArmeniaDiaspora III conference is open and registration
    is available at www.armeniaforeignministry.am or www.armeniadiaspora.com.
    There will be many special cultural and social events during the conference,
    including a special session on rural poverty eradication -- a joint program
    of the Armenian government, the Armenian Diaspora and the international
    community.

    --Boundary_(ID_Y1DK0DjeZ D/1GNNE9zo1gw)--
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