RCDS hosts Third Annual Armenian Conference on Democratic Security
18.02.2026
On February 17, 2026, the Third Annual Armenian Conference on Democratic Security took place, bringing together members of Armenia’s civil society and expert community, representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia, and other interested stakeholders.
The speakers of the first panel discussion were Tigran Grigoryan (RCDS), Hayk Kocharyan (Center for Civilization and Cultural Studies), Arsen Kharatyan (Aliq Media), and Beniamin Poghosyan (APRI Armenia), with Artak Shakaryan (IRI) moderating. The panel discussed Armenia’s foreign policy and security environment in the period following the Washington summit. Participants examined the reactions of various regional actors to the agreements reached in Washington and possible scenarios for further developments.
The second panel discussion was devoted to the challenges in the integration process of those forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. The discussion with speakers Mijerita Khachatryan (Estonian Refugee Council), Hayk Khanumyan (RCDS), and Zaruhi Batoyan (National Assembly of Armenia) was moderated by Hayk Ghazaryan (CivilNet). Speakers addressed the steps taken by the government to support the inclusion of Karabakh Armenians, successful and unsuccessful programs, and the role of civil society and the international community in this process.
The third discussion focused on internal challenges—rule of law, media, and elections. Moderated by Mariam Hoveyan, the conversation featured Tatevik Ghazaryan (RCDS), Artur Papyan (YPC), Isabella Sargsyan (EPF), and Anna Melikyan (PRWB). Participants discussed issues related to the transparency of party financing, information attacks against Armenia and the infrastructures enabling them, and analyzed potential risks stemming from government–church confrontation, also highlighting problems within the judicial system.
The conference took place in an atmosphere of active and participatory discussion.
Watch the conference recording following this link.