Shifting their focus to the region’s future, over 100 AGBU representatives embarked on a two-day journey to Karabakh, where they met with NKR President Bako Sahakyan. The meeting was also attended by Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan. On behalf of AGBU, President Setrakian presented Mr. Sahakyan with the AGBU Gold Medal and a certificate in recognition of his outstanding leadership and distinct efforts to achieve international recognition for the republic. Mr. Setrakian also announced AGBU’s plans to establish and sponsor a new 30,000 square foot educational center in the center of Stepanakert, which is being spearheaded by AGBU in partnership with the American University of Armenia (AUA) and the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies. Through the AUA Extension Program, local students will have the opportunity to attend specialized courses at the center focusing on English language improvement and preparation for university entrance exams, specifically the GRE/GMAT and TOEFL. The program will also offer courses in management, tourism development, media technologies, and more. The TUMO Center will play an equally important role, offering unique educational experiences to youth interested in creative and broadcast technologies. Additionally, the center will be home to an academy for young talented musicians and a chess club, creating an attractive environment for Karabakh’s youth to develop their talents while remaining on their land. President Sahakyan commended AGBU for making education in Karabakh a priority and advocating for NKR internationally.
The group also attended a concert by the AGBU Karabakh Chamber Orchestra, whose classical and popular repertoire was met with rapturous applause. The ensemble was established in 2004 at the request of then-President Arkady Ghukasyan through the sponsorship of AGBU. A special visit was also organized to Shushi, a historically renowned town, that is emerging once again as a cultural destination.