Goriz Leadership Development

GORIZ (eng. Nucleus) - "the central and most important part of an object, movement or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth"

AGBU Goriz Leadership Development is an AGBU Europe initiative aimed at identifying, training and providing professional support to future global Armenian leaders. This program is designed to equip talented Armenians with the skills they need to confront and transcend the challenges of their personal, professional, community and public lives. 

Modeled after best practices of world-class leadership training, each cycle 30 young professionals set off on a 6-month journey which includes an array of trainings, including experiential workshops, peer to peer exchanges, study visits and networking. They will have opportunity for introspection and growth as well as access to world-class leaders in various fields, all of whom are exemplary active citizens who embrace their Armenian identity. 

GORIZ is not currently accepting applications. Please check back for information on future cycles.

The GORIZ Network and Impact

Since 2009, the GORIZ alumni network hail hundreds of individuals from diverse professional backgrounds and to date, include people from Europe, United States and Armenia.

Through the experience gained during their leadership training, the goal of the alumni network is to have an impact both locally and globally. The alumni are encouraged and mobilized, through individual or group initiatives, to contribute to the development of Armenia and to serve as ambassadors of the Armenian voice in their country.

Launched during the 44-day war in Artsakh, the YERIA initiative (Youth of Europe for the Recognition of Artsakh) gathered a delegation of 40 Europeans, composed mostly of Goriz alumni and including journalists and public figures. The delegation traveled to Armenia and Artsakh in order to raise awareness towards local authorities and international community on the humanitarian and political situation on the ground.

As another example, the AGBU-EUDiF Action (EU Global Diaspora Facility) recruited diaspora mentors amongst the Goriz Alumni network who share their expertise with AGBU women entrepreneurs in Armenia.

The Program

Armenians are positioned to make the most of their global presence by succeeding in their careers while promoting the culture, history and prosperity of Armenia and Artsakh. AGBU GORIZ identifies young professionals ready to accelerate their personal growth and gives them the skills needed and the exposure desired to highly accomplished role models and peers.

GORIZ participants foster links between the Republic of Armenia and the diaspora providing future leaders with the necessary tools and methodology to develop successful projects for and with Armenia. The GORIZ network creates and supports resilient, mindful and ambitious leaders who are essential to boosting the potential of the overall Global Armenian Nation. 

With three sessions held in different locations throughout Europe and Armenia, seminars include an array of activities:

• Lectures led by themed experts;
• Experiential workshops;
• Developing Projects in/for Armenia
• Social gatherings;
• Meetings with community leaders/high-level officials; and
• Field visits.

Past Lecturers and Advisors

Goriz cohorts gain insight from diverse thought leaders representing an array of professional backgrounds, but with one common goal: an active drive to contribute to the prosperity of the Armenian nation.