From July 27 to August 6, in collaboration with YSU Faculties of Theology and the University of Münster in Germany, and with the support of the "Community Development" NGO, the international summer academy titled "Historical Narratives and Contemporary Challenges: Armenian Culture, Religion, and Society" was held. The academy brought together over 40 participants from Armenia, Germany, France, and Georgia.
The program took place in a picturesque area in the Yeghegis Gorge, Vayots Dzor, which was transformed into a unique platform for academic and intercultural dialogue. This setting fostered a multifaceted educational and cultural environment, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experience.
The thematic scope was quite broad, including history, culture, sociology, peacebuilding, theology, and religious studies. The agenda was rich with lectures, seminars, analytical discussions, and educational visits, all contributing to an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the topics.
Within the framework of the academy, a meeting was also held with representatives of the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia, during which regional security issues and prospects for establishing sustainable peace were discussed. The joint participation and discussions involving Armenian specialists and international experts added particular significance to the program.
Central themes of the general discussions included the reassessment of historical memory, the role of religion in political and military conflicts, the psychological and social consequences of the loss of Artsakh, the problem of the absence of political theology, and the priorities in cultivating a culture of peace. The courses were conducted in an interactive format, featuring lively Q&A sessions and dialogue between participants and lecturers, which facilitated a profound engagement with the subjects.
The cultural and worldview diversity of both participants and speakers contributed to the creation of a valuable platform for dialogue on values and culture. The interchurch and intercultural nature of the academy fostered new friendships, laying a solid foundation for future professional collaborations and educational initiatives.
In parallel with the lectures, educational visits to historical and cultural sites in Armenia were organized. The program concluded in Yerevan, where Pargev Barseghyan, Acting Dean of YSU Faculty of Theology, awarded certificates to the participants.
The international summer academy was held within the framework of the 30th anniversary celebrations of YSU Faculty of Theology, supported by the renowned German foundations Bread for the World and Renovabis, as well as the "Working Group on Recognition of the Genocide" NGO. The initiative once again reaffirmed the shared vision of Armenian academics and foreign partners to contribute to the formation of a new generation guided by education, a value system, and a commitment to peace.
