YSU and UNICEF discuss prospects for expanding cooperation

YSU's internationalization and research priorities

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan presented the university's development strategy and priorities. He emphasized the university's digital transformation, efforts to attract international students, a significant expansion of research activities, and an increase in publications in international peer-reviewed journals.  

"Our goal is to deepen international cooperation and expand the range of foreign-language academic programs. YSU actively cooperates with various UN agencies," Hovhannisyan said.

As an example of this cooperation, the rector highlighted the work of the Demographic Research Center, established through joint efforts by YSU, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Armenian Ministry of Labor and Welfare.   

He also presented the activities and international programs of the university's centers specializing in human rights, international arbitration, and psychological support, and discussed increased state investment in science.

International network of child rights centers and YSU's potential involvement

Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Representative in Armenia, presented the experience of establishing child rights centers at universities in various countries and invited YSU to join the international network.

"The institutionalization of children's rights in academia is one of our priorities. Since 2020, more than 63 such centers have been established in various countries, including Georgia, Greece, Albania, and Cameroon. These centers are based on three pillars: the promotion of children's rights, research, and education," Khalil emphasized.

He proposed that YSU join the international network by establishing a child rights center at the university, bringing together specialists in law, education, psychology, and social work.

In response, YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan noted that the university already has specialists working in this field, as well as relevant academic modules and research experience. 

"Over the years, our scholars have conducted numerous studies on children's education, teaching methodologies, psychological issues, and the protection of children's rights," the rector said.

He added that YSU students regularly defend master's theses and conduct research on child rights issues.

According to the rector, YSU will explore the possibility of establishing the center as an interdisciplinary platform that brings together the expertise and resources of various university faculties and research centers.

International conference in 2027: Yerevan to host delegations from more than 50 countries

During the meeting, representatives of the UNICEF delegation in Armenia also discussed preparations for the international conference titled "The Role of Academia in Advancing Child Rights," scheduled to take place in Yerevan in October 2027.

Ghassan Khalil noted that the previous conference brought together representatives from 34 countries, while the 2027 event in Armenia aims to gather representatives of academia from more than 50 countries. 

Under the proposed format, the three-day international conference will be held under the auspices of the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport. Activities are scheduled to take place at different universities each day, with Yerevan State University among the institutions being considered as a host venue. 

Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan expressed YSU's readiness to contribute its resources and expertise to organizing the conference. 

At the end of the meeting, Ghassan Khalil presented the YSU rector with his book on children's rights, which reflects his extensive academic and teaching experience in the field.

Next steps

Following the discussions, the parties agreed to establish a joint working group to advance the proposed initiatives and coordinate the next steps.