Official opening of Demographic Research Center at Yerevan State University

The official opening of the Demographic Research Center at Yerevan State University took place. The center was established through the collaboration of Yerevan State University, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, with the goal of laying a solid foundation for demographic development in Armenia. During the event, the launch of the program titled "Demographic Resilience: Expanding Women’s Capacities and Choices through Data-Driven Policies" was also announced.

The newly established center aims to address the serious demographic challenges faced by Armenia — ranging from the analysis of birth rates and trends to migration processes, life expectancy, and issues related to healthy longevity, among others. For years, these issues have been discussed among experts; however, this is the first time that an institutional center has been formed to unite research activities, policy development, and public awareness.

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, speaking about the long-lasting efforts leading to the establishment of the center, stated: "Demographic issues have always been a focus for both the Armenian Government and for lecturers and researchers. However, these issues were often considered in isolation, and it can be said that almost no data-driven research has been conducted in this field. This gap has been felt at the national level, as well as within higher education and educational systems. One of the primary objectives of YSU Demographic Research Center is to support policy development based on reliable data, to promote new research, and subsequently to develop the educational component."

He added that the center provides significant opportunities for the implementation of retraining programs. Specialists from various fields will have access to the center’s resources for the purpose of professional development. Students will also be involved in research activities, eventually becoming demography experts and addressing the existing shortage of professionals in the field.

"YSU is a platform where all levels of education are represented, and interdisciplinary research here is not only possible but also effective," emphasized Hovhannes Hovhannisyan.

Arsen Torosyan, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, underscoring the importance of opening such a center at YSU, warmly welcomed the inaugural event of the project titled "Demographic Resilience: Expanding Women’s Capacities and Choices through Data-Driven Policies." This event takes place at a crucial phase of multilayered demographic and socio-economic reforms in Armenia.  

"Declining birth rates, outward migration, and population aging — like many other countries around the world, Armenia faces these challenges and issues daily. Addressing them requires comprehensive action through the development of long-term, needs-based, and results-oriented policies aimed at shaping a stable population structure and fostering the development of human capital. A testament to this is the recently adopted '2024-2040 Strategy for Improving the Demographic Situation' by the Government, which reflects the state's vision and commitments. This strategy combines various initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive, responsive, and favorable environment in the country, placing special emphasis on women's empowerment, access to lifelong learning, and the establishment of a family-friendly environment — all as integral components of the strategy," he said, adding that the program being launched today is fully aligned with the Government’s priorities, combining scientific research, data analysis, and policy development.

The event was also attended by Alexandra Cole, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Armenia. According to her, the project will provide multilayered support in areas such as gender equality and socially based policy development, thereby strengthening demographic resilience through data-driven policies that expand women’s capacities and freedom of choice.

"This is not merely a political intervention — it is a commitment to the future of Armenia and its people," she added. 

Françoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia, emphasized that this initiative stands out for two key reasons: first, for creating a productive platform for collaboration and joint action; and second, for addressing a highly significant topic.

"These initiatives reflect Armenia’s proactive approach to shaping its demographic future. It is a strong commitment to developing inclusive, evidence-based policy, and to empowering women and youth as key agents of change," she said. 

Lusine Sargsyan, Head of the UNFPA Armenia CO, noted that what just a year ago seemed like ideas, plans, or even dreams are now becoming reality, as the two initiatives officially begin their practical implementation. 

"I am hopeful that this will not remain just a program, but will become the beginning of much larger initiatives and lasting changes, as well as a guiding framework for the implementation of the demographic strategy," said Lusine Sargsyan.

Tigran Gasparyan, Head of YSU Center for Demographic Research, presented the center’s mission, objectives, and vision.

The center will bring together both local and international scientists, experts, government officials, and policymakers — not only to conduct analysis but also to share findings, educate the public, and raise awareness.

Following the opening remarks, Tatevik Badalyan, Head of the "Demographic Resilience: Expanding Women’s Capacities and Choices through Data-Driven Policies" program, presented its main objectives. These include ensuring continuous education and skills development for women, including those from vulnerable groups, to enhance their economic and psychosocial well-being; and applying National Time Transfer Accounts (NTTA) to assess the value of unpaid care work and promote more gender-sensitive economic policymaking. A key goal of the program is also to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Demographic Research Center at Yerevan State University. 

The program is being implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and is funded by the Government of the United Kingdom through its international development assistance framework.

The speeches and Q&A session were followed by the opening of the exhibition titled "The Double Shift: Women’s Invisible Work," which showcased the often-overlooked yet critical social and economic contributions of women.

The event was attended by representatives of the Government of Armenia, international organizations, academic community, faculty members, students, and other guests.