During the round table organized within the scope of the VI Pan Armenian Forum-Armenia –Diaspora started on September 18 in the Sport and Concert Complex after K Demirchyan Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan ad the RA Minister of Defence Vigen Sargsyan presented the preparation activities carried out prior to the 2800th anniversary of Erebuni-Yerevan and the preliminary program of celebration of the 100th anniversary of Declaration o the republic of Armenia and heroic May battles.
In his speech Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan particularly said,
“Armenia-Diaspora Forum has been held in the capital of all Armenians –Yerevan-for the 6th time and various Armenian communities, representatives of dioceses and organizations take part in it. The Forum symbolizes the unity of Armenian people and is aimed at joining our patriotic efforts and ideas.
Dear compatriots,
I cordially greet all of you and I am glad that we are together in our big home-Yerevan, which is a city of dreams and bright recollections for many of us.
Armenia-Diaspora Forum is held prior to the 2800th anniversary of Yerevan and it is another opportunity to discuss the jubilee program, the necessary joint efforts and the present and the future of our capital city.
2800-year-old Yerevan has formed traditions and national look. At the same time it has features characteristic for a modern dynamically developing city. Many of you also noticed that particularly during the recent years Yerevan experienced unprecedented development becoming more progressive, hospitable and comfortable.
Being the political, spiritual, scientific, educational, cultural, sport and industrial center of Armenians worldwide Yerevan also assumed the responsibility for implementation of the reforms in all these directions.
And it not a secret that every serious and significant step requires serious investments. Therefore, the creation of favourable conditions for investments is a priority for us. From this point of view Yerevan Municipality attaches importance to cooperation expansion between the community and private sector in various spheres of urban economy. A number of successful examples of such cooperation we have in the field of road construction, population services, hostel economy, housing construction and other spheres.
It’s natural that during the last years the activity of Yerevan Municipality first of all was aimed at creation of necessary conditions for ensuring proper life of the population. However we realize that any improvement very becomes customary and the requirements of the population are increasing. In this regard our activity is of long-term character.
Program priorities of Yerevan testify that modernization of infrastructures are of high priority for the community. In particular, I’d like to outline the programs aimed at the reformation of transport system, effective management of condominiums and modernization of elevators economy in blocks of flats.
We are sure that system changes are vital and we have appropriate experience and instruments for successful realization of the reforms. Taking into account that all large projects are fulfilled with the assistance of international organizations we see wide possibilities for cooperation with Diaspora.
Let me also emphasize that our compatriots living outside Armenia who achieved noticeable success in various spheres play a significant role in the realization of the programs aimed at Yerevan development. They bring in innovative ideas, new solutions and approaches, experience of other countries and nations, new skills of business management. Currently we have a number of achievements in the spheres of education, culture, sport health care and social life. The programs of social assistance to the Armenian families from Syria are constantly at the focus of our attention.

The innovation and technology developments taking place throughout the world arise new requirements and risks. This tendency characteristic for developing cities is noticeable in Yerevan as well. Luckily, the technological era brings not only new tasks but also smart solutions. Numerous spheres of urban economy have already been digitalized, many functions automated, systems of management, control, information and security have been installed.
In accordance with the requirements of time it’s necessary to have the strategy of technology installation, in other words the concept of “Smart city”.
We study and localize the best international experience and with this aim we formed the commission for working out and implementation of “Yerevan-smart city” project. the commission involves best specialists of the sphere and international companies. And today Yerevan has got all preconditions to become a city of future.
There is certainly a lot to be done, but at the same time we can feel proud of the joint achievements of of our city which are reflected in prestigious international ratings and nominations.

The pace of Yerevan development in the last years is exceptionally fast as the capital of Armenia has appeared in several rating tables at the same time, sometimes surpassing a number of developed cities of the region and Europe this way attracting the attention of the world society,tourists and investors.
By influential international agencies Yerevan was classified in such nominations as sustainably developing city,as the city available for living and work, as an ancient and rapidly developing city.
Since 2014, according to the total rate of e-governance Yerevan has occupied the fifth line in the list of best cities of the world. According to the results of the international research held in 2016, among 140 large cities worldwide Yerevan has the 30th place with the level of security.
And I believe that in the future Yerevan will reach leading positions in many spheres. So, we must do our best to make the capital of all Armenians more recognizable. By the way, from this point of view we have a fine opportunity next year-the 2800th anniversary of Yerevan foundation. The state commission which will work out the festive program of events will be formed soon.
Taking into account that Yerevan is our big home I believe that we all are interested in proper organization and holding of the jubilee and I offer you to submit your suggestions which will be discussed and included in the program.
We hope that 2018 will be not only the jubilee year for Yerevan but will also enter the history if the capital as the year of big initiatives and significant achievements.
The sphere of foreign relations of Yerevan will play a serious role in it as its goal is to increase the recognition of the capital of Armenia with its historical and cultural heritage, successful and progressive programs, scientific and educational potential. Yerevan Municipality is cooperating with more than 50 cities worldwide and 8 international organizations in collaboration with which numerous programs are being carried out. In this context, large-scale programs are fulfilled with sister-cities as well. In my opinion, this factor will contribute to proper organization of the jubilee events in Yerevan.
Dear compatriots,
Yerevan is the symbol of the past, the present and certainly the future of our people. I am sure that we have a common goal-to make Yerevn more developed,progressive,cosy and beautiful.
I call all of you to initiate and organize events, celebrations and exhibitions dedicated to Yerevan in all the cities where you live. I am sure that it will promote recognition increase and further development of our beloved Yerevan”, stressed Taron Margaryan and taking the opportunity invited the Armenians worldwide to take part in the celebration of Yerevan’s 2800th anniversary.
After his speech Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan and the RA Minister of Defence Vigen Sargsyan answered the questions of the participants of the round table.
After finishing the discussion Mayor Taron Margaryan visited the pavilion representing the capital of Armenia which was opened in the Sport ad Concert Complex within the frames of VI Armenia-Diaspora Forum. The persons in charge stressed that tourist, investment programs of Yerevan Municipality, the “Smart city” program and a number of other projects were presented in the pavilion.