Town Hall Meetings

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Town Hall Meetings
Yerevan Ijevan Yeghegnadzor - Yerevan 2005

• Public Discussions of Armenia 2020 Scenarios

International Center for Human Development www.ich
d.org
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Yerevan / piloting
Ani Plaza Hotel, June 8, 2005
Theme of the discussion Four possible
development scenarios for Armenia, worked out by
Armenia 2020
Participant profile
Total number
Occupation
Gender
Age range
76 participants ------------------- 3 tables x
2 rounds
students, university instructors, academicians, an
d state officials
45 female and 31 male
Support staff 12 ------------------- Facilitators
, Note takers, Floor Managers
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Yerevan / piloting
Ani Plaza Hotel, June 8, 2005
Artashes Kazakhetsyan, Director of Armenia 2020
making a short presentation.
Tevan Poghosyan, Executive Director of ICHD
explaining the ground rules for discussions.
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Yerevan / piloting
Ani Plaza Hotel, June 8, 2005
The discussion started.
Table 2 discussing the first scenario.
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Yerevan / piloting
Ani Plaza Hotel, June 8, 2005
Excerpts from Yerevan THM
From Russia, With Love Pros Both Armenia and
Russia have cultural similarities its not only
the strategic cooperation that brings us closer.
This is a very strong factor. We are close
neighbors we have large Diasporas, a long
history of cultural and economic co-existence.
The issue of language is also settled. Cons This
scenario provokes memories seems like all this
has already happened. The uncertainty of Russias
future passes on to us. The ultimate reunion with
Russia will mean regress.
Coming Home Armenia and the European
Union Pros We will have more opportunities for
choice, greater prospective for
development. Cons.. When we say Europe, we
immediately understand homosexuals, even if this
is perceived as funny.
Dare to Excel Survival to Prosperity Pros The
third scenario can become realistic if
goal-oriented and correct measures are
undertaken. The gap that exists between the
government and people should be
bridged. Cons This scenario contains danger. I
refer to the scenarios implementation under a
bad leader. This has not been discussed.
Sentenced to Thirty Years with
Correspondence Pros This scenario should be
accepted as a guide to what should be done to
avoid collapse. Cons This is the least
desirable scenario for us, but it can be an alarm
to awaken our nation. At the same time it should
be noted that it is already 15 years we are
following this scenario, and it seems it has not
alerted us in any way.
Instead of moving either towards Russia or
Europe, lets think of shaping up Caucasus. A
new scenario?
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Yerevan / piloting
Ani Plaza Hotel, June 8, 2005
Voting results
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Ijevan
Ijevan Business Center, June 18, 2005
Theme of the discussion Four possible
development scenarios for Armenia, worked out by
Armenia 2020 Prospects for the development of
tourism in Ijevan
Participant profile
Total number
Occupation
Gender
9- NGO sector 14- government sector 6
students 5 unemployed 16- cultural sector
19- the business sector, 12- other sectors
40 female and 41 male
81 participants ------------------- 5 tables x
2 rounds
Support staff 18 ------------------- Facilitators
, Note takers, Floor Managers
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Ijevan
Ijevan Business Center, June 18, 2005
People from various social groups discussing the
four scenarios of development, as well as the
opportunities for development of tourism in
Ijevan.
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Ijevan
Ijevan Business Center, June 18, 2005
The lead facilitator working on next message to
be sent to the two central screens.
Facilitators working in synergy.
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Ijevan
Ijevan Business Center, June 18, 2005
Ijevan Mayor discussing tourism development
opportunities together with common citizens.
Table 3 discussing the third scenario.
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Ijevan
Ijevan Business Center, June 18, 2005
Excerpts from Ijevan THM
From Russia, With Love Pros As a close
neighbor we always turn to Russia while in
trouble. The presence of Russia in the Caucasus
is inevitable. Peace is what matters in this
region. Cons We should take advantage of
Russia, but should not put an absolute trust on
her. At the most critical moments Russians have
always betrayed us.
Coming Home Armenia and the European
Union Pros The European Union walks her talk
she has proved that she supports Armenia. For
instance, discussing the Genocide issue on the
level corresponding to our interests. Cons.. Join
ing EU often associates with the development of
relations with Turkey. EU perceives Armenia not
as a separate country, but one that opposes
Turkey.
Dare to Excel Survival to Prosperity Pros Arm
enia is home to every Armenian, and we should
develop it. We should wash our dishes, not those
of the foreigners abroad. Cons We cannot
develop independently. We do not value ourselves.
The third scenario is not realistic. Rather, it
seems a collection of nice toasts.
Sentenced to Thirty Years with
Correspondence Pros This scenario is the most
realistic one. Its one question what is
desirable, and another, what is realistic.
Cons To avoid the forth scenario, fair
elections are necessary. Today, tomorrow
always.
It is wrong to discuss the scenarios in
isolation. We should take the attractive points
of each and try to avoid possible perils. One
thing is clear we cannot build a strong country
on the present reality. Today we need to
synthesize the best scenario based on all four we
have.
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Ijevan
Ijevan Business Center, June 18, 2005
The Scheme of Ijevan Town Hall Meeting
Screen1
Screen 2
TABLE 2
TABLE 1
Floor Managers
TABLE 3
Area Facilitators
Issue Experts
Lead Facilitator
TABLE 5
TABLE 4
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Ijevan
Ijevan Business Center, June 18, 2005
Voting results
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Yeghegnadzor
Yeghegnadzor Museum of History, August 12, 2005
Theme of the discussion Four possible
development scenarios for Armenia, worked out by
Armenia 2020
Participant profile
Total number
Gender
Age range
91 participants ------------------- 5 tables x
2 rounds
47 female and 44 male
Support staff 18 ------------------- Facilitators
, Note-takers, Floor Managers
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Yeghegnadzor
Yeghegnadzor Museum of History, August 12, 2005
People from various social groups discussing the
four scenarios of development.
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Yeghegnadzor
Yeghegnadzor Museum of History, August 12, 2005
People enthusiastic to build a common
future Intense discussions followed up with voting
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Yeghegnadzor
Yeghegnadzor Museum of History, August 12, 2005
Excerpts from Yeghegnadzor THM
From Russia, With Love Pros Ive been certain
for a long time that Armenia needs to join
Russia. During communism we were together and we
lived wonderful lives. The attitude of Armenian
men towards Russian women plays an important role
in the relations between Armenia and
Russia. Cons Some of our kids study in Russia,
but we bring them back to Armenia, so that they
wont get spoiled.
Coming Home Armenia and the European
Union Pros We have turned our face to Europe.
Europe can track down the wisdom of centuries on
this face. It seems European values are already
predominant in us. Cons.. Even European values
should be adapted selectively. They require all
kinds of religious freedoms. Then how shall we
maintain our own religion?
Dare to Excel Survival to Prosperity Pros We
should realize that the state is OUR home. Only
then can we invest our resources for the
development of OUR HOME. There is a lack of
statehood in our lives. Cons Violating laws is
an Armenian national trait. So, the Singaporean
scenario is not viable for us.
Sentenced to Thirty Years with
Correspondence If the Constitution is
recognized, respected and executed, we can shun
the forth scenario and seize the opportunities
suggested by the first two ones. We are
unanimously against the forth scenario, but
heres a question doesnt everything lead to
that? We bribe doctors in order not to die and
bribe judges in order not to be judged.
Do nothing see scenario 4. Sponsorship,
assistance from space aliens see scenario 1
and 2. RELIANCE ON OURSELVES AND WORK see
scenario 3.
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Yeghegnadzor
Yeghegnadzor Museum of History, August 12, 2005
Voting results
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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
25 tables
97 support staff facilitators, note- takers,
floor managers, technical support, volunteers
32 computers connected to LAN
6 multimedia projectors
1673 messages generated at discussion tables
1034 messages transferred to the Lead
Facilitator
520 messages sent to central screens
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(No Transcript)
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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
General description of the participants, who
have voted for the scenarios
GENDER
Total number of participants 510
AGE GROUPS
OCCUPATION
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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
Voting Results
BY GENDER
I scenario
II scenario
III scenario
IV scenario
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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
Voting Results
NGO sector, science, education, culture
Business sector Employees
Civil servants
Students
Pensioners
Unemployed
I scenario
II scenario
III scenario
IV scenario
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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
I Scenario From Russia, With Love Pros Cons
PROs

• Lets not forget how well-developed our light
  industry was under the auspices of USSR. Perhaps
  it is difficult to restore such a potential, but
  we can find mutually beneficial directions for
  cooperation.
• "Let us answer a simple question Who are we
  without Russia?"
• At present our energy system is under the control
  of Russia. They are the ones to set rules. Under
  such conditions is it possible at all to talk
  about energetic independence of Armenia?

CONs

• Russia gradually loses its influence in the
  former colonies. Being only with Russia, we can
  appear in isolation.
• There is also the regional issue the factor of
  Azerbaijan and Georgia, which are predominantly
  of western orientation. This should be given a
  serious consideration while developing relations
  with Russia.
• We dont need a Big Brother. We need a political
  will to implement the scenario of our independent
  development. There is no need to connect it with
  Russia.

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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
II Scenario Coming Home Armenia and the
European Union Pros Cons
PROs

• The whole world is moving along the European
  direction. We should not drag behind common
  developments.
• In terms of legislation we have a lot to learn
  from Europe and first of all, in the sphere of
  protecting and respecting human rights, in
  contrast to Russian scenario. In the Russian
  political culture an individual is valued much
  cheaper.

CONs

• Historically Armenias connection with Europe is
  weaker than with Russia.
• Armenians do not have a European mentality. The
  Armenian cannot be a European for various
  cultural, educational, historical and genetic
  reasons.
• The image of Armenian woman is exemplary in the
  whole world. By returning to our true values we
  will become an exemplary model for Europe.

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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
III Scenario Dare to Excel Survival to
Prosperity Pros Cons
PROs

• If the people see any changes, it will believe in
  the possibility of independent development.
• Armenia is able to reach Singapore in its
  indicators in 10 years if the country is not led
  by individuals who first think about themselves,
  but instead by the ones who are ready to do
  everything to meet the interests of their
  country.
• Perhaps its already several years that the
  Singapore scenario has started in Armenia

CONs

• The Soviet mentality which is stalemated in our
  consciousness will not allow discussing the
  Singapore scenario seriously. For that a
  different society is needed.
• For the past 7 years we sacrificed democracy for
  economic growth. Was it worth it? I am not sure
• The third scenario is the least acceptable one.
  For the last 15 years we have tried to move
  exactly along that direction, based on our
  internal resources. It is necessary to undertake
  serious actions to increase the living standards
  of the population.

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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
IV Scenario Sentenced to Thirty Years with
Correspondence

• Is this what you want? We claimed that Europe is
  too far, Russians are alcoholics and Singapore
  has sea for so long that we came to be stuck with
  the forth scenario.
• Our Nation is still to give birth to our Hero.
  Even thinking about the 4th scenario is a crime.
• Please, do not scare us, the youth. We do no want
  the 4th scenario.

• COMMON OBSERVATION REGARDING ALL FOUR SCENARIOS
• Alas, the dream of an Armenian is a Russian
  passport with a Schengen visa and a Green Card as
  a transcript.
• Are there any scenarios regarding the future of
  EU or Russia? Till 2020 China will devour
  both.
• As a representative of Soviet generation I highly
  appreciate the freedom of speech and action, and
  I am against being dependent from anybody.
  Armenia should not restrict its scope of
  cooperation. Lets leave the best for the future
  generations.

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Yerevan / final discussions
Sports and Concert Complex, September 3, 2005
Participant opinions
By now we have had many seminars, lectures or
trainings here, but none of them had allowed us
to speak out and get directly involved in the
discussion of our future, Middle-aged woman,
Ijevan I was especially happy to note that many
participants were young people who were able to
express themselves freely on the target issues,
were active, spontaneous and well-informed about
both Armenia and the world in general, which
definitely is a good indicator of democracy.
Teacher, Yerevan The most valuable thing was
the expression on people's faces taking part in
the discussion. Their faces expressed
astonishment ("since when does my opinion
interest anyone?") and pride ("someone is
listening to me!"). Facilitator, Yerevan I
felt the same sense of urgency the
representatives of Yeghegnadzor felt. I felt the
future of Armenia was in my hands as well. I
vowed to myself that I will work with my brothers
and sisters to strive towards an Armenia that
will have a bright and limitless future.
Diaspora representative, Yeghegnadzor