The Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs has spent the past 6.5 years, since its inception, modernizing Armenia–Diaspora relations through practical programs aimed at strengthening engagement, increasing transparency, and expanding professional cooperation.

In an episode of the Armenpress Podcast, High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan said the period has been marked by significant developments in global Armenian life that have also shaped the office’s work.

According to Sinanyan, the core focus has been making Armenia–Diaspora relations more “practical and reality-based,” as well as ensuring greater transparency in Armenia’s political and public administration systems for Diaspora communities.

To achieve these goals, several programs have been implemented, including the “iGorts” fellowship program, which enables Diaspora professionals to work in Armenia’s public sector for one year, contributing their expertise and experience. Due to strong interest from Diaspora specialists, the initially planned 20 positions were expanded to around 50.

He noted that in the first year of the program alone, nearly 900 applications were submitted for about 20 positions.

Sinanyan highlighted that around 70% of participants have remained in Armenia, continuing their professional careers in both the private and public sectors.

Another active and popular initiative is the “Step Toward Home” educational program, designed for Diaspora Armenian children aged 13–18, offering them a two-week visit to Armenia focused on cultural and educational discovery.

Interest in the program is also high; Sinanyan said around 1,500 applications were received this year for just 600 available spots.

He added that self-sustaining networks have been created in Diaspora communities through the “Diaspora Youth Ambassador” program. Within this initiative, Armenians aged 18–35 take part in a two-week educational program in Armenia and then return to their communities to implement initiatives for one year.

For the first time, a unified digital database of Diaspora human and professional potential has been created, enabling more structured cooperation.

Addressing the diversity of Diaspora communities, Sinanyan noted that significant differences exist among them, and while this diversity can make it difficult to form a unified agenda, Armenia and Armenian identity remain unifying factors.