Ready to unlock your potential, dive into the creative world of theatre, and take your first steps toward self-discovery?
Peace Dialogue NGO invites you to join the 4-day Summer School of Stories and Narratives — a transformative journey where you will:
✅️ Develop your creative and analytical thinking skills
✅️ Explore the power of stories and narratives and their impact
✅️ Discover theater from a fresh and unique perspective
✅️ Strengthen your communication and self-expression abilities
✅️ Connect with others in a warm and supportive environment
✅️ Create lasting memories in a summer of growth and inspiration
The Summer School warmly welcomes young people aged 17–20 from the Northern regions of Armenia.
All participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Participation is completely FREE.
Only 10 participants will be selected.
🕓 When? August 19–23, 2025
🚩 Where? KASA Center, Gyumri, Armenia (69 Shahumyan Street)
Accommodation and travel expenses will be fully covered by the organizers.
⏳ Application deadline: August 10, 2025
☎️ For more information, contact us via WhatsApp at +37493334195 or send a message to Rima Galstyan’s Facebook page (rima.galstyan3)
Project’s German Partner – OWEN – Mobile Akademie für Geschlechterdemokratie und Friedensförderung e.V.
The project CONTACT 3.0 is supported by the zivik (Civil Conflict Resolution) programme of the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations (ifa) with means from the German Federal Foreign Office.
Please complete the Application Form under the link below.
Call for Participation
FORESIGHT ARMENIA: EXPLORING FUTURE SCENARIOS FOR 2025–2028 Two-Day Public Workshop | Organized by Peace Dialogue NGO
Peace Dialogue NGO is pleased to invite civil society actors, independent experts, and international stakeholders to participate in a two-day workshop titled “FORESIGHT ARMENIA: Exploring Future Scenarios for 2025–2028”, dedicated to examining Armenia’s strategic trajectory in the years ahead. The event will take place off-site in Dilijan on 11–12 August, 2025.
This initiative builds on a recently held closed-door workshop that gathered Members of Parliament, government representatives, and a select group of civil society organizations and experts. Together, they explored both best- and worst-case scenarios for the region, with a particular emphasis on the potential implications of the signing—or absence—of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. As a result, four plausible strategic scenarios were developed, outlining distinct pathways Armenia may follow through 2028.
At a time when Armenia faces critical choices across its domestic, regional, and geopolitical landscape, this public workshop will serve as a platform to:
✅ Assess the perceived likelihood and internal logic of each scenario
✅ Analyze their implications for democracy, sovereignty, security, economy, gender equality, environment, and societal cohesion
✅ Co-develop early warning indicators and actionable policy recommendations to enhance Armenia’s resilience and preparedness
Who Can Apply?
Peace Dialogue welcomes applications from:
✅ Civil society organizations working on human rights, youth, gender, environment, democratization, and social justice
✅ Independent experts, analysts, and academics
✅ Representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations operating in Armenia
Expected Output
The insights generated during the workshop will be captured in a concise Policy Brief, summarizing key findings, reflections, and forward-looking recommendations.
Participation & Logistics
✅ Working Language: Armenian (simultaneous English translation provided)
✅ Format: In-person workshop, held under Chatham House Rule
✅ Access: Participation is strictly by registration; only approved applicants will be allowed to attend
✅ Agenda: Shared upon confirmation of participation
✅ Participants List: Shared with confirmed participants
✅ Location: To be confirmed and shared with registered participants
✅ Costs Covered: All expenses including transportation, accommodation, and catering will be covered by Peace Dialogue NGO
📅 Application Deadline: July 17, 2025
For questions or additional information, please contact:
This initiative is carried out by Peace Dialogue NGO in partnership with Conciliation Resources, with financial support from the European Union through its EU4Peace programme. The project is implemented in close collaboration with CMI – the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation. CMI provides methodological guidance and facilitation through its Digital Peacemaking Team.
Peace Dialogue is a non-religious, non-political, human rights, peacebuilding NGO, established in 2009 in Armenia. The organization strives to unite experienced human rights defenders and peacebuilding activists in Eastern Partnership countries and Europe with the aim of promoting human rights protection and peaceful settlement of conflicts.
The organization operates at the local, regional, and international levels.
VISION:
The vision of Peace Dialogue is the establishment of peaceful and democratic societies grounded in the supremacy of rights and the rule of law.
MISSION:
In conflict and post-conflict environments, through its initiatives conducted locally, regionally, and internationally, Peace Dialogue endeavors to make meaningful contributions to:
Forming multi-dimensional dialogue,
Protecting human rights,
Cultivating a culture of peace and fostering peace movement,
Nurturing respect for democratic values,
Facilitating the development and fortification of democratic institutions,
Avocating for the interests and rights of conflict-affected groups.
The strategy is informed by comprehensive analyses conducted by the Peace Dialogue team, aiming to shed light on:
Political and civil developments in Armenia following the 2020 Armenian-Azerbaijani war, Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the resulting geopolitical shifts;
Ongoing challenges related to human rights protection and the country’s democratization trajectory;
Political and civic dynamics, as well as the challenges and opportunities for peacebuilding and human rights advocacy, in conflict-affected countries across the Eastern Partnership region.
Particular attention was given to the challenges faced in the Lori region—especially in Vanadzor—and to the needs and interests of local residents in the areas of human rights, democracy, and peacebuilding.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:
At the local, regional, and international levels, the initiatives undertaken by Peace Dialogue NGO are aimed at:
Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Ensuring equal participation of women and men in political and civil processes,
Supporting democratic reforms and enhancing public oversight in Armenia,
Establishing civilian oversight over decision-making processes of state institutions,
Fostering mutual trust and dialogue within Armenian society and among post-conflict and conflict-affected countries in the Eastern Partnership region; reducing militarization, nationalist and patriarchal tendencies; promoting counter-narratives; challenging gender stereotypes; and increasing gender sensitivity,
Protecting the rights and interests of conflict-affected individuals, including families of those missing during the Karabakh wars, former prisoners of war, ex-servicemen, and refugees,
Building resilience against hybrid threats to democracy, human rights, and national security in Armenia,
Developing and strengthening proactive civil society, human rights, and peacebuilding capacities,
Supporting initiatives with significant civil, social, and political impact.
STRATEGIC THEMATIC AREAS (2026–2030):
From 2026 to 2030, Peace Dialogue will focus on the following strategic areas:
⇒ Human Rights and Democracy
Promoting democratic values, safeguarding human rights, and fostering inclusive governance.
⇒ Culture of Peace and Conflict Transformation
Cultivating a culture of peace through dialogue, nonviolent conflict resolution, and reconciliation efforts.
⇒ Community Development and Civic Engagement
Empowering communities through capacity building, participatory development, and active civic involvement.
⇒ Resilience to Hybrid Threats
Strengthening societal resilience against hybrid threats targeting democracy, human rights, and national security.
To realize the strategic objectives outlined above, the organization prioritizes the strengthening of its team and the enhancement of staff capabilities.
METHODOLOGY:
Human rights monitoring,
Provision of egal advice and assistance,
Documentation of human rights violations,
Media engagement and communication,
Exchange of experience and best practices,
Capacity building through formal and non-formal education,
Development and dissemination of policy frameworks and concepts,
Lobbying and advocacy efforts,
Collaboration with state institutions,
Networking,
Establishment of dialogue platforms,
Promotion of international cooperation.
TARGET GROUPS:
State institutions, including the National Assembly,
Civil society,
Expert community,
Media representatives,
International structures and organizations (e.g., the European Union, Council of Europe),
Combatants and their family members,
War-affected populations, including families of individuals missing during the Karabakh wars, former prisoners of war, former servicemen, refugees,
Relatives of servicemen who died in non-combat conditions,
Representatives of civil societies from post-Soviet, post-conflict, and conflict-affected countries,
Adolescents, youth, and older individuals residing in various regions and settlements of Armenia,
Multi-Stakeholder Foresight Dialogue: Exploring Future Scenarios, Trends, and Signals in Armenian-Azerbaijani Relations
04 May 2025
THIS CALL IS NOW CLOSED.
Thank you to everyone who applied.
31 May – 2 June 2025
Peace Dialogue NGO is pleased to invite a select group of national stakeholders to participate in a high-level, invitation-only foresight dialogue addressing the future of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, scheduled to take place from 31 May to 2 June 2025.
This strategic gathering will bring together leading experts and institutional actors—including parliamentarians, representatives of governmental institution, and civil society representatives—to jointly explore best- and worst-case scenarios for the region over the next 3–4 years. A particular focus will be placed on the potential implications of the signing—or absence—of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Through structured scenario-building and inclusive exchange, the dialogue aims to:
Analyze emerging regional trends and geopolitical developments
Identify key risks and their security implications
Clarify the role of stakeholders and institutions in shaping peaceful outcomes
Promote actionable strategies that support positive scenarios while mitigating those that could threaten stability
The Know-How
The foresight process will be co-designed and facilitated with the active participation of the Digital Peacemaking Team from the CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation (Finland), an internationally recognized leader in peace innovation. Their cutting-edge digital tools and AI-supported methodologies will guide the documentation, analysis, and synthesis of outcomes—providing a strong foundation for future policymaking and engagement.
The dialogue will be led by Dr. John A. Sweeney, Senior Advisor on Futures and Foresight at CMI. Dr. Sweeney is the UNESCO Chair in Futures Studies in Anticipatory Governance and Sustainable Policymaking at Westminster International University in Tashkent. He also serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of World Futures Review and teaches in the University of Houston’s Master’s Program in Strategic Foresight.
Participation & Logistics
Working Language: English
Format: In-person, conducted under Chatham House Rules
Access: Strictly by invitation only
Working Agenda: Will be shared upon confirmation of participation
Participants List: Will be shared upon confirmation
Location: To be confirmed and shared with confirmed participants
Confidentiality & Safety: Fully ensured through established protocols
Participants are kindly asked to confirm their attendance no later than 15 May 2025.
We look forward to your participation in this exclusive and forward-looking dialogue, contributing to long-term peace and regional resilience.
This initiative is carried out by Peace Dialogue NGO in partnership with Conciliation Resources, with financial support from the European Union through its EU4Peace programme. The project is implemented in close collaboration with CMI – the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation. CMI provides methodological guidance and facilitation through its Digital Peacemaking Team.
Amid increasing regional uncertainty, Peace Dialogue convened its staff, board members, and project stakeholders for a strategic retreat held from March 28–30, 2025. The three-day retreat served as a platform for collective reflection, reassessment, and forward-looking planning—ensuring the organization remains resilient and mission-driven in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
A RENEWED STRATEGIC FOCUS
Building on its foundational pillars—Human Rights and Democracy and Fostering a Culture of Peace and Conflict Transformation—Peace Dialogue has embraced a new strategic direction focused on enhancing Armenia’s societal resilience. This approach prioritizes capacity building and deeper community engagement to address external hybrid threats that jeopardize national sovereignty, democratic institutions, and civic space. Among the key concerns identified were the growing influence of far-right narratives and the erosion of democratic norms.
STRENGTHENING THE ORGANIZATION
To realize its renewed strategic vision, Peace Dialogue is prioritizing institutional resilience. Participants highlighted the importance of reinforcing internal structures to meet the demands of an expanding portfolio, while preserving the organization’s core strength—its dedicated team.
Sustaining impact in a challenging environment requires thoughtful growth. Discussions emphasized the need to strategically expand human resources, foster internal learning, and improve operational clarity. Strengthening monitoring and evaluation, as well as enhancing communication and outreach capacities, were also identified as key areas for development.
Despite limited resources, the organization remains driven by a strong sense of purpose, with internal cohesion and external support serving as essential pillars for long-term sustainability.
UPHOLDING CORE VALUES
At a time when the concepts of peacebuilding, democracy, and civil society are increasingly contested, participants reaffirmed Peace Dialogue’s unwavering commitment to its core values. The organization stands firm in resisting the instrumentalization of these principles and remains dedicated to defending them through its partnerships and programming.
TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE: OPPORTUNITIES AND COMPLEXITIES
The retreat also engaged with transitional justice as a potential framework for fostering democratic accountability. While its relevance was broadly recognized, discussions underscored the conceptual and political challenges of applying transitional justice in the context of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, where divergent narratives persist.
LEADERSHIP RENEWAL
As part of its commitment to institutional development, Peace Dialogue launched a process of board renewal. New members were brought in to diversify leadership, strengthen governance, and help guide the organization through its next phase of strategic growth.
LOOKING FORWARD
Serving both as a compass and a catalyst, the 2025 strategic retreat reaffirmed Peace Dialogue’s dedication to human rights, justice, and peace. With a renewed strategic vision, strengthened internal structures, and a deepened commitment to its values, the organization is well-positioned to navigate the path ahead—toward 2030 and beyond.
The strategic meeting was implemented with funding provided by the Sigrid Rausing Trust.
This paper examines Armenia’s accession to the ICC amid evolving peace negotiations with Azerbaijan. It explores the legal and political obstacles to accountability and proposes alternative mechanisms for promoting justice and sustainable peace in the region.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In February 2024, Armenia became the 120th State Party to the Rome Statute, signalling its commitment to strengthening international justice mechanisms amid ongoing regional tensions. However, peace negotiations with Azerbaijan and mounting external pressures, particularly from Russia, have challenged Armenia’s ability to fully leverage its ICC membership. Although legally empowered to refer cases to the Court, Armenia has hesitated, fearing political escalation and constrained by the draft peace agreement’s rejection of international judicial involvement. Additional legal challenges, such as limitations on the ICC’s temporal and territorial jurisdiction, further complicate prospects for accountability. Alternative pathways—such as transitional justice, hybrid tribunals, and universal jurisdiction—offer potential, albeit limited, mechanisms for addressing past atrocities. Ultimately, Armenia faces a critical decision: whether to uphold its obligations under international law and pursue justice for its citizens, or to prioritize short-term political stability at the cost of long-term peace and accountability.
“… Despite the challenging conflict dynamics, Peace Dialogue remains committed to fostering dialogue between representatives of societies across the conflict divide. Cross-border peace initiatives are a cornerstone of our work, fostering understanding, trust, and collaboration between communities on both sides of the conflict …”
EDGAR KHACHATRYAN,
PEACE DIALOGUE NGO, PRESIDENT
OPENING REMARKS
At Peace Dialogue, we have always believed that democracy is the foundation for lasting peace. For us, democracy is not just about governance or elections—it is a process that places human dignity, participatory justice, and inclusive dialogue at the heart of peacebuilding. It is a living and evolving commitment to fairness, accountability, and the empowerment of all voices, especially in societies fractured by conflict. Over the past two years, the political and geopolitical challenges in our region and beyond have tested this belief. Yet, we have witnessed the resilience of the people we serve, and it has strengthened our commitment to addressing these pressing issues. The transformative power of dialogue, advocacy, and collective action remains our guiding principle, even as the context of our work becomes increasingly complex and fragile.
The forced displacement of the Armenian population from Nagorno-Karabakh, combined with broader geopolitical turbulence—including the Russian aggression against Ukraine, political instability in Georgia, and other global challenges—has profoundly shaped our work and impacted the lives of those we support. These dynamics have reshaped perceptions of democracy and human rights, intensifying security concerns across Armenia and the South Caucasus region. As security grows increasingly fragile, many have begun to question whether democracy can truly provide safety, while authoritarian regimes promote narratives that glorify military might and seek to undermine democratic principles.
Peace Dialogue firmly rejects such notions, emphasizing instead that democracy’s true strength lies in its ability to unite people, foster trust, address grievances, and lay the foundation for lasting stability.
This fragile environment is further destabilized by the rise of conflict-supportive narratives, misinformation, and disinformation. These tools are increasingly used to manipulate vulnerable, conflict-affected societies, eroding trust in democratic values and institutions. Falsehoods are weaponized to attack democracy and human security, preying on people’s fears and deepening divisions. For those living in the aftermath of conflict, such tactics sow confusion and mistrust, making it harder to build resilience and solidarity. Countering these harmful narratives has become an essential part of our work, as we strive to show that truth and transparency are the pillars of peace.
In 2023-2024, we focused on three core priorities: addressing systemic challenges in the defense sector, fostering inclusive peacebuilding efforts, and empowering communities, particularly youth.
We have worked to address human rights issues in Armenia’s defense sector, including non-combat deaths, ill-treatment, and the lack of effective support systems for consripts and larger military personnel. These issues reflect deeper vulnerabilities that demand urgent reforms. Our advocacy has centered on ensuring transparency, accountability, improved psychological and legal support, and creating safer, more dignified conditions for those serving in the armed forces.
Our peacebuilding efforts have been shaped by the urgent need to amplify the voices of conflict-affected communities. The displacement from Nagorno-Karabakh has left countless individuals grappling with profound loss and uncertainty, making it even more critical to address their needs in peace and conflict-related policies. Despite the challenging conflict dynamics, Peace Dialogue remains committed to fostering dialogue between representatives of societies across the conflict divide. Cross-border peace initiatives are a cornerstone of our work, fostering understanding, trust, and collaboration between communities on both sides of the conflict.
In addition to cross-border efforts, we have also created spaces for meaningful national dialogue, engaging stakeholders at all levels—government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners. By focusing on security, welfare, freedom, and identity, we aim to craft solutions that genuinely reflect the lived realities of those most deeply affected by conflict.
Empowering local communities, and specifically youth, remains central to our mission. In a world where democratic values are increasingly under threat, we recognize the importance of nurturing critical thinking and active participation in young people. By encouraging them to view democracy not as a distant ideal but as a personal and communal responsibility, we aim to cultivate a generation that values inclusivity, dialogue, and justice. Through workshops, grassroots initiatives, and regional programs, we have sought to inspire young people to become vital actors in democracy and peace, countering narratives that seek to diminish these ideals.
We also recognize that the broader global context—the normalization of authoritarian practices, the glorification of military power, and the undermining of international norms—has added layers of complexity to our work. These dynamics challenge perceptions of democracy and human rights, often leaving people disillusioned and fearful. Peace Dialogue remains steadfast in demonstrating that democracy is not a weakness but a profound strength. It is a framework for resilience, collaboration, and hope, offering societies the tools to navigate uncertainty and rebuild after conflict.
Democracy is not an abstract ideal—it’s a living, breathing process that requires constant care and attention. Through our efforts, we strive to demonstrate that peace is possible when justice, compassion, and human dignity are placed at the center of our work. There’s still so much work ahead, but we believe in the path we’ve chosen. Together, with the courage to face uncomfortable truths and the commitment to act on them, we can build a future where democracy doesn’t just promise peace—it delivers it. This belief drives us every day and gives us hope for Armenia, the South Caucasus, and beyond.
To apply, please fill out the form here: Application Form
Project’s German Partner – OWEN – Mobile Akademie für Geschlechterdemokratie und Friedensförderung e.V.
Author: Apolline Massez, Peace Dialogue NGO
“… Despite the challenging conflict dynamics, Peace Dialogue remains committed to fostering dialogue between representatives of societies across the conflict divide. Cross-border peace initiatives are a cornerstone of our work, fostering understanding, trust, and collaboration between communities on both sides of the conflict …”
