About Us
The mission of the “Institute of Liberal Politics” is the strengthening of liberal democratic institutions and rule of law, through evidence-based policymaking, non-formal education, alternative expertise, and assisting vulnerable groups, state and local self-governance institutions, mass media institutions and other beneficiaries, establishing a dialogue between the state and society.
The “Institute of Liberal Politics” non-governmental organization (NGO) was established in 2018 in Yerevan, but the geography includes the whole area of Armenia and Artsakh.
Since its establishment Institute has implemented various projects aimed at strengthening liberal democratic institutions and rule of law: combating disinformation and hate speech, raising media literacy, and discussing prospects of Armenia-EU relations, democratic reforms in Armenia, development of local self-governance, raising the participation of women and improving their skills, improving entrepreneurial skills, etc.
The Institute is an independent think tank, which conducts various research and expertise, develops evidence-based strategies aimed at the improvement of specific fields and bringing real change.
An important component of the work is non-formal education aimed at enriching knowledge, filling the gaps of formal education, talent seeking and promoting, raising the consciousness of society.
Since its establishment, the Institute implements the “School of Liberal Politics” project, which is a non-formal educational programme for talented youth, interested in liberalism, human rights and politics.
The School has more than 170 alumni who stay in touch through participation and alumni network.
The Institute works in the directions represented below. The directions are listed in the Charter of the Organization:
- To organize educational workshops, seminars, trainings, conferences, which will be aimed at the development and strengthening of democracy and liberalism in Armenia,
- To conduct stuides, analyzes and surveys.
- To repare and publish informational and promotional materials, clips and films that will have educational and awareness-raising goals.
- To cooperate with local and international educational institutions, non-governmental organizations and foundations.
- To collaborate with the media to increase public awareness on democracy, liberalism and human rights.
- To cooperate with state and local self-government bodies in educational and research spheres.
- To raise the legal awareness of the youth through non-formal education and to support the formation of a new political culture.
- To participate in the development and implementation of national and international political programs.
- To establish links with regional and international political and educational institutions, promoting the integration of Armenian political organizations into those structures.
- To keep contact with similar organizations and international networks in and outside of Armenia for the purpose of experience exchange and implementation of joint programs.
Institute Board
Ruzanna Avagimyan
NGO vice-president
Ruzanna Avagimyan is a lawyer. She worked for 1 year in the Judicial system of Armenia, then at National Assembly of Armenia for 9 years, at the beginning as an assistant to a member of parliament, then as a faction expert. Ruzanna is an advocate and member of the Chamber of advocates of the Republic of Armenia since 2010. She is a member of the Board of the Institute since 2019.
Grigori Dokhoyan
board member
Grigori Dokhoyan is an expert in software for technical systems. He has more than 16 years of experience in development. He is actively involved in Armenia’s political and civic spheres, particularly in educational and electoral systems. Grigori is a member of the Board of the Institute since 2018.
Magda Arsenyan
board member
Magda Arsenyan is a Ph.D. in political science. She held the office of the president of the Institute from 2018-2019, implementing 9 projects in which more than 100 young persons were included. The frames of academic interest include political culture, parliamentary diplomacy, and issues related to public policy. Magda is a member of the Board since 2018.
Flora Vardanyan
board member
Flora Vardanyan is a pedagogue in physics. She has co-authored papers in educational journals and laboratory manuals of physics. She has 3 years of experience in coordination of educational programs and 15 years of experience in teaching. She is an SMM expert. Flora was engaged in various projects as a business consultant and as a mentor many times. She is a member of the Board since 2018.
Mariam Khzmalyan
board member
Mariam Khzmalyan is a political scientist. She has work experience in both private and public sectors. Since 2019, she has been working in the NGO sector, carrying out program coordination work. Since 2021, she is a member of the Board of the Institute. Since January 2022, she has been the coordinator of the School of Liberal Politics.
Shushan Avagyan
board member
Shushan Avagyan is a political scientist. She has 3 years of experience in conducting educational programs, seminars, and political schools. She worked at the National Assembly of Armenia, in private and civic spheres. She is the author of several papers and is interested in regional politics and international relations. Since 2022 Shushan is a Board member and coordinator of the School of Liberal Politics.