Dr. Garo Armen is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Agenus, a US-based biotechnology company developing breakthrough treatments for cancer, and the Founder and Chairman of the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), which focuses on advancing community health, education, and economic development in rural Armenia.

 

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Armenia and Armenians living all over the world. With the results of this past December’s Parliamentary Elections, Nikol Pashinyan completed a historic victory started by the Velvet Revolution last April. The world has increasingly noted this unprecedented and rapid evolution of a tiny country and an ancient people: The Economist named Armenia the “Ovation Nation,” and awarded it the Country of the Year 2018 award for progress. 

 

Now that Armenia has made the peaceful, democratic transition from the corrupt and damaging practices of the old ruling regime, the country and its people are primed for advancement. With major tailwinds propelling us, Armenia has the chance to be a country that sets a new standard and provides the impetus for other like-minded countries to follow a similar path. We as a nation and diaspora can help drive the emergence of a global united front for betterment – democratically, economically, technologically and environmentally. 

 

The work ahead requires a meticulous, thoughtful, and relentless effort. Every one of us Armenians, globally and in the country, have the opportunity and the privilege to take ownership of what needs to be done to deliver on this promise. Big or small, we can all make an impact. 

 

First and foremost, to provide our youth – the next generation of Armenians – the tools and inspiration to dream big and realize their ambitions, while shedding the burdens of our past. Second, to build a strong country, not as a threat to our neighbors, but as a partner in their own growth and prosperity. Third, to create a highly attractive investment environment for the world, making it clear that the prosperity potential of our small but formidable country is compelling. We are already seeing seeds of growth and interest in the opportunities Armenia offers: businesses are starting to thrive, university graduates are securing high potential jobs, and ex-pats from the diaspora are migrating to the country. 

 

The world we live in is progressing at a remarkably fast pace – we now have the tools and the leadership, empowered by the mandate of the populous, to catch up and surpass. 

 

Mr. Pashinyan has a tall order ahead. So far, he has strategized and implemented brilliantly. He has been a humble servant to his people. His circle is comprised of progressive-minded young leaders who will work very hard to come up to global standards of excellence. All of this is achievable, but will require not only good intentions and smarts, but also an opening of our minds to think BIG but also critically, and to do things that may be initially uncomfortable, but will embody the change needed to win. 

 

But of course, we can do all of this and more. 

 

As for myself, I will continue to provide the tools that will further empower our young generation, and who will lead the advancement of their country in ways never seen before. This has been and will continue to be not only my personal mission, but a deep obligation I feel to our people. Now, more than ever, I see a beautifully vibrant pallet on which to paint that picture of the future. I can’t wait to see the results!