Launching Political Clubs in Bordering Regions of Armenia

Starting in 2022, political clubs were launched in the provinces of Syunik, Vayots Dzor and Tavush in the framework of the project “Launching Political Clubs in Border Regions of Armenia,” implemented by the Caucasus Institute with the financial support from the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The goal of the project is to establish permanent regional platforms for regular policy discussions in the border provinces of Armenia, aiming to empower civil society in these areas to engage in meaningful policy dialogue.

Operating under the auspices of local CSOs, the political clubs bring together people from different communities, including civic and political activists, civil servants, students, youth, and educators. The discussions feature MPs, public officials, party officials, civil servants, civil society actors, journalists, and analysts from Yerevan. The meetings focus on issues relevant for communities/provinces (education standards, water management, academic city, local self-governance, etc.)

The key achievement of the project is that local CSOs take the ownership of the clubs, expand their network within civil society, expert community, academia and state entities in Yerevan; and maintain the culture of policy discussions and debates in provinces.

Given the success of the project’s first phase, the project expanded its geography in 2024, engaging the provinces of Lori, Shirak, Gegharkunik, and Armavir.

The political clubs are run by:

NGO Centre in Lori

Goris Press Club in Syunik

Youth Cooperation Centre of Dilijan in Tavush

Civic Development Educational and Research NGO in Vayots Dzor

Armavir Development Centre in Armavir

Bayazet Centre in Gegharkunik

All Rights Foundation in Shirak