Armenian diaspora is diverse, and summit is the best opportunity to get to know one another, says Sevana Zadorian

The third Global Armenian Summit in Yerevan offers Armenians living around the world an opportunity to meet, exchange experiences and gain a better understanding of the diversity of Armenian culture.

Sevana Zadorian, Chair of the City of Glendale Arts and Culture Commission, Political Consultant, and Attorney, said this in an interview with Armenpress.

“I came here without any expectations. My main goal was to take part in discussions, meet and talk to different people, and learn more about Armenian culture in different parts of the diaspora. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, studied in San Francisco and have a fairly good understanding of our culture in the United States. However, I wanted to learn more about what is happening in Armenian communities in other countries,” Zadorian said.

She said the summit had given her the opportunity to meet Armenians from different countries with whom she had never previously interacted.

“I have met Armenians here who came from Denmark. I had never met an Armenian living in Denmark before. I have also met and spoken to participants from the Netherlands, Belgium, different parts of the world and, of course, Armenia. I have also met repatriates who have returned to Armenia. I spoke to them about culture and the arts and tried to understand how they perceive Armenian identity and values. This has been a very enjoyable experience. We have come together around a common goal: to discuss and understand what can be done in the future,” she said.

This is Zadorian’s first time attending the Global Armenian Summit. She said she was pleased to have been invited.

“I come to Armenia frequently, every year. I love coming here. Armenia is definitely home to me, so being here is nothing new,” she said.

Zadorian believes such gatherings are also important because they allow people to establish direct connections with others whom they would find it difficult to meet in everyday life or even online.

“It is not easy to connect with such people. Here, however, we have the opportunity to speak face to face and get to know each person individually. As an Armenian, this is a wonderful way to broaden my understanding of Armenian culture,” she stressed.

Speaking about the diversity of the Armenian diaspora, Zadorian said Armenians living in different countries had different life experiences, worldviews and cultural perspectives, which were valuable to learn about.

“I meet people and discuss politics in their countries, what being Armenian means to them and what they do in life. Armenians are extremely diverse. There is no single word that can describe an Armenian. We are a multicultural and diverse community, and this summit is a wonderful opportunity to get to know one another better, understand who we are and what we do,” Zadorian concluded.

The third Global Armenian Summit, whose central aim is to strengthen Armenia–diaspora ties, officially opened on 5 November. Around 800 representatives from approximately 55 countries are taking part.