A conference on the “Perspectives of Artificial Intelligence in Armenia: Education at the Center" was organized today by the “Konrad Adenauer” Foundation.

The objective of the event is to launch interesting and meaningful discussions on the platform for the exchange of new ideas and prospects of artificial intelligence in the field of education, as a result of which it is expected to unite the potential of government agencies, donor organizations, IT companies, as well as academic circles, to form a joint agenda and a sustainable circle for cooperation.

RA Minister of High-Tech Industry Vahagn Khachaturyan conveyed the message of Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan to the conference participants. He informed that by the decision of the Prime Minister, an Information Systems Management Council was founded, the work of which will be coordinated by the Deputy Prime Minister.

Vahagn Khachaturian highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence in the modern world, underlining that any progress brings forth certain dangers and risks that need to be made non-vulnerable and manageable in terms of security. He also touched upon the challenges of cybersecurity in the process of digitization of Armenia.

RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Vahram Dumanyan, welcoming the participants of the conference, noted that in order to provide the economic and social development of the state, the strategic directions of education are defined to ensure the large-scale coverage of the use of information technologies and the modernization of educational programs, bringing them in line with the requirements of the time and internationally recognized criteria. In this context, the Minister, especially, underlined the importance of teaching Science, Information Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics.

Educational institutions should prepare students to become ready for the rapid development of society, and equip them with abilities and skills that will enable them to create and improve professional knowledge in line with technical and artificial intelligence, as well as to succeed in the digital world. The key to this success is digital literacy, which will enable the students to adapt to new teaching approaches and ensure the development of the state," noted the Minister.

Vahram Dumanyan informed the participants of the conference that, considering the priority of the sector, the RA Government has approved 8 places for admission under the educational program "Data Processing in Physics and Artificial Intelligence" and 5 places for the educational program "Artificial Intelligence Systems" for the 2021/2022 academic year with full State reimbursement of tuition fees in the form of student allowances.

Director of the Regional Program “Political Dialogue South Caucasus" of “Konrad Adenauer” Foundation Thomas Schrapel, welcomed the participants emphasizing that artificial intelligence may become part of the future of the Armenian economy and provide new perspectives for development.

Within the framework of the forum on the topic “The present and future of artificial intelligence in Armenia”, the representatives of well-known IT companies, scientific-educational and innovation centers of Armenia participated as discussants. Later on, panel discussions were organized.

ESCS Deputy Minister Karen Trchunyan participated in the panel discussion on “Education Empowerment in the Field of Artificial Intelligence։ Innovative Educational Programs and Models in the context of “Present Education - Future Workforce”.