Dear students and young people,

On May 16, 1919, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Armenia decided to establish a university in Yerevan, which initiated the beginning of the formation of the higher education system in the modern history of Armenia.

This decision was made in an extremely difficult situation, when the country faced many challenges and crucial issues. Nonetheless, education was regarded as a top priority in this situation, when the Government was addressing the urgent and pressing issues of food, refugees, and daily issues. Creating the opportunity to train professional personnel in the Republic of Armenia was a step towards both the country's long-term development strategy and the strengthening of sovereignty.

On the one hand, this day is an opportunity to express our gratitude for this timely, significant endeavour and step in an exceptionally difficult situation, and on the other hand, another occasion to acknowledge our responsibility for today. Today, our country faces many challenges, and education is one of the most important ways to respond to them. An education that is competitive and strengthens the individual and the state, without setting them in opposition to each other. A competitive individual is one who, by realizing and creating, also builds the well-being and security of the country by improving his or her own well-being.

The programs and reforms initiated by the Government are aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the education system, which, first of all, will impact the competitiveness of every citizen. This process requires us to be honest and courageous enough to identify existing issues, and to be persistent and patient to solve them.

Dear students, dear young people, celebrating this day as a “Student and Youth Day” in the Republic of Armenia, I wish you to confidently move forward on your chosen path, without fear of making mistakes and stumbling. Success comes as a result of consistent effort, constant learning, and moving forward after stumbling.

I also congratulate Yerevan State University on the 106th anniversary of its foundation, expecting that the University will also become a leader in higher education and science reforms, reaffirming its historical and social significance.