The document outlines the development of youth movements and organizations in Armenia since the country gained independence in the early 1990s. It notes that students and youth were pioneers in the national movement and several youth leaders emerged. Over time, more formal youth organizations and structures developed, including student councils at universities, the first registered youth NGO in 1994 called Youth Academy, and the establishment of the National Youth Council of Armenia in 1997 to represent youth interests. By the 2012 elections, Armenia had developed a national youth policy and over 500 registered youth organizations and structures to promote youth engagement in politics and civil society.

1. 3rd REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
by Dr. Atom Mkhitaryan

2.  Youth /students/ are among pioneers of the
national movement
 A number of youth leaders appeared
 The youth could not act as separate class or
age group
 Most active young people were included in
youth wings of political parties
 Cooperation between youth wings of political
parties

3.  1992-students’ social movement, forming of
Armenian Students’ Council
 1993 – forming of student self-governing
bodies in universities
 1994 – September 9 –youth social and civil
rights protection day

4.  1994-March, state registration of the first
youth NGO – Youth Academy (ErAk)
 1995-1996 registration of youth NGOs, the
first forum of Armenian youth organisations
 Recognition of student organisations inside
the universities
 1997 –December, foundation of the NYCA –
National Youth Council of Armenia

5.  1998 – presidential elections, increase the
youth influence
 Deputy Minister – youth affairs
 Concept of State youth policy
 All-Armenian youth foundation
 1999 –Parliamentary elections and 3 deputies
 Separate line in the state budget
 2000 –NYCA is a member of YFJ
 2001 –Pan-Armenian international youth
centre

6.  “HAYKYAN” awards
 “BAZE” forums
 Pan-Armenian youth forums
 2003 parliamentary elections
 Armenia is CoE member, international
cooperation
 Party – influence

7.  New generation – new youth organisations
 New student’s initiatives
 NYCA reforms
 Activities in the regions
 Youth Mass media
 Diversification of donors

8.  International projects,
 new-European standards,
 European integration,
 EU EaP
 In politics, 2012 elections

9.  National youth policy council (Prime-Minister)
 Ministry of Sport and Youth affairs (Deputy
minister, youth policy department, SNCO)
 Standing committee at the NA (parliament)
 Youth parliament
 NYCA
 ANSA
 Young scientists’ council, network
 Youth Foundation of Armenia
 Youth wings of political parties
 Youth council at Yerevan municipality, in the regions
 International organisations (EPF, OSCE, UN…)
 Pan-Armenian youth structures
 More than 500 youth organisations, clubs, centres

10. International
community
society
youth