Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended a ceremony dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Yerevan State University at the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

In his speech, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted:
“Dear teachers, alumni and dear students of Yerevan State University,
Dear Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports,
Dear Members of Government,
National Assembly Members,
Dear Guests,

On May 16, 1919, the Armenian government decided to establish a state university in Armenia, and that decision became one of the most important events in the life of our short-lived First Republic, which was destined to play a crucial role in the future life of our people.

The fact that the History and Linguistics Department was the first faculty of the university shows the practical and state significance that this educational, scientific institution should have in our life. In fact, the task was set to formulate our new state identity, because centuries later we became a nation and nation with statehood, and in the new circumstances the task arose of formulating our new identity, studying and classifying our heritage. And it was precisely this task that Yerevan State University successfully solved by formulating the most important values of our past, current history and laying them at the foundation of our new state identity.

When we list which names were associated with Yerevan State University or, more precisely, which names created this university, its history becomes more valuable for our reality: Hakob Manandyan, Stepanos Malkhasyants, Manuk Abeghyan, Grigor Kapantsyan and so on. Finally, our cultural heritage was regulated at Yerevan State University, which should also form the basis of our new state identity. And the result of all this, in the end, was demonstrated in 1965 through our national awakening, which later also became the basis and cause of a new cultural revival.

It was as a result of this that in 1988 our people experienced a new revival, with which, as a new heir, it was to become the master of his new national identity. And in our history of the 20th century, Yerevan State University was indeed the cornerstone and had a turning point.

Of course, the new conditions have led to shocks in all areas of our society. It has already been said - we survived the earthquake, we survived the war, we experienced the need to build a new state, and in all this we had many losses, there were also many achievements, however, by and large, we can say that in the education system we are more faced difficulties than they were able to solve these difficulties.

However, I want to believe that the new era is also the time of the revival of Yerevan State University, because just as before, YSU should be the central venue and platform in Armenia for generating thoughts, ideas, because in modern times freedom, creativity, justice and fair competition, the development of thinking are as much demanded as in the life of our people in the 20th century.

And on this holiday, I want to wish all of us that through joint work we can restore the former glory of Yerevan State University, restore the former greatness of Yerevan State University, and this should be reflected in concrete results. I said and I want to repeat that both the university system as a whole and Yerevan State University in particular should become the most important expert support of all the governments of Armenia.

And I want to formulate the task of internationalization of Yerevan State University, which should become such a university that can offer a lot to the world, and is also open to the adoption of innovative ideas from around the world and, based on these ideas, will ensure the further development of our education system.

I want to formulate a specific task: I think that Yerevan State University should be included in the list of 500 best universities in the world over the next 10 years. And this is a task for the solution of which we all must join our efforts and again make Yerevan State University the leading force of thought, ideas and creativity in Armenia.

Dear participants, I once again congratulate all of us on the 100th anniversary of Yerevan State University and wish that the next 100 years become a period of greatness, strengthening, scientific thought and victories for the university. And let the continuation be formulated by those who in 100 years will speak from this rostrum, and those who will then sit in this hall.

Thank you.”

To remind, Yerevan State University 100th anniversary celebrations kicked off in September, 2019. The YSU Scientific Council held a gala meeting on September 26, at which YSU gold medals were awarded to those teachers and students who have made a significant contribution to the development of the university.