On November 18–19, 2025, the 33rd LIFE Information Platform was held in Aghveran, bringing together young people from different regions of Armenia to strengthen their capacities, deepen their understanding of human rights, and promote inclusive civic participation.

The platform aimed to:

• Strengthen young people’s leadership and activism skills
• Promote civic engagement and participation in public life
• Increase legal awareness and knowledge of human rights protection mechanisms
• Enhance understanding of stigma, discrimination, and harmful stereotypes
• Support communication, networking, and peer-to-peer learning

The platform was launched with the opening remarks of Sergey Gabrielyan, President of New Generation Humanitarian NGO, who welcomed the participants, highlighted the importance of youth leadership in promoting equality and human rights, and emphasized the role of such platforms in empowering young people to become active changemakers in their communities.

He underscored the significance of addressing stigma and discrimination, strengthening legal awareness, and providing young people with the tools necessary to advocate for themselves and others. Sergey Gabrielyan encouraged participants to engage actively, share their experiences, and make full use of the learning and networking opportunities provided by the platform.

Next, after an introduction and icebreaker session,  Anna Asatryan, 

Head of Maintenance Treatment Service of National Center for Addictions Treatment, Ministry of Health of Armenia presented information on Drugs, Methadone Maintenance Treatment to the participants.

Then, Zaruhi Hovhannisyan, human rights defender and gender expert, member of Member of the group of public monitors implementing supervision over the Criminal Executive Institutions, MoJ, the Republic of Armenia delivered a comprehensive session on Stigma and Discrimination, explaining key concepts, origins of stereotypes, and their impact on vulnerable groups. She highlighted local and international legal frameworks prohibiting discrimination and discussed effective methods for combating prejudice and hate speech. Participants explored how stigma shapes social behavior and how inclusive approaches can strengthen equality in public life.

A special highlight of LIFE-33 was the meeting with First Counsellor Julie Fort and Aimee Faujanet, Attaché for decentralized cooperation and civil society, of the Embassy of France in Armenia. They had a brief, informal conversation with the participants, heard their questions, experiences, and perspectives, problems and challenges they face, shared information about opportunities available through the Embassy, and expressed France’s ongoing support for equality, human rights, and youth empowerment in Armenia.

Next, HIV consultant Levon Chilingaryan presented information on HIV and AIDS, focusing on transmission routes, prevention, and safe sexual behavior. The session emphasized the importance of awareness and prevention activities, as well as reducing stigma around HIV and ensuring access to accurate information and healthcare services.

The first day of the platform was concluded with FLEX alumnus Gnel Galstyan’s presentation about the U.S. Department of State’s FLEX Program, outlining its goals, selection process, and benefits for young people interested in studying and engaging internationally, American Councils, American Spaces and other U.S educational and exchange opportunities in Armenia.

The next day of the information platform was launched with the topic of Human Rights: Protection Mechanisms.
Legal expert Shushan Khnkoyan introduced participants to the fundamentals of human rights, national and international protection mechanisms, and key conventions safeguarding human rights and freedoms. The session helped participants better understand how individuals and communities can exercise rights and seek protection through available legal instruments.

Afterwards, Peacebuilding and leadership expert Eleonora Sargsyan from Armenian Progressive Youth NGO presented tools for effective leadership, youth work, and public engagement. The session also introduced international youth exchange opportunities, empowering participants to explore mobility and capacity-building programs.

Representatives of the Information Systems Agency of Armenia delivered an online session on opportunities within the Young Professionals Program, encouraging participants to take their first steps toward careers in digital innovation and public service.

The platform concluded with closing remarks by NGNGO President Sergey Gabrielyan. He thanked the participants, experts, and partners, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained would lead to new youth initiatives, stronger civic participation, and the promotion of an inclusive and tolerant society.

Participants summarized what they learned and discussed practical steps for applying their knowledge in their communities. The platform contributed to:

• Exchange of experiences
• Formation of new cooperation networks
• Strengthening of youth-led initiatives
• Increased awareness on human rights, stigma prevention, and leadership

The LIFE-33 Information Platform once again demonstrated the crucial role of youth in shaping democratic values, fostering inclusion, and building a society where equality and dignity are respected for all.

The LIFE-33 platform was organized by New Generation Humanitarian NGO with the financial support of the Embassy of France in Armenia.