2017 Aurora Dialogues

On May 27-28, 2017, distinguished humanitarians, academics, philanthropists and business leaders, will convene in Yerevan, Armenia for the second annual Aurora Dialogues, a series of discussions that address some of the most pressing humanitarian concerns the world faces today.

In keeping with the spirit of the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, the Aurora Dialogues will shine a light on the people who are working to address today’s atrocities in a real and substantial manner and seek to identify ideas that will deliver tangible change. The program will cover issues ranging from the root causes of the refugee crisis to its disastrous consequences, and analyze how varying responses such as humanitarian relief, education and social integration are impacting those most at risk.

During a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions and Q&A sessions, notable speakers will exchange knowledge and perspectives on the best ways to face these challenges through actionable change.

The Aurora Dialogues provide a platform for the world’s leading humanitarians, academics, philanthropists and members of civil society to come together for a series of insightful discussions about some of today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.

Now in its second year, the Dialogues encourage collaborative conversations to explore the importance of learning from the past, acting in the present, and fostering a better future. Some discussion topics include global migration and its far-reaching impacts, the responsibility of business to help overcome challenges posed by the refugee crisis, and the media’s role in bringing humanitarian crises to the world’s attention.

Speakers will include members of the esteemed Aurora Prize Selection Committee, as well as influential leaders and thinkers from around the world who are committed to advancing humanitarian causes.

Day 1, May 27

The United World College (UWC) Dilijan will host the first day of the 2017 Aurora Dialogues.

VENUE

The United World College (UWC) Dilijan will host the first day of the 2017 Aurora Dialogues. Established in 2014, UWC Dilijan is a unique institution located in Dilijan, a short distance from Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan. The school promotes intercultural understanding, academic excellence, integrity and a sense of duty towards the community, and the world at large, amongst its students. May 27 is also Graduation Day at UWC Dilijan.

OVERVIEW

Arriving guests will have an opportunity to tour UWC Dilijan and see examples of students’ work. The 2017 Aurora Dialogues will then begin with opening remarks by a representative of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, and Denise Davidson, UWC Dilijan Headmistress. These remarks will be followed by Galvanizing the World: a series of presentations and interactive discussions with leading figures in education, human rights and media, who are working to better the lives of refugees and other vulnerable populations. The program will continue with breakout sessions for more detailed discussions on the ideas raised in the presentations, including how best to facilitate change in communities.

UWC students will then present their innovative ideas to solve today’s most pressing humanitarian problems. The day’s program concludes with an overview of these student ideas and a presentation of the findings from the Galvanizing the World discussions.

SESSIONS

Welcome Remarks from Denise Davidson, Head of UWC Dilijan and Ruben Vardanyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and UWC Dilijan.
Session 1: Galvanizing the World – A series of presentations and interactive discussions with leading figures in education, human rights and media, who are working to better the lives of refugees and other vulnerable populations.
Session 2: Young leaders will present their ideas on ways to alleviate today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges (UWC Student Presentations).
Session 3: Ideas in Action - overview of UWC student ideas and a presentation of the findings from the Galvanizing the World discussions.

Day 2, MAY 28

The second day of the 2017 Aurora Dialogues will be hosted at the Matenadaran.

VENUE

The second day of the 2017 Aurora Dialogues will be hosted at the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, also known as the Matenadaran. The Matenadaran was chosen was chosen as a venue that honors the past, present and future of intellectual discourse and debate.

OVERVIEW

A series of panel sessions and audience Q&As will explore the state of the global migration crisis; question how we can better integrate our societies in response; and look at the role of different actors in advancing positive change.

Inspirational individuals will share powerful personal stories throughout the proceedings, ensuring that the human impact of these issues remains at the heart of the discussion.

SESSIONS

Welcome remarks delivered by Vartan Gregorian, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Session 1: The Aurora Humanitarian Index – A panel discussion exploring the findings of the global survey measuring public perceptions of major humanitarian issues across multiple geographic areas.
Session 2: Migration: From Crisis to Integration - An effort to understand the modern-day catastrophe of widespread human displacement.
Session 3: Migration and the Role of Business – A panel focusing on the role that international business can play in alleviating the impacts of the refugee crisis.
Closing remarks.

Please note that the abovementioned Aurora Dialogues events are strictly invitation only.

Additional Aurora Dialogues Programming

CONVERSATION WITH THE AURORA PRIZE FINALISTS

The 2017 Aurora Prize finalists will introduce their work, the causes that motivate them, and discuss the support that they need to deliver tangible change in their communities.

AURORA DIALOGUES: OPEN LECTURES IN YEREVAN

Distinguished academics and humanitarian leaders attending the events in Yerevan will deliver a series of public lectures on today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. These lectures will be held at venues throughout the city of Yerevan.

More information can be found here.

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