President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan participated in the opening ceremony of the Crans Montana Forum

President Vahagn Khachaturyan participated in the opening ceremony of the Crans Montana Forum and delivered a speech.

"Today, we have gathered here to share ideas and find solutions to challenges that not only impact the welfare of our societies but also pose direct threats to survival.

Before proceeding with my main speech, I would like to note that this year is an anniversary of special significance for the Forum’s central peace agenda, marking 30 years since the historic meeting between Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres during the Bucharest session of the Crans Montana Forum. It is worth mentioning that this chapter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the history of the two Oslo Accords, holds particular importance for me personally. Let me remind you that, as a mark of recognition for their determination and courage, both leaders were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize just months after their meeting. Moreover, this year also marks 25 years since President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, during his first international visit to attend the Forum, announced the 1999 Algerian Civil Concord Referendum, which was a pivotal step in resolving the country’s "Black Decade" of civil war.

Today, security challenges have evolved beyond traditional threats. Cybersecurity has become as critical as physical security, with both state and non-state actors having equal access to digital tools capable of disrupting critical infrastructure and spreading chaos.

At the same time, climate change presents its own security threats, affecting food security and water resources while acting as another driver of migration.

In parallel, transnational criminal networks adapt to technological advances faster than law enforcement can respond. Social transformations, security challenges, and both military and non-military threats demand our full attention and immediate action to establish constructive dialogue across political and ideological divides. These areas become more interconnected, impacting almost every aspect of life.

This brings us to the importance of education. The challenges of our time demand a commitment to education as a fundamental human right. Investment in education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and hostility, equipping future generations with the skills needed for success and prosperity. Education is the cornerstone of progress and a vital component of achieving social justice.

This directly ties into the issue of human rights. Human rights are not merely an entitlement but a shared responsibility for us all. We are united in our determination to ensure that the rights of every individual are respected and protected, as the protection of human rights is a prerequisite for the welfare of our societies.

Recent pandemics have exposed our vulnerabilities, underscoring the necessity of robust public healthcare systems that can detect, prevent, and effectively respond to such threats. We must foster collaboration to safeguard against future outbreaks, ensuring that no community is left unprotected.

Finally, ensuring energy security is critical for sustainable development and economic resilience. Energy security is vital for protecting human rights and establishing social equality.

Dear colleagues, there is a saying: "Every challenge presents an opportunity. " This opportunity is clear. Let us unite in addressing the challenges our societies face. Let us confront these challenges with wisdom and unwavering commitment to building a better future for our societies. A vision for a better future depends on our ability to combine efforts and share knowledge.

To make my remarks more practical, I invite you to attend the presentation organized by the Armenian delegation at the Forum today.

Once again, I thank you for this opportunity and wish you productive discussions. Let us remind ourselves that great change can begin with what may seem like a simple idea."