Building a Stronger Economic Culture: Reflections on our Public Lecture Series
- SED Team
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Summary
The Economics Club Public Lecture Series was launched in March 2026 with the goal of strengthening economic culture in Armenia and connecting economic theory with real-world applications. By hosting the lectures online, the series enables participants from across Armenia to join while learning from leading international experts. To date, five lectures have been held, covering topics ranging from global inequality and sustainability to personal finance, asset management, and many other contemporary economic issues. The Club continues to bring together people interested in economics by providing an open platform for learning, discussion, and collaboration.
In a world driven by complex financial systems and policy shifts, understanding the "why" behind the "what" is more than just an academic exercise; it is a tool for empowerment.
That belief is exactly why we launched the Economics Club Public Lecture Series this past March. We didn't want to create another rigid classroom environment; we set out to build an open, inclusive community where students, professionals, and curious minds could bridge the gap between abstract economic theory and real-world impact. Our goal is simple: to nurture a stronger economic culture in Armenia and connect the people who are shaping our country’s future.
Why We Go Digital: Connecting the Best Minds
You might have noticed that our sessions take place online. This is a deliberate choice. By hosting our series online, we’ve removed the barriers of geography. This format allows us to bring in world-class lecturers from across the globe—like our speakers from Florida State University or the Embassy of the Netherlands—while ensuring that anyone, whether they are in Yerevan, Gyumri, or Areni, can join the conversation. We aren't just a local club; we are a nationwide network.
A Journey Through Modern Economic Thought
Since our launch, we have hosted four insightful sessions, each peeling back a different layer of the economic landscape. Here is what we’ve explored so far:
Lecture 1: Why Are Some Nations Poorer?
Speaker: Gurgen Aslanyan, PhD, Head of the Economics Program at AUA.
We kicked off by exploring the fundamental question of global inequality and how institutions dictate the prosperity of nations.
Lecture 2: The Challenge of Stability in Modern Economics
Speaker: Larisa Harutyunyan, PhD, Policy Officer at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Armenia.
This session focused on the urgent need for stability within modern economic frameworks.
Lecture 3: Price Stability: The Foundation of Economic Development
Speaker: Hayk Avetisyan, PhD, Director of the Macroeconomic Department at the Central Bank of Armenia.
We went inside the world of monetary policy to understand how stability serves as the bedrock for public welfare.
Lecture 4: Rich Habits, Not Rich Parents: Building Wealth from Scratch
Speaker: Tawni H. Ferrarini, Ph.D., from Florida State University.
Moving from macro-policy to personal agency, we explored the habits that allow individuals to build wealth regardless of their starting point.
Lecture 5: Modern Financial Topics and Asset Management
Speaker: Petros Margaryan, CFA, Fund Manager at C-QUADRAT Ampega and visiting lecturer at the American University of Armenia.
In our most recent session, we advanced our goal of making financial literacy accessible to everyone by diving deep into practical asset management and modern financial markets.
A Heartfelt Thank You
This series would not be possible without the incredible experts who have volunteered their time and brilliance. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Gurgen Aslanyan, Larisa Harutyunyan, Hayk Avetisyan, Tawni H. Ferrarini, and Petros Margaryan. Your ability to make complex ideas accessible is exactly what the Economics Club stands for.
We also want to thank our participants. Your questions and your engagement in our virtual rooms are what turn these lectures into a true dialogue.
How to Join the Economics Club
Are you an economist, a student, or simply someone passionate about how the world works? We want you to be part of our growing community! The Economics Club of Armenia is an open space for anyone interested in evidence-based debate and knowledge-sharing; no prior professional experience in economics is required.
Joining is simple and follows these 3 steps:
Fill out the Membership Form: Head over to our official website and complete the online application.
Get Confirmed: You will receive a confirmation email with updates on upcoming club activities and exclusive content.
Get Involved: Once you're in, you’ll gain access to both public and private events, receive our monthly newsletters, and have the opportunity to network with professionals and policymakers. You can even take a leadership role by helping us moderate discussions or organize future events!
Let’s keep thinking, debating, and building the economic future of Armenia together. See you at the next lecture!
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