SpecialEurasia will join a diverse group of international representatives at the forthcoming Yerevan Dialogue 2026, reinforcing its commitment to high-level analysis and engagement across the Caucasus geopolitical and economic dynamics.
The event, scheduled for 5–6 May 2026 in Yerevan, is poised to become a focal point for dialogue on strategic transformation, governance, and regional connectivity.
This year’s Dialogue follows closely on the heels of two significant diplomatic gatherings hosted by Armenia on 4–5 May: the 8th European Political Community Summit and the inaugural Armenia–EU summit. Together, these events underscore Armenia’s growing role as a convening platform for political and economic stakeholders.
Within this broader context, the Yerevan Dialogue represents more than a continuation of diplomatic momentum; it reflects a deliberate effort to situate the Caucasus within global conversations on governance, security, and technological change. The participation of stakeholders from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond highlights the region’s increasing relevance in discussions traditionally centred elsewhere.
SpecialEurasia’s Participation and the Panel on AI Sovereignty
SpecialEurasia’s presence at the Dialogue aligns with its analytical focus on emerging risks and opportunities across the Caucasus region. In particular, we will contribute to discussions on technological governance through the participation of its Managing Director, Silvia Boltuc. She will moderate a panel titled “AI Sovereignty and Scale: Governing Frontier Technologies in a Competitive World,” addressing the growing intersection between artificial intelligence, state capacity, and geopolitical competition.
The panel brings together a range of senior figures from government and industry, including Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia, Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology of the United Arab Emirates, Christos Harpantidis, Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Philip Morris International, and Arsen Babayan, Chief Technology Officer at Ineco Group. The discussion will examine how governments are evolving from regulators into active participants in the AI ecosystem, shaping markets and deploying advanced systems across public administration, defence-adjacent sectors, healthcare, and industrial policy.
The prominence of this topic reflects a broader shift in international policy priorities. Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to technical domains; it is increasingly embedded in national strategies concerning economic resilience, security architecture, and international competitiveness. For countries such as Armenia, engagement in these debates offers an opportunity to position themselves within global technological value chains while navigating complex geopolitical pressures.
SpecialEurasia’s engagement at the Yerevan Dialogue 2026 therefore combines field presence with thematic expertise. By contributing to discussions on frontier technologies and governance, the organisation aims to support a more nuanced understanding of how regional developments intersect with global strategic trends.
