We’re beyond excited to announce that our highly anticipated flagship TEDxYerevan conference is coming back on May 23!
We’ll delve into the theme “The Web of Life,” drawing attention to the often unseen yet essential role of biological diversity in shaping both our present and our future. As you may know, Armenia will host the 17th Global Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 17) in 2026. We view this as a vital opportunity to reflect on our relationship with nature and reimagine the way we live, so we may build a more sustainable and harmonious present and future. From the smallest microorganisms to the largest predators, every species contributes to maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems that sustain us, and it is fascinating how connected our life is to nature.
At TEDxYerevan event we aim to:
Show the subtle yet essential role of biodiversity in our daily lives: The conference will reveal the intricate web of life that sustains our planet and influences everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Make biodiversity personal: Biodiversity isn’t just a distant concept—it’s in our neighborhoods, our gardens, and even on our plates. This event will highlight how shifts in nature directly impact our health, economy, and overall quality of life. Inspire action beyond awareness: Each of us plays a role, whether by adopting more sustainable habits, supporting eco-conscious businesses, or advocating for stronger environmental protections. Emphasize that this is about us: Our well-being and future are inseparable from the health of our planet.
Through our speakers’ stories, we’ll explore the profound ways in which reconnecting with nature and understanding biodiversity can transform our lives—deepening our sense of belonging, awakening responsibility, and inspiring more conscious choices in how we live, consume, and coexist.
Together, let’s rekindle our connection with the natural world, nurture a collective sense of stewardship, and weave a future that thrives in harmony with all living beings—one TEDxYerevan talk at a time.
So, join us on May 23, 2025, at TEDxYerevan as we delve into “The Web of Life” and discover how honoring the delicate threads of our planet’s ecosystems can lead to a more sustainable, compassionate, and vibrant future.
Mark your calendars and read more about our amazing speakers below.
Meet Our Speakers
Françoise Jacob
UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia
Françoise was appointed as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Armenia in April 2024. She brings 30 years of experience in humanitarian and development work, having previously served as UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia (2019–2024) and as UNOPS Representative to the EU institutions in Brussels (2017–2019). From 2011 to 2017, she was the UNOPS Director for South Asia. Her career spans leadership roles with UNOPS, UNRWA, ECHO (EU), NGOs, and the private sector across Afghanistan, India, the Middle East, East Timor, Sudan, and several African countries.
As Resident Coordinator, Ms. Jacob is a committed advocate for climate action and biodiversity protection. She has also spearheaded extensive work on human rights, peacebuilding, and governance. She holds an MBA from ESSEC Business School in Paris and is also a yoga teacher and passionate mountaineer.
Erik Grigoryan
Special Envoy of the Armenian Government on Debt-for-Climate negotiations, Founder and CEO of the “Environment Group”
Erik is the Special Envoy of the Armenian Government on Debt-for-Climate negotiations and the Founder and CEO of the “Environment Group.” He brings over 20 years of experience in environmental management, climate policy, and environmental economics, working across the public sector and international organizations. From 2018 to 2020, Mr. Grigoryan served as Armenia’s Minister of Environment, also chairing the Interstate Ecological Council of the CIS.
He also acted as Armenia’s National Designated Authority for the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund, as well as the Political and Operational Focal Point for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNFCCC. Prior to his ministerial role, he served as First Deputy Minister of Nature Protection (2017-2018), UNFCCC Focal Point, and Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment and Climate Issues (2017). His primary expertise lies in environmental economics and climate finance. He holds a PhD in Environmental Economics with a Diploma Supplement.
Dr. Arsen Gasparyan
Assistant Professor, Biodiversity Expert, American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment
Arsen is an Assistant Professor at the American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment and a Biodiversity Expert. He holds a PhD in lichen diversity and conservation from the Freie Universität Berlin. Since 2009, he has been engaged in nature conservation in Armenia, starting as President of the Young Biologists Association NGO.
He has worked with WWF Armenia as a Project Coordinator and Conservation Officer and served as Director of the A. Takhtajyan Institute of Botany of the NAS RA, where he also leads the Lichen Research and Conservation Group. Arsen is also a graduate of the Klaus Toepfer Fellowship and UC Berkeley’s Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program. In 2024, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from USG Alumni Armenia and the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan for his achievements in STEM and his contributions to biodiversity conservation.
Berta Martirosyan
Wildlife Photographer
Berta is an emerging wildlife photographer known for her distinctive approach to portraying the natural world. Initially focusing on the avian diversity of Armenia, her lens now encompasses a wider range of fauna and global ecosystems. She holds a degree in Interior Design from the Architectural and Construction University of Armenia (2016) and a Master’s degree in Biology (2023).
Berta’s work has been featured in over twenty group exhibitions worldwide, with showings in Norway, Italy, Greece, the USA, and Romania. She is the author of the first comprehensive book on the birds of Armenia. Berta actively contributes to avian research and conservation programs in Armenia, with her findings published in peer-reviewed journals. She also leads birdwatching tours, using her photography to advocate for wildlife conservation.
Alen Amirkhanian
Director, Acopian Center for the Environment
Alen is the Director of the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment, since 2013. He holds a Master’s in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning. In 2023, he became the inaugural Chair of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (ESS) at the AUA Akian College of Science and Engineering.
Before AUA, he was Senior Vice President of Research at Michael Porter’s Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. He has consulted with the World Bank, UNDP, and the Brookings Institution on energy efficiency as well as economic and urban growth issues. His current academic interests include urban environmental sustainability, greening the built environment, and the circular economy with a focus on greening cities.
Karapet Sahakyan
Landscape and Documentary Photographer
Karapet is a landscape and documentary photographer with over 15 years of experience. His work focuses on capturing the natural beauty of Armenia’s highest peaks and documenting significant events across Armenia and its neighboring regions. His photographs have been published by major media outlets, reflecting his expertise in visual storytelling and his ability to convey compelling narratives through imagery.