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The first TEDxChange event in Armenia took place on April 6, 2013 at InnSerenity yoga retreat center in Aghtsk village.

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The participants kicked off the event with an outdoor yoga session to re-balance their mind, body, and spirit.

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Meanwhile, the others walked to Arshakid’s tomb constructed in the middle of 5th century.

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A word about our speakers! The speaker line-up included an environmentalist interested in appropriate technology, a head of programs at a non-profit, a media and development aid professional, and a musician passionate about social justice, innovation and spiritual development.

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Our wonderful host, past TEDxYerevan speaker, Madlene Minassian, opened the event inviting audience to challenge preconceived ideas and actively engage in conversation!

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Video streaming of TEDxChange 2013, themed Positive Disruption, from Seattle, Washington.

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The garden fresh lunch was served on a scenic terrace, overlooking mountain Ararat and its plain.

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The first live speaker, Kirk Wallace discussed a simple, innovative and sustainable solution being piloted in an impoverished region of Armenia.

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The talk by Marina Mkhitaryan was a caricature on gender-oriented development programs implemented in Armenia, testing the audience’s thirst for curiosity and symbolism.

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The event gathering 40 thinkers and doers, including Ambassador John Heffern and his wife Libby Heffern.

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In her talk Ester Hakobyan shared her insights from experiences at three different development agencies, speaking about her personal perceptions.

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How do we create? Why do we create? Urgency. Awareness. Raffi Wartanian explored lessons about change (re)discovered while creating his debut album of original music, Pushkin Street.

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The audience at TEDxYerevanChange was as amazing as the speakers.

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The participants had a chance to enjoy a hike through the adjacent gorge to invigorate their senses…

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… and bake the traditional Armenian lavash with their own hands.

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The power of x!

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Wine and cheese session closed the event but we hope for the conversation to continue.

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Photos by Marianna Vardanyan and Armenuhy Hovakimyan.