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Within the context of an MOU signed between Haigazian University and the University of Cyprus in September 2020, President Paul Haidostian was invited by the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Dr. Tasos Christofides, to present a public lecture on campus.
The event took place on May 24, 2022 and was attended by the Representative of the Armenian Community in Cyprus at the House of Representatives, Mr. Vartkes Mahdessian, the leadership of the Armenian Nareg Schools in Cyprus, University faculty, staff, community members, as well as an online audience that heard President Haidostian speak on "Stories That Inspire: Unpacking Armenian Genocide Memory".
In his word of greetings, Rector Christofides focused on the Armenian Genocide and on its recognition by the Cypriot Parliament. Connecting the stories of the peoples of the world, and while paying homage to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, Rector Christofides also referred to the painful stories of the Cypriots due to the Turkish invasion in 1974, as well as on the modern stories of uprooting in Europe.
In his inspiring keynote address, President Haidostian mainly focused on “what makes us humans”. Based on personal and family stories and research on the Armenian Genocide, Haidostian tackled main key concepts such as inspiration, memory, owning of our story, transmitting it to the next generation, and imagination.
Haidostian further underlined the importance of “unpacking details of past experiences, so as to stand strong for the future.”
“Humans maintain a positive identity, as individuals or nations, only as long as they have enriched memory … the stories of Armenian Genocide give us opportunities to not only focus on crimes and injustices but to also see what is constructive and destructive in human nature,” said Haidostian in this respect.
The event concluded with a reception.
Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director
