As part of the Cyber4AM program, a workshop was held in Yerevan on January 13-14, featuring David Goodman, Director and Senior Expert of the Trust in Digital Life Association (TDL), as the keynote guest. The event brought together representatives from Armenia's leading universities and the technology sector to discuss the concept of creating a national cybersecurity center in Armenia.
The first day of the workshop was dedicated to exploring the European experience in the establishment of national cybersecurity centers (NCCs). David Goodman presented how such centers are being created and developed across various European countries, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and opportunities for collaboration with the EU. Following these discussions, participants analyzed the existing cybersecurity challenges in Armenia, outlining priorities for the sector's development and mutual expectations.
On the second day, legislative issues were addressed, and a roadmap for establishing a national cybersecurity center in Armenia was developed. Participants presented their ideas and proposals, formulating a unified vision for action.
The event was attended by representatives from several prominent institutions, including Yerevan State University, French University of Armenia (coordinator of the Cyber4AM program), National Polytechnic University of Armenia, American University of Armenia, Eurasia International University, as well as leading technology sector organizations such as the Information Systems Agency of Armenia (ISAA) and the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE). Such extensive collaboration, based on the expertise of businesses and academic potential, enhances the effectiveness of cybersecurity reforms in Armenia.
From Yerevan State University, the workshop was attended by Alexander Markarov, Head of the International Cooperation Office, as well as lecturers Narine Martirosyan and Suren Khachatryan from the Chair of Programming and Information Technologies.
It is worth noting that, within the framework of the Cyber4AM program, several other significant events and visits have taken place. In November 2024, a delegation from Armenian universities participated in the Convergence Conference 2024 held in Brussels, where the EU’s cybersecurity priorities and opportunities for cooperation with Armenia were discussed. Furthermore, during meetings on December 2-3 at Piraeus University of Applied Sciences (Greece), the collaboration formats between Armenian and European universities werediscussed, aimed at implementing a cybersecurity capability development program. Narine Martirosyan from Yerevan State University also participated in these working visits.
Such large-scale events and international cooperation represent crucial steps in the development of cybersecurity education and research in Armenia, as well as strengthening partnerships with the EU.
