"A border is an opportunity for development"

Cross border cooperation within the Black Sea Basin Progamme was very positive in both projects we led. Indeed, it has a tremendous impact on the people participating in our multinational projects: we did not only create a network that became a communication and sharing hub for regional youth and adults, but also every individual experienced the positive change of perception and attitude level in their own personal development. I truly believe that cross border networking and cooperation has the potential to “transform a border into a possibility for development”. This is particularly important in the case of closed borders and lack of cooperation with some national governments. It is not enough to talk about cooperation and peace. By working together, when people jointly identify the mutual challenges and develop the ways to overcome them, through exchange visits and sharing experiences and ideas, the border between us may open opportunities for better environment, economic and social well-being and peace.

Biography

Anahit Ghazanchyan is a Country Director for Heifer International Armenia and President of Armenian NGO Development Principles. Anahit Ghazanchyan has been working in international development since 1994, first with UMCOR Armenia (1994-2001) as Program Advisor and Program Director, and then with Heifer International (since 2001) as Regional Director for South Caucasus and since 2007 as Country Director for Armenia.
Anahit Ghazanchyan is a Chairwoman of the Board of ECLOF Fund in Armenia and board member of Meditrina Food CJSV, social enterprise established by DP NGO.
Dr. Ghazanchyan holds a Master’s degree in Public Health (1997) from the American University of Armenia (affiliated with the John Hopkins University, USA) and is a Candidate of Sciences in Molecular Biology (1988) from the National Academy of Sciences.
Anahit Ghazanchyan speaks three languages – Armenian, Russian and English. She likes reading, fine art, music and theatre.