Key issues related to Armenia’s digital agenda, new institutional solutions and the advancement of public–private cooperation were discussed at the Internet Governance Forum of Armenia (ArmIGF 2025), held in Yerevan. Marking its 10th anniversary, the event was organized by the Internet Society NGO and the Internet Society Armenia Chapter PO, with the support of international partners including ICANN, RIPE NCC, and IGFSA.
Vahan Hovsepyan, Senior Advisor on Public Policy and Public Relations at RIPE NCC, moderated the panel discussion “Digital Governance: International Experience and National Expertise.” In his remarks he underscored the strategic importance of digital technologies:
“The development of Digital Armenia offers a real opportunity for us – and for small countries like ours – to reach the level of global leaders. It is crucial to manage this opportunity wisely, with clear accountability and coordinated participation,” said Hovsepyan.
According to Nerses Yeritsyan, Director of the Information Systems Agency of Armenia, this goal will be supported by the Government’s new legislative package, which envisions the establishment of an independent regulatory authority to oversee digital services.
“The new regulator will introduce a fresh format of cooperation between the private sector and the state. It will ensure unified standards, a high level of cybersecurity and independent oversight. This platform will allow the state to regulate while the private sector operates within a competitive environment. The model is based on leading European practices,” Yeritsyan noted.
He added that preparatory work has already begun to ensure the efficiency of this process.
Armen Hunanyan, Head of the Telecommunications Department at the Public Services Regulatory Commission, emphasized that one of the key preconditions for digitalization – access to reliable connectivity – is already in place. Thanks to regulatory policies implemented in recent years, all settlements in Armenia now have access to mobile 4G Internet from at least one operator.
“The role of the state goes beyond fostering competition; it must also ensure equal access to communication. Without mandatory coverage requirements, businesses would have limited their services to densely populated areas, covering only 30–50% of the country. Several measures have been taken – including the reduction of license fees, simplification of administrative procedures and introduction of technical incentive programs. Without balanced infrastructure development, we risk internal technological disparities. The economy itself must also be ready for digital transformation,” Hunanyan stressed.
Sargis Karapetyan, Executive Director of the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE), highlighted the importance of developing a culture of cooperation:
“We’ve made significant progress over the past 25 years, but we still lack a systemic approach. Looking at the mandates of various institutions, it is clear that we still struggle to work effectively on a shared platform. Associations should not only express opinions – they must have a real voice in policymaking.”
Eduard Musayelyan, Executive Director of the Union of Information and Communication Technology Employers, also stressed the role of trust and collaboration:
“We must be honest with ourselves. We are not yet a technological nation, but we have the potential. Without trust that potential will never materialize. We need to create a genuine environment of unity and cooperation.”
Kristina Hakobyan, Secretary of the Interdepartmental Group of the Armenian Internet Governance Forum, reaffirmed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, noting that such a model is already being implemented within the group. She emphasized that greater individual accountability is essential for more effective work.
“The group can play a key role in shaping digital policies. It brings together representatives of all stakeholder groups and operates at a strong professional and expert level,” Hakobyan concluded.
The success of Digital Armenia depends not only on effective laws and advanced technologies, but also on fostering a culture of cooperation and responsibility – a key factor in ensuring the country’s digital sovereignty.
