On October 3, the EastWest Institute (EWI) honored Dr. Armen Sarkissian, President of the Republic of Armenia, with its John Edwin Mroz Global Statesman Award in recognition of his distinguished career and achievements as a statesman representing the interests of Armenia, and for his contributions to the field of global development.

The award presentation took place at EWI’s Annual Gala, held at the New York Athletic Club, New York City. The evening’s program featured a keynote presentation by noted entrepreneur and philanthropist, Aso Tavitian. Also in attendance were Grigor Hovhannissian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the United States; Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations; Erzan Kazykhanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States; Vassily Nebenzia, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations; Kaha Imnadze, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United Nations; Berge Setrakian, President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union; and Vartan Gregorian, President of Carnegie Corporation of New York, among other dignitaries. CBS News Anchor, Reena Ninan, served as Master of Ceremonies.

“At a time when Armenia is undergoing a profound period of transition, Dr. Sarkissian has been entrusted with bringing about stability and offering a new vision for his country’s path towards a more democratic and prosperous future,” stated Ross Perot, Jr., Chairman of the EastWest Institute. “Capably navigating his country through this spring’s Velvet Revolution, Dr. Sarkissian once again demonstrated the true value of statesmanship for the greater good.”

Dr. Armen Sarkissian was elected President of the Republic of Armenia in 2018. He formerly served as the Prime Minister of Armenia (1996-1997), Ambassador of Armenia (1991-1999) to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and The Vatican, as well as Head of Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the EU and NATO (1995-96).

He is the founding president of Eurasia House International. Since 1999 he has been Director of the Eurasia Programme at the Judge Institute of Management, Cambridge University’s Business School, with expertise in state-building structures and free market transition processes in CIS countries.

“Dr. Sarkissian continued efforts to foster a spirit of cooperation and collectiveness is emblematic of his public service to his native Armenia, and instrumental to his work on economic development,” added Ambassador Cameron Munter, CEO & President of the EastWest Institute. “He is both a diplomat and an innovator, which allows him to earn the trust of stakeholders and develop creative solutions to address today’s pressing political and economic issues.”

Dr. Sarkissian has been actively associated with the EastWest Institute since 2005, and retains the title of Vice-Chairman, Emeritus.

The EastWest Institute (EWI) established the John Edwin Mroz Global Statesman Award in memory of its late founder. This award recognizes people who share John’s vision of a peaceful world, who work passionately to achieve it and who embody his values as a trust-builder.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Chairman Sponsor Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. President Sponsors Mary and David Boies  Addison and Olivia Fischer, Planet Heritage Foundation Bob and Tamar Manoukian Aso O. Tavitian Anonymous Donor Inspiration Sponsors Haig and Elza Didizian Ralph and Ala Isham Johnson and Johnson Peacekeeper Sponsors Catsimatidis Family Foundation David and Laura McKenzie Medical Transcription Billing, Corp. Nu Skin Enterprises  Henry and Myrna Sarkissian Unisys Corporation Insider Sponsors Alterra Worldwide  M. Joseph Bild Covington & Burling John Hurley and Kevin Taweel Gunjan and Anurag Jain Hagop and Ica Kouyoumdjian Toros and Gacia Mangassarian Nazar and Artemis Nazarian Family Foundation Pivotal Foundation Berge and Vera Setrakian