One of the vital directions in ICHD’s activities is to promote better understanding within Armenia about NATO’s mission and activities in the changing international environment. In cooperation with Armenian Atlantic Association (AAA) ICHD implements various projects aimed at raising awareness among especially young people on NATO, its role in the region and worldwide at large.

Fifty young representatives, as well as a number of experts from Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine participated in the regional seminar “South Caucasus Youth Forum: New Strategic Concept of the Alliance – Do we have a Stake?”. The seminar was organized by the AAA and ICHD with the assistance of the Norwegian Atlantic Committee (DNAK) on February 4-5, 2010 in Yerevan, Armenia. The first day of the seminar was devoted to the New Strategic Concept of NATO and the tendencies of NATO’s relations towards the South Caucasus region. Several issues on the environment and their relation to security concepts were also discussed. For this purpose a number of Armenian and foreign experts and officials were invited to have presentations on both topics. During the first day participants also had an excursion to the Information Center of NATO in Yerevan.

The second day was devoted mainly to environmental issues. It contained a Simulation Game on the basis of Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, where young participants tried to solve the issues of climate change and environmental pollution in general, while acting roles of heads of states and different ministers. Thus, the participants not only got theoretical skills and knowledge, but also had chance for their implementation in practice. At the end of the day the protocols “Protocol on Carbon Emission Reduction” and “Protocol on Global Environmental Fund” have been signed by the participants of the seminar.