The Artsakh State University (ASU) and the University of Iowa (UI) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement in December 2022, which was established by the Center for Truth and Justice (CFTJ), a U.S.-based non-profit organization formed in November 2020, immediately following the 44-Day War in Artsakh.
The MOU was a direct outcome of the international human rights conference organized by the CFTJ held in Yerevan, Armenia, in June 2022. Elke Heckner, UI lecturer in German, was a guest speaker at the conference, and expressed interest in establishing a partnership. The MOU was signed in the midst of a blockage by Azerbaijan in Artsakh.
“For ASU, this extraordinary collaboration is immeasurably important, with such prestigious universities like the University of Iowa, especially in these trying times that Artsakh is in a total blockade and such collaborations open a window of opportunity to the civil world,” said Vitya Yaramishyan, vice-rector of the ASU, as he signed the MOU.
“Iowa is proud to collaborate with ASU under the auspices of this new MOU,” commented Russ Ganim, dean and associate provost of International Programs at Iowa. “Our purpose is to connect faculty and students on issues regarding human rights and social justice in conflict zones around the world. We look forward to learning about and from Artsakh as the partnership grows.”
“This partnership between the two institutions will undoubtedly bring about significant progress in the promotion and protection of human rights in Artsakh and beyond,” stated Arsiné Grigoryan, CFTJ conference committee member.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.