Marina Uliniuc (Irimia) stepped onto the TEDxCopou stage with a thought-provoking talk titled “Humans and AI: Skills for a Future of Unlimited Possibilities.” In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming everything from the job market to the way we live, Marina guided us through the steps needed to remain relevant and adaptable. She introduced the concept of “modular skills”—flexible, transferable abilities that can be re-configured as personal and professional demands evolve. By stressing continuous learning, creativity, critical thinking, and the smart integration of technology, Marina painted a balanced yet hopeful picture of how we can become leaders of our own transformation. Marina is an experienced human resources professional, dedicated to building healthy and effective organizational cultures. With a people-centered approach, she has worked closely with senior leaders and IT teams to shape clear visions and successfully bring them to life. She has a deep passion for leadership, training and learning, team development, and coaching — always focused on enhancing both individual and organizational performance. Over the past 15 years, Marina has held key roles in developing and implementing HR strategies, working across the NGO sector, corporate environments, and smaller organizations. In recent years, Marina has been diving deep into the world of AI — exploring how technology can integrate with human capabilities. She is fascinated by the future of work and is actively researching how people and organizations can prepare for the changes ahead. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

On the TEDxYerevan stage, Alen Amirkhanyan explores how to make biodiversity meaningful to students from all fields : business, politics, computer science, and beyond. In this talk, he takes us from the origins of life on Earth to the current biodiversity crisis, blending science with values and ethics. Alen invites us to reflect not only on what we know about the natural world, but how we feel about it, and why that matters. He challenges us to move from passive observers to active stewards of the life we are a part of. Alen Amirkhanyan is the Director of the American University of Armenia's (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment, since 2013. He holds a Master's in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Urban Studies and Planning. In 2023, he became the inaugural Chair of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (ESS) at the AUA Akian College of Science and Engineering. Before AUA, he was Senior Vice President of Research at Michael Porter's Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. He has consulted with the World Bank, UNDP, and the Brookings Institution on energy efficiency as well as economic and urban growth issues. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

At TEDxYerevan, Arsen Gasparyan explains why protecting nature before it’s destroyed is far more effective than trying to bring it back afterward. Using the example of the genetically engineered “dire wolf,” he reveals the limits of modern biotechnology and the irreplaceable value of natural ecosystems. Forests are not just collections of trees, they are complex systems where every organism plays a role. Arsen argues that real environmental protection begins not with planting trees or editing genes, but by changing our behavior, our consumption, and our relationship with nature. Arsen Gasparyan is an Assistant Professor at the American University of Armenia’s Acopian Center for the Environment and a leading biodiversity expert. He holds a PhD in lichen diversity and conservation from Freie Universität Berlin. Since 2009, he has worked in nature conservation across Armenia, including roles with WWF and the Institute of Botany, where he leads the Lichen Research and Conservation Group. A graduate of the Klaus Toepfer Fellowship and UC Berkeley’s Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program, Arsen was honored in 2024 with the Distinguished Alumni Award from USG Alumni Armenia and the U.S. Embassy for his achievements in STEM and biodiversity conservation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Berta Martirosyan never planned to become a biologist. But one unexpected photo contest win, featuring a bird she captured by chance, led her back to a place tied to her family’s past and changed her future. What started as a love for photography became a mission to explore and document Armenia’s rich, often overlooked biodiversity. In this talk, she shares how paying attention to the smallest details in nature can uncover hidden stories, challenge scientific assumptions, and inspire a deeper connection to the world around us. Because sometimes, all it takes to make a difference is learning how to see what others don’t. Berta holds a degree in Interior Design from the Architectural and Construction University of Armenia and a Master's degree in Biology. Her work has been featured in over twenty group exhibitions worldwide, with showings in Norway, Italy, Greece, the USA, and Romania. She is the author of the first comprehensive book on the birds of Armenia. Berta actively contributes to avian research and conservation programs in Armenia, with her findings published in peer-reviewed journals. She also leads birdwatching tours, using her photography to advocate for wildlife conservation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Sharing his heartfelt stories, Karapet Sahakyan invites us to reflect on the silent wisdom of mountains. What have these ancient giants seen throughout their existence? For him, mountains and nature transcend all borders, they belong to no one and everyone at once. As enduring parts of Earth’s history, they stood long before civilizations, and they remain untouched by the boundaries we draw. Through unforgettable encounters, Karapet explores how nature connects us beyond language, nationality, and prejudice, reminding us of what truly matters: our shared planet and the responsibility we hold toward it. Karapet Sahakyan is a landscape and documentary photographer with over 15 years of experience. His work focuses on capturing the natural beauty of Armenia's highest peaks and documenting significant events across Armenia and its neighboring regions. His photographs have been published by major media outlets, reflecting his expertise in visual storytelling and his ability to convey compelling narratives through imagery. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this compelling interview, Erik Grigoryan explores why Armenia’s exceptional biodiversity matters not just for nature lovers, but for the world at large. He explains how Armenia belongs to two of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots and how this rich natural heritage provides crucial services to local communities. Erik sheds light on the hidden economic value of ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them. This talk makes the case for stronger environmental policy, smarter financing, and broader public awareness. Erik Grigoryan is the Special Envoy of the Armenian Government on Debt-for-Climate negotiations and Founder & CEO of the Environment Group. With over 20 years of experience in environmental policy and climate finance, he has held key roles in government and international frameworks. From 2018 to 2020, he served as Armenia’s Minister of Environment, chaired the CIS Interstate Ecological Council, and acted as Armenia’s focal point for the UNFCCC, GEF, and Green Climate Fund. His expertise centers on environmental economics and climate finance. He holds a PhD in Environmental Economics. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx