Toward lasting peace: Civil society voices from Armenia, Azerbaijan unite New chapter in reconciliation

A bilateral round table bringing together representatives of Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society was held on October 21–22 in Yerevan.

The meeting marked a significant milestone in regional dialogue, forming the first initiative of its kind since the adoption of the Joint Declaration on August 8, 2025, in Washington, D.C., Caliber.Az reports, citing Research Center on Security Policy.

Organized as a collaborative effort between expert communities from both countries and supported by official structures in Armenia and Azerbaijan, the event aimed to advance a peace-oriented agenda and foster long-term reconciliation.

The Armenian delegation included Areg Kochinyan, Boris Navasardyan, Naira Sultanyan, Narek Minasyan, and Samvel Meliksetyan.

Representing the Azerbaijani side were Farhad Mammadov, Rusif Huseynov, Ramil Isgandarli, Kamala Mammadova, and Dilara Afandiyeva.

Over two days, the participants engaged in open and constructive dialogue, addressing a wide spectrum of shared concerns. Discussions centered on the prospects for a sustainable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, humanitarian issues, and the potential for economic and logistical cooperation in the context of normalized relations. Particular attention was given to developing concrete plans for future joint initiatives and advancing trust-building measures.

As part of the program, participants also held a meeting with Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, underscoring the importance of high-level institutional engagement in parallel with civil society efforts.

The round table emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue, stressing the value of broad participation from civil society, the expert community, and the media in building a culture of peace.

In closing, participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and contributing to a lasting and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus region.

By Vafa Guliyeva