On January 15, 2026, a public discussion-report presentation was held, dedicated to the presentation and discussion of the results of the sub-grant program “Promoting Transparency and Participatory Control in the RA Higher Education Sector through Monitoring and Analysis”. The program was implemented by the “Compass” Scientific Research, Educational and Consulting Center Public Organization within the framework of the “Budgets for Citizens” program, implemented with the financial support of the European Union.
The focus of the public discussion was the presentation of the results of the monitoring and analysis of the higher education budget and the presentation of the simplified budget of the higher and postgraduate education program for 2026.
Syuzanna Soghomonyan, an expert from the Armenian Lawyers Association and a representative of the “Budgets for Citizens” program, also delivered a welcoming speech. She presented the main logic of the program process, emphasizing the importance of civil society participation and effective cooperation with state structures in budget processes. Syuzanna Soghomonyan highlighted the involvement of young professionals and the development of their skills in order to form professional capacities in the areas of state budget, control, and public accountability.
During the event, Gharib Harutyunyan, President of the Compass Research, Educational and Consulting Center NGO, expert of the sub-grant program “Promoting Transparency and Participatory Control in the RA Higher Education Sector through Monitoring and Analysis,” presented the program’s goals and main areas of study, highlighting the results of the analysis of state financing of the higher education sector, addressing the structure, distribution and main issues of efficiency of the higher education budget. He emphasized the role of such studies as a tool for informing beneficiaries and ensuring their effective participation in the state budgetary processes of higher education.
The public discussion was attended by representatives of the management and administrative departments of RA higher education institutions, representatives of state structures, representatives of CSOs, and experts.
Lilit Davtyan, a young specialist of the program, presented the simplified budget of the RA Higher and Postgraduate Education Program for 2026. She presented the activities, goals, and allocated budgets implemented within the framework of the program in 2026.
In the final part of the public discussion, the discussion focused on the management of labor market data on university graduates, consistent monitoring of graduate employment, and public access to budget information. A number of constructive suggestions were presented aimed at increasing the transparency of budget processes and strengthening the effectiveness of participatory oversight.
This publication has been produced with the financial support of the European Union, within the framework of the sub-grant provided by the “Budgets for Citizens” program implemented in cooperation with the “Armenian Lawyers Association” NGO, the “Center for Economic Development and Research” NGO and “Agora Central Europe” NGO (Czech Republic) within the framework of the sub-grant project “Promoting Transparency and Participatory Control in the Higher Education Sector of the Republic of Armenia through Monitoring and Analysis” implemented by the “Compass” Research, Educational and Consulting Center” NGO. The contents are the sole responsibility of the “Compass” Research, Educational and Consulting Center” NGO and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
