The Philanthropist Azerbaijan Wants to Imprison for Life: His Legacy of Projects and Programs (video)

Over the past 20 years, Ruben Vardanyan, along with his family and partners, has spearheaded 700 projects worth approximately $700 million in Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora. 

As outlined by Forbes, his investments include:

- $202 million in education,

- $68 million in humanitarian initiatives,

- $20 million in culture and preservation of historical and cultural heritage,

- $108 million in tourism and urban development,

- $13 million in science, healthcare, and agroecology.

Key Projects by Ruben Vardanyan

Educational and Leadership Initiatives:

- Founding the UWC Dilijan International School.

- Establishing “Matena” International School of Leadership and Professional Development

- Co-founding the Skolkovo School of Management.

Tourism and Urban Development:

- The Tatev Revival Program: constructing the world’s longest cable car, restoring the Tatev Monastery complex, and developing tourism infrastructure.

Humanitarian and Cultural Projects:

- Launching the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, a globally renowned program recognizing and supporting humanitarians.

- Contributing to the restoration of the Armenian Cathedral in Tbilisi and numerous churches in Gyumri and other regions of Armenia.

- Co-founding the Armenian Main Church in Moscow.

Science and Technology:

- Founding the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), fostering innovation in Armenia.

Visionary Planning for Armenia:

- The “Armenia 2020” project, founded in 2001, which involved research by top consulting firms and the development of four strategic scenarios for Armenia’s growth.

Ruben Vardanyan has also made a profound impact in Artsakh. In 2008, he joined the 700 Weddings project and initiated the restoration of several churches and the Shushi mosque. During the blockade of Artsakh, Vardanyan’s We Are Our Mountains agency implemented critical humanitarian initiatives:

- Operating electric vehicles to transport pregnant women to hospitals amid fuel shortages.

- Running two social canteens to feed the population during the crisis.

Ruben Vardanyan’s contributions extend far beyond monetary investments. His initiatives aim to unite the global Armenian community and inspire collaboration among independent Armenian entrepreneurs and benefactors. His hundreds of projects have become a testament to his vision of a prosperous future for Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora.

Through his work, Vardanyan continues to embody a commitment to development, resilience, and the preservation of Armenian identity.