“Next-Gen Projects: Embracing Innovation and Sustainability in Construction” Conference Held in Yerevan

Recently, the Armenian chapter of the Project Management Institute organized a one-day conference titled “Next-Gen Projects: Embracing Innovation and Sustainability in Construction.”

The conference brought together 300 participants and 25 speakers under one roof, aiming to unite prominent figures from architecture and construction in Armenia, the region, and the Middle East.

The conference provided industry experts with insights into the latest trends, technologies, and practices in construction. Participants had the opportunity to engage with leading professionals in architecture, engineering, and project management to foster collaboration and exchange ideas. The key topics covered during the conference included data-driven architecture, Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems, LEED certification strategies, solutions for mega and giga projects, PMI-CP™ (PMI Construction Professional) international construction certification, risk management in construction, and construction contract management.

“In recent years, due to numerous objective and subjective issues, many organizations across various sectors have adopted a project-based format. Project management has become an urgent necessity and gained new momentum, developing the field,” said Astghik Sahakyan, President of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Armenia.

“PMI’s primary objective is to educate representatives from both public and private sectors about project management, which is increasingly recognized as a distinct profession. While project management has always existed, there is now widespread recognition of its vital importance.

The organization holds monthly seminars aimed at informing individuals about project management in various fields and imparting knowledge. Such conferences follow the same logic. Project management emphasizes innovation and sustainability. One of the leading sectors in Armenia is construction. In parallel, PMI has developed a new certification called PMI-CP™, which is the only international qualification in the field of construction,” she concluded.

One of the special guests at the conference was Silvia Ivanciu, the regional partner of PMI, who spoke about PMI’s activities abroad and the conference. “PMI is a global organization with chapters in various countries and approximately 500,000 members. Our main goal is to promote project management in these countries, which is in high demand today more than ever. I can mention that this conference is truly in demand, and the construction sector holds a leading position today. I am pleased that our organization also contributes to this field,” Silvia Ivanciu said.

Bal Raju, Director of Infrastructure Programs at RSiPM and speaker from the UAE, addressed the topic “Infrastructure Transformation for the Best Future.” He discussed the work being carried out in Armenia. “Construction holds a prominent position in the United Arab Emirates. Visiting Armenia, I am pleased to witness the progress made here. I can confidently say that Armenia has positive energy, and urban development is a great contribution to the future. Based on my own experience, I can say that Armenians are among the exceptional specialists abroad. Recently, during a construction project we undertook, we required a specialist with specific skills and found such a specialist in the UAE, who turned out to be Armenian,” Bal Raju said.

At the end of the conference, Yervand Hovhannisyan, Vice President of PMI Armenia, presented the “PMI-CP™” international certification, outlined the conditions for obtaining it, and discussed the further opportunities that certified specialists would receive.