OUR STORY SO FAR
UWC Dilijan is a story of developing international education in Armenia. Its location in Armenia, a country that is reimagining itself in the post-Soviet period, made the school a perfect social venture that could grow and gain strength together with the new Armenia.
The idea of creating an international school in Dilijan was conceived by impact investors and social entrepreneurs Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend in 2006. Together with a group of like-minded individuals including Noubar and Anna Afeyan, Gagik Adibekyan, Vladimir and Anna Avetissian, Ruben and Veronika realised their dream with the establishment of United World College Dilijan, which officially opened on 11 October 2014.
“We dream of a world where talented, multifaceted and well-educated people become the epicentre of progress. A world where the integration of diversity will eradicate the dividing lines of the past that triggered conflict amongst people and communities. A world where traditional hierarchies have found a harmonious balance with new networks, all based on trust. All this may sound like a dream, but such a world is a distinct possibility. In fact, its foundations are being laid here and now.” Veronika Zonabend and Ruben Vardanyan, UWCD Founders
2006
UWC Dilijan evolved from the original idea to create an international school in Armenia, first conceived by Founders Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend in 2006
2012
Founders Board
Construction started in 2012 with funds provided by Founders Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend as well as Founding Patrons Noubar and Anna Afeyan, Gagik Adibekyan, Vladimir and Anna Avetissian
2012
In 2012 UWC Dilijan registered as a not-for-profit international boarding school belonging to a charitable trust registered in Armenia solely for educational purposes
2012
In 2012 an all-volunteer Board was established under the chairmanship of Veronika Zonabend
2013
John Puddefoot appointed the Founding Head in July 2013
2014
In August 2014 UWC Dilijan welcomed the first cohort of 94 students from 49 countries as a full member of UWC International and an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme
2014
UWC Dilijan was officially opened on 11 October 2014
2015
In April 2015 UWC Dilijan participated in inaugural events of Aurora Humanitarian Initiative commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
2016
UWC Dilijan received FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Award 2016 for the quality of its construction
2016
In 2016 UWC Dilijan had its first graduation ceremony
2016
Denise Davidson appointed Head in July 2016
2017
UWC Dilijan received Build School 2017 Silver Award
2018
Gabriel Abad Fernández appointed Head in July 2018
2019
On 18 October 2019 UWC Dilijan celebrated its 5th anniversary
2022
UWC Dilijan received Council of International Schools (CIS) International Accreditation
2023
Adam Armanski appointed Head in August 2023