Nour Mussa, a Mathematics Teacher Assistant at UWC Dilijan and a 2018
graduate of the school, delivered a keynote address at the 10th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The conference, held from 12-14 September 2024 at Seven Visions, The Dvin, Yerevan, Armenia, focused on the theme: “Avoiding Lost Generations: Preserving Education and Employment in All Circumstances.”

Nour Mussa’s journey from a refugee in Lebanon to a Mathematics Teacher Assistant at UWC Dilijan in Armenia exemplifies personal determination and talent, bolstered by the collective efforts of UWC, the Government of Armenia, UNHCR, and the host community. His success underscores the critical importance of creating and sustaining opportunities for youth in crisis. Nour's story, shared at the IPU Global Conference, served as a powerful call to action for young parliamentarians to ensure that no one is left behind and every youth has right to opportunity that nurture their talent. 

In his keynote address, Nour emphasised the transformative opportunity provided to him by UWC Dilijan, Armenia, and the school’s founders, Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend. He expressed his belief in the power of education, quoting Mr Vardanyan, “Let us be prepared to give more than we ever hope to receive in return.”

After years of living in Lebanon, Nour left in 2016 on a pathway to education enabled by the
scholarship funded by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative to study at UWC Dilijan, Armenia. The
UNHCR working with the Government of Armenia facilitated his travel and stay in Armenia, ensuring he received the necessary legal status, documentation, and support to rebuild his life in Armenia.

Upon his admission to UWC Dilijan, Nour’s passion for learning and keen interest in the sciences stood out. Admission to UWC Dilijan was a pivotal moment in Nour’s life. Reflecting on his experience, Nour shared, “Here I learned how important it is to know others in order to know who you are.” After graduating from the University of Rochester in the U.S., Nour returned to UWC Dilijan, where he now serves as a Mathematics Teacher Assistant, exemplifying the transformative power of education and the positive impact of humanitarian support.

UWC and UNHCR remain committed to supporting individuals like Nour and advocating for access to education and safety for all displaced people, ensuring that their potential is realised and that they have the opportunity to contribute to society. Nour’s story is a testament to the resilience of refugees and the critical importance of humanitarian initiatives in preserving opportunities for education and development amidst adversity.