Where 36 Nations, One Profession and a Lot of Great Conversations Meet

Yesterday I attended the European Association for People Management (EAPM) Annual Delegates Assembly in Belgium, representing the Armenian HR Association among delegates from 36 countries.

For those who may not know, EAPM is the European umbrella organization that unites national HR associations across the continent. A powerhouse of ideas, standards, collaboration and real connections shaping the future of the HR profession in Europe and beyond.

For Armenia, being part of it matters. It is not just about presence, it is more about perspective. Our local insights, shaped by a small market and complex realities, often reflect the challenges that others face on a larger scale.

Representing the Armenian HR Association there feels a bit like being both student and teacher. We are a small country, but with an unusually fast-evolving HR ecosystem. For us, being part of EAPM is not just another step forward. It is strategic presence. It connects Armenia to the stream of European HR thought, where decisions are made and mindsets are shaped. It is about learning, contributing and being sure that our voice is heard in global conversations that outline our profession’s future.

The Honest Part of HR

The event could have been just another official gathering. I assure you, it was not.  It was structured, yes. Full of reports, updates and plans. Audits, working groups, discussions. But it was also deeply human.

And you know what! When smart people talk about the human side of business with honesty and humor, you stay awake.

The warm-up session was simple and uncomfortable in the best way. We were asked to reflect on several statements, including:

• People say agility where there is no plan.
• A real HR policy should fit on one page.
• Managers should be reassigned every three years.
• Work-life balance is a myth.
• Saying “We are a family” is a red flag for organization.

So we were reflecting pros and cons around this topics. It was fun and insightful at the same time. All credits to Kai Saard who facilitated this activity in energetic and professional way.

The Fishbowl of Truth

Then came the fishbowl exercise. A format I absolutely loved, where we explored what HR really stands for now. Not the administrative role, not the motivational speech version, but the essential one: What is the challenge of HR profession? What role should we play? What is our mission? Leadership?

We went deep into our collective reflections on what it means to be an HR professional today and tomorrow. It was not an easy exercise, but it was necessary. Everyone in the room had a chance to speak and address the question to auditorium. Big credit to Berna Oztinaz and David Ducheyne for facilitating this in a smart and easy going manner.

And when we broke into smaller groups to discuss different topics about AI, workforce, etc. Our topic was about global trends and challenges and we worked in a small group specifically focusing on values and all around it. We shared our stories, lessons learned, our vision and quite debated around the theme. We left with powerful questions and a lot of reflection, which stayed with us overnight.

The Shared Landscape

One of the most meaningful parts for me was connecting with fellow association leaders, listening to their stories, struggles and analysis. In between sessions, over coffee and conversations, it became clear that we all live in the same landscape and that geography changes the weather, not the problems. The same concerns repeated themselves across borders:

• The gap between demand and supply in the labor market
• The talent shortage and competition that burns everyone
• The shift in skillsets triggered by AI
• The growing role of employer branding in social media environments
• Migration, wars and politics that change the shape of our workforce overnight

Listening to colleagues from different countries, I realized how connected we are by the uneasy parts of our work. And somehow, that shared complexity feels like a community.

Armenia in the Network

EAPM is not just about networking. It is about collective intelligence,  how 36 countries can think together, disagree elegantly and still produce a vision. I expressed my willingness to contribute and join one of EAPM’s working groups, because I believe Armenia has something valuable to offer: we have built resilience on limited resources and innovation on necessity (two skills that HR globally will soon need to master). The Armenian HR Association has been through its own evolution and we can bring that experience to the table. The way small systems adapt fast, stay flexible and still keep integrity in uncertain times.

My special gratitude goes to:

Lucas van Wees for opening a door to European Association for People Management EAPM many years ago.

Mary Connaughton, Fellow CIPD and Alison Hodgson for taking care of me and making me to feel included.

Solveiga Grudienė for helping us through the transition. Rebecca Normand GradCG for years of quiet guidance and belief in us.

hrpro.be team and David Ducheyne for great hosting and the follow-up conference.

And, of course, Berna Oztinaz for great  leadership and care when it is needed the most.

and to every colleague across 36 countries, for proving once again that the HR profession can still be real. Grounded, honest and collaborative.

We will leave Belgium with more questions than answers, which is probably how real progress begins. EAPM reminded me that the future of HR will not be built by trends, but by people who still believe that relationships, context and true values.