Twenty-year-old Nareh, who studies economics at the Artsakh State University in Stepanakert, says uncertainty regarding the future complicates making longterm plans.

Nareh tells Hetq that she wanted to improve her English to study abroad but that doubts about the specifics of any peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which will directly impact Artsakh, have turned her plans upside down.

Nareh, who cofounded the Bitty Co-Working community development center in Stepanakert, also heads a panel discussion group at the university where she and her peers regularly exchange views on the Artsakh conflict and the role of young people in the country’s development.

She says students in Artsakh prepare videos about the humanitarian problems caused by the blockade, but they never reach any international platform and are consumed only by local residents.

"There is no political interest among the students. One side says the West will save us; others point to Russia. Still others say nothing is left and they’ll kick us out,” Nareh says, adding that she can’t imagine leaving Artsakh.

She believes Armenians in Artsakh must make their voices heard internationally and domestically, forcing local leaders to heed the wishes of the people.

“Yes, there is something that everyone wants, like Artsakh should remain Armenian, but not everyone demands it, and they don't know in what sequence of steps it should happen," says Nareh.