Armenia's Ambassador Compares AI to Printing Press on RegulatingAI Podcast

Narek Mkrtchyan says AI is a powerful force that can reshape society, if guided properly

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:04pm

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A highly detailed 3D illustration of glowing, interconnected cybernetic hardware components in shades of neon blue, magenta, and white, conceptually representing the complex digital infrastructure powering the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.Visualizing the powerful, yet delicate digital infrastructure that underpins the rapid growth of artificial intelligence technology.Washington Today

In a conversation on the RegulatingAI Podcast with Sanjay Puri, Armenia's Ambassador to the US, Narek Mkrtchyan, compared the impact of AI to the invention of the printing press. He said AI is helping people explore a 'new world' of discovery and opportunity, but warned that countries must act quickly to create the right rules and standards to harness its potential while mitigating risks.

Why it matters

Mkrtchyan's perspective highlights the growing global importance of AI governance. As AI technology advances rapidly, countries and international bodies must work together to develop a coordinated approach to regulation, ensuring AI is used responsibly to benefit people rather than cause harm. Armenia's focus on building an 'AI-native' education system and tech ecosystem also provides a model for how countries can invest in human capital to drive AI adoption.

The details

During the podcast, Ambassador Mkrtchyan explained that AI reminds him of the printing press, which helped spread knowledge and drive major societal changes. However, he noted that AI is moving much faster, with change happening weekly or even daily. Mkrtchyan stressed the need for countries to treat AI as an opportunity, creating new rules, systems and standards to use it properly. He described Armenia's efforts to become a regional tech and AI hub, investing heavily in education programs that teach students digital skills from a young age. Sanjay Puri, the podcast host, highlighted education as a key driver of AI adoption, which Mkrtchyan agreed was Armenia's strength due to its talented human capital and partnerships with global tech companies.

  • The RegulatingAI Podcast with Sanjay Puri was recorded on April 20, 2026.

The players

Narek Mkrtchyan

The Ambassador of Armenia to the United States, who shared his perspective on the impact and governance of artificial intelligence.

Sanjay Puri

The President of RegulatingAI and host of the podcast where the conversation with Ambassador Mkrtchyan took place.

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What they’re saying

“People are now discovering a new world through AI tools and skills.”

— Narek Mkrtchyan, Ambassador of Armenia to the United States

What’s next

The discussion highlighted the need for greater international coordination on AI governance, as countries, global organizations, and tech companies must work together to develop consistent rules and standards. Armenia's focus on building an 'AI-native' education system and tech ecosystem provides a model for how other nations can invest in human capital to drive AI adoption.

The takeaway

Ambassador Mkrtchyan's comparison of AI to the printing press underscores the transformative potential of this technology, but also the critical importance of proactive, responsible governance to ensure AI benefits society as a whole. As AI advances rapidly, countries must prioritize developing the right frameworks to harness its power while mitigating risks.