David Akopyan pursued a dual career. He earned a PhD in physics with a focus on complex systems. Following this, he worked for the UN for 26 years in 15 countries across many regions. The last 10 years at the UN were spent in Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria –– countries facing severe crises –– serving as UN Development Program Deputy Director, Country Director and Resident Representative. He is also a distinguished alumnus of the American University of Armenia. David retired from the UN in early 2021 and transitioned into the Artsakh Government as the principal advisor to the State Minister. He is also an ex officio advisor to the President of Armenia, the Chair of the Board of Trustees of reArmenia foundation, a member of APRI (Applied Policy Research Institute) Board of Directors and the Insurance Foundation of Servicemen.