French-Armenian alpinist conquering the world’s highest peaks spreads the message of remembrance, unity, and peace.
On August 11, 2016, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Armenia hosted Ara Khatchadourian, Marseille based Armenian who ascended the world’s highest peak Everest in memory of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The event held in AGBU Yerevan hall brought together young scouts and professional alpinists, as well as participants of the AGBU “Discover Armenia” educational youth program. After screening a short film on this epic ascent, Khatchadourian shared with participants his climbing experience and his astonishing life story of a migrant from Lebanon who successfully combines the jewelry business and ideology-driven alpinism. He also shared his thoughts inspiring him to embark on this physically grueling, yet very emotional voyage.
Conquering the ambitious height of 8848m on May 22, 2016, Ara Khatchadourian raised the national flags of Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh, France, and Lebanon, and devoted his victory to the unity of all Armenians over the world. Among other institutional symbols of clubs and organizations, Khatchadourian waved the AGBU flag in recognition of the strong patriotic spirit, leadership and determination he developed while scouting at AGBU camps in Lebanon.
Ara Khatchadourian received certificate of gratitude from Armenia’s Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan. Khatchadourian will also receive the Diaspora Ministry’s “Gold Medal” for his dedication to the promotion of the Armenian cause.
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Ara Khatchadourian has conquered 8 of the world’s highest summits: Mt. Blanc, France – 4807m (2007); Ararat, Turkey – 5137m (2011); Kilimanjaro, Africa – 5896m (2012); Cotopaxi, Ecuador – 5897m (2013); Sajama, Bolivia – 6542m (2013); Huascaran, Peru – 6655m (2013); Lenin peak, Kyrgyzstan – 7134m (2016); Everest, Nepal – 8848m (2016).