justice in relation to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide led to the passage of a 2016 extension of the current French holocaust law, making the denial or trivialisation of all events classed as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes or slavery punishable crimes. Celebrated as a universal role model and global Armenian citizen for his advocacy, Devedjian was honored for how he has paved the way for a generation of Armenian leadership in public service.
Esteemed community leaders were also presented with high honors throughout the Assembly. Tamar Khabaian from Syria, Monica Nalbandian from Brazil, Maral Tchorbadjian from Australia and Herminé Duzian from France were all recognized by executive leadership in front of an audience of peers, celebrated for their valiant efforts in serving and maintaining the spirit of AGBU. Tamar Khabaian was distinguished for her impassioned service as head secretary of the Syria Central Committee and Educational Committee, overseeing the Health Care Committee, the Editorial Board of the Hayatsk publication, and the Emergency Relief Body in Syria. Regarded as the “armeniapedia” of the AGBU Brazil chapter and a vital figure in organizing their Armenian volunteer kitchen, Monica Nalbandian was celebrated as one of the longest serving members on their board and an exemplar of service. Chair of AGBU Melbourne since 2003, Maral Tchorbadjian was recognized for establishing a presence in and building networks across her city, all while being instrumental in raising funds and mobilizing her community members to build a brand-new facility. With almost three decades of service, Herminé Duzian, the AGBU Diaspora Youth Programs Chief Coordinator in Armenia and Europe, was honored for her boundless efforts in engaging youth and connecting new generations to their identity.
Along with community leaders and active citizens in the Armenian world, the AGBU Buenos Aires Chapter, the AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York and the AGBU Young Professionals of Northern California were also recognized with awards, celebrating their innumerable contributions to community life among their constituents. Serving a thriving and dynamic community of Armenians in Argentina, the AGBU Buenos Aires chapter was recognized for its impeccable dedication to excellence and outreach to their local community. Particularly notable was their Armenian Restaurant initiative. Both a fundraising operation and a meaningful social gathering, the restaurant is renowned in Buenos Aires and the money made by the youth staff goes towards their annual trip to Armenia; to this day, over 900 young Armenians from Buenos Aires have visited the homeland because of this unique initiative. AGBU Buenos Aires Chair Ruben Kedikian accepted the award on behalf of the chapter.
Both YP Greater New York and YP Northern California were celebrated for over two decades of galvanizing the newest generation of leadership in the Armenian world with their dynamic spirit of service and activism. YPGNY Chair William Nazarian and YPNC Chair David Ojakian were present to accept the awards on behalf of their groups. From coordinating unique fundraising opportunities to programming original educational forums, these YP groups distinguished themselves as communities that can be mobilized when nurtured. To continue to facilitate this growth and participation worldwide, all YP groups were officially recognized as permanent entities of AGBU at the General Assembly, with language reflecting their new status in the by-laws.
While the Assembly celebrated past achievements by honoring these dynamic community leaders, members were also encouraged to look to the future. “We’ve been called upon to navigate uncharted waters that require flexibility, ingenuity, vision and above all, unity. Finding a solution is no simple task. But one part of the answer is clear,” President Setrakian explained. “We, here in this room are in a position to provide. We must provide opportunity. We must provide a forum for growth. And we must provide a means to engage all Armenians across the globe and speak to the interests of the new generation.”
As the 90th General Assembly came to an end, participants left Les Jardins de Saint Dominique with evidence that AGBU is evolving with its community, embracing progressive definitions of Armenian identity, while honoring its centuries-old tradition of empowering Armenians worldwide.
The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs. Each year, AGBU is committed to making a difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian diaspora. Since 1906, AGBU has remained true to one overarching goal: to create a foundation for the prosperity of all Armenians. To learn more visit www.agbu.org.
