A Message from President Sam Simonian on the 120th Anniversary of AGBU
Today marks the milestone 120th Anniversary of AGBU. And it is my honor to lead our global effort to pay tribute to every leader, volunteer, donor, and supporter who has contributed to a remarkable journey paved with wisdom, compassion, and belief in the force of the Armenian spirit.
What started in a boardroom in Cairo, Egypt at the turn of the 20th century has evolved into the world’s largest Armenian non-profit organization—with a name that Armenians across the globe know and trust.
Throughout these years, AGBU has remained true to the vision and commitment of its founders—to uplift Armenian lives worldwide through educational, cultural, socio-economic and humanitarian programs—with the end-goal of ensuring the prosperity of all Armenians.
Read also
I should also note that the founders explicitly intended AGBU to be free of political affiliation and focused on serving the greater good of the Armenian people. That ethos was encapsulated in their motto In Unity is Strength—a reminder to every generation that the key to Armenian empowerment is embracing differences in perspective, persuasion, economic status or national origin, and channeling it toward a common cause.
The truth is that the AGBU founders performed their good works having never met the individuals they first sought to assist—oppressed Ottoman Armenians struggling under the weight of Hamidian rule. But the story of AGBU spread quickly across borders and oceans, resonating with other Armenians who possessed the same compassion and means to join the mission.
Year after year, decade by decade, AGBU’s footprint grew and expanded—building a global network composed of local entities that touches 500,000+ Armenians each year in more than 30+ countries.
We have been critical voices and resources in times of crisis. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Church. This allows us to lead with purpose, act with efficiency and find opportunity in the face of challenge. Through world wars, technological revolutions, shifting demographics, redrawn maps, and political realignments, AGBU manages to have the wind at its back.
It’s a legacy for which we can feel immense pride yet never take for granted—as the world seems to change faster than ever and uncertainty urges us to stay one step ahead of tomorrow.
I hope you will be inspired by all that AGBU has meant to so many Armenians in so many places and for so many reasons. I thank each and every one of our donors, volunteers and staff for proving the enduring power of the Armenian spirit across past generations and those to come.
With sincere gratitude and appreciation,
Sam Simonian
President of AGBU
The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted to uplifting the Armenian lives through educational, cultural, socio-economic and humanitarian programs. Each year, AGBU is committed to making a difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia 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.
AGBU Press Office
