AGBU announced the launch of its inaugural AGBU Global Run, a worldwide fundraising event taking place on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Hundreds of runners and walkers across 21 cities and counting will lace up for a 10K run or 5K walk to support AGBU Camp Nairi, a free therapeutic sleep-away camp for children and families affected by years of war, displacement, and uncertainty in Armenia and Artsakh.
AGBU Central Board Member Vartkess Knadjian, who is spearheading the inaugural AGBU Global Run, remarked: “Running has been part of my life since childhood in Ethiopia, where it is deeply embedded in the culture and identity. In 1997, I ran the Antwerp Marathon and raised more than $50,000 for AGBU Soup Kitchens. Today, I am proud to help lead the first-ever AGBU Global Run, bringing together participants from around the world in support of AGBU Camp Nairi. This initiative is about giving children and families affected by war and displacement the opportunity to heal, reconnect, and thrive. Every contribution helps expand access to critical mental health services and life-changing programs.”
Since the 44-day war in the fall of 2020, thousands of children in Artsakh and Armenia have endured profound trauma, including the loss of family members and witnessing loved ones injured. Three years later, a blockade that cut off food, electricity, and essential resources forced approximately 120,000 Armenians to flee their ancestral homes, exposing yet another generation of children to the trauma of sudden displacement and loss.
AGBU Camp Nairi was created to meet this urgent need. The camp offers children and families a supportive environment for healing, reflection, and recreational bonding, led by trained mental health professionals. Complementing the camp experience, AGBU also provides weekend family retreats that give parents and children access to art therapy, music therapy, and other mental health services.
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In 2026 alone, AGBU aims to reach up to 800 children through its summer camp programs, along with close to 800 children and 450 mothers through family programs, ensuring that no vulnerable child or family is left without support.
Donations from the AGBU Global Run will fund three core priorities: quality recreational programming for campers, hiring well-trained mental health professionals, and expanding capacity for campers and mothers.
The event has set a fundraising target of $200,000, with participants joining city-based teams in locations including Barcelona, Boston, Brussels, Geneva, Greater Los Angeles, London, Melbourne, Moscow, New York, Nice, Northern California, Paris, Philadelphia, São Paulo, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Valence, Yerevan, and Zurich, or as part of the Individual Walkers and Runners team.
Karen Papazian, Director of Development and Outreach reflected: “We are deeply gratified by the enthusiastic response to this event. The support we have received from communities around the world underscores our collective commitment to helping these children and families. Together, we are transforming solidarity into meaningful action and ensuring that more children have access to the healing and support offered through AGBU Camp Nairi.”
Those interested in forming a new team in their city are encouraged to contact AGBU’s Development and Outreach Department at [email protected]. Individuals interested in joining a team, participating individually, or making a donation to support the fundraising efforts of our runners and walkers can register at agbu.org/global-run-2026-registration-form.
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
