The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) held its 73rd International Convention in Yerevan from October 16 – 20, 2023.
Australia delegates Nora Grigorian and Arshik Bedrossian represented the region with Arpene Keledjian participating as a guest. A total of 76 convention participants, 5 office staff and 66 observers were present.
Held in extraordinary times, the Convention saw the participation of five Artsakh Armenians from ARS community leadership positions. They shared experiences and provided valuable updates to all participants on the status and needs of displaced Artsakh Armenians.
The convention focused on determining programs for a productive response to the humanitarian crisis. In addition to ratifying resolutions for the coming four years the Convention spontaneously raised almost USD500,000 to aid Artsakh families.
After evaluating the quadrennial term and assessing programs, support was also given to Armenian communities in Syria and Lebanon as well as other programs.
The Convention concluded with the election of a new Central Executive Board (CEB) to govern the international administrative and organizational aspects of the ARS. The following members were elected to serve on the 2023 – 2027 board:
- Arousyak Melkonian(Western USA) – Chairperson
- Talin Daghlian (Eastern USA) – Vice-Chairperson
- Nayiri Balanian (Eastern USA) – Secretary
- Annie Kechichian (Western USA) – Treasurer
- Irma Kassabian (Eastern USA) Accountant
- Zharmen Mirzakhanyan (Western USA) – Advisor
- Arminee Karabetian (Canada) – Advisor
- Zoya Kocharyan (Armenia) – Advisor
- Siran Ambarjian (Middle East, SOKH) – Advisor
- Liza Tchalikian Gillibert (Europe, France) – Advisor
- Nora Sevagian (Australia) – Advisor
ARS Australia congratulates Ungerouhi Nora Sevagian on her re-election for a second term on the CEB and wishes a successful term to the newly elected board.
Gratitude and thanks also to the outgoing Board for their successes under the leadership of Dr. Nyree Derderian.
Հայերէր – Read more in Armenian at Armenian Relief Society – Հայ Օգնութեան Միութիւն https://tinyurl.com/wv9d2d93
