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AGBU Germany’s 4th Anniversary statement reflects four years of impactful work, from supporting displaced Armenians and empowering women in Armenia to raising awareness in Germany.
Berlin – December 10, 2024
Today, we proudly mark the fourth anniversary of AGBU Germany, a milestone intertwined with the spirit of Artsakh. December 10 holds profound significance—not only as the anniversary of Artsakh’s historic 1991 referendum but also as a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of the Armenian people.
Since our founding in 2020, we have worked tirelessly as the German Chapter of the largest Armenian nonprofit organization in the world. This year, our collective efforts have been more critical than ever, as challenges facing Armenians globally continue to grow.
Highlights of Our Impact in 2024
Support for Displaced Armenians from Artsakh
Thanks to the generosity of our members and donors, AGBU Germany raised over $25,000 USD for the AGBU Global Relief Fund. These funds supported initiatives providing:
- Over 400,000 warm meals and 31,000 food packages to displaced Artsakh Armenians.
- Free healthcare, trauma counseling, vocational training, adult education, warm clothing, and heating through programs like the AGBU Claudia Nazarian Polyclinic, which builds trust by employing professionals from Artsakh.
This humanitarian assistance continues to be a lifeline for thousands in desperate need.
Empowering Women in Armenia
For International Women’s Day 2024, we organized a raffle in collaboration with talented female Armenian artists to support businesses led by women in Armenia. Proceeds went to EmpowerHer by AGBU, a program dedicated to fostering economic opportunities and leadership for Armenian women.
InnovatEd Talks by our Career & Education Department
In 2024, AGBU Germany’s Career & Education Department launched the InnovatEd Talks podcast, featuring six exceptional guests discussing innovation, education, and career growth. Topics ranged from advancing AI in Armenia (Suzanna Shamakhyan) and empowering innovators (Emma Arakelyan) to promoting women in tech (Seda Papoyan) and engineering change through education (Dr. Yervant Zorian). Practical career tips (Sebastian Dorfmeister) and AI’s impact on healthcare (Harry Glorikian) rounded out the series. Please watch the full series on our YouTube channel for inspiring insights and actionable advice.
Raising Awareness in German Media
Like in the past, AGBU Germany actively worked to amplify Armenian voices in German media. President Georgi Ambarzumjan was featured in the Bild Zeitung, addressing the dangerous rhetoric and escalating threats against Armenians and other minorities. He emphasized the enduring need to combat historical denialism and ensure the safety of all vulnerable communities.
Honoring AGBU’s Leadership Transition
In October, AGBU Germany founders Hovig Altunkaya and Georgi Ambarzumjan proudly represented AGBU Germany at the historic AGBU General Assembly in New York. This event marked a pivotal moment as Honorary President Berge Setrakian passed the mantle of leadership to Sam Simonian, renowned for his visionary work with the TUMO tech centers.
We extended our deepest gratitude to Honorary President Setrakian for decades of extraordinary service and warmly welcomed President Simonian. His focus on innovation and technology is perfectly aligned with the aspirations of Armenians in Germany and worldwide, and we are excited to support this new era of leadership.
Syria Crisis
As the situation in Syria grows increasingly precarious, the safety of the 100,000 Armenians still living there remains a serious concern. The closure of the Armenian embassy has left many vulnerable, underscoring the urgent need for advocacy and support.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on our journey since 2020, we are reminded that our strength lies in your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have not only provided tangible aid but also fostered hope, solidarity, and empowerment across our global Armenian community.
In the coming year, AGBU Germany will continue to:
- Support vulnerable Armenians worldwide.
- Promote cultural and educational programs in Germany and Armenia.
- Strengthen our partnerships with AGBU’s global network to connect German-Armenians with established AGBU programs as well as help bringing innovative initiatives to life.
On this special day, we thank you for standing with us over the past four years. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for Armenians everywhere.
With gratitude and hope,
Georgi Ambarzumjan, President
Ohanes Altunkaya, Vice President
Executive Board
Headquartered in Berlin, AGBU Germany is the first German Chapter of the New York-based Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage through educational, cultural, and humanitarian programs across the globe. AGBU has an active presence in 32 countries and 75 cities.
AGBU Germany was founded in 2020 in the awareness of its responsibility towards the Armenians in Germany, Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora. Inspired by the unwavering determination of its mother organization AGBU founded in 1906, and in appreciation and recognition of its continuous achievements, the Chapter fits as a German link into the ranks of international AGBU Chapters as well as into the global Armenian nation.
