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Thursday, September 15, 2005

AGBU Speaker Addresses Inaugural Press Conference and Workshop for
58th UN DPI/NGO Conference in New York

On Tuesday, September 6, 2005, AGBU speaker, Rita Balian, was invited
by the United Nations (UN) Department of Public
Information/Non-Governmental Organizations (DPI/NGO) Conference Media
Committee as a representative of almost 700 NGOs from 86 countries to
speak at this year’s 58th DPI/NGO Conference
() Inaugural Press Conference at UN
headquarters in New York which was attended by major media
outlets. Balian was the first representative of an Armenian NGO to be
given the honor of representing all participating NGOs.

This year’s conference, entitled “Our Challenge: Voice for Peace,
Partnerships and Renewal,” explores the UN’s commitment to the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and comes at a critical time for
the UN as it re-evaluates its future and mission. Adopted by the UN in
2000, the MDGs outline a strategy to alleviate extreme poverty,
provide universal education, ensure gender equality, combat AIDS and
other diseases, encourage environmental sustainability and develop
global partnerships for development.

Spearheaded and organized by AGBU UN Representative, Adrienne
Alexanian, AGBU’s involvement in this year’s conference included the
sponsorship of a workshop on September 7, 2005 entitled, “Successful
Development Programmes in Education and Healthcare through
Partnerships.” Alexanian was also an active member of both the
planning and media committees for the three-day event that took place
from September 7 – 9, 2005.

Each year, AGBU selects an individual to highlight a project making an
impact in Armenia or the Armenian Diaspora. This year, Rita Balian,
President and CEO of the Armenian American Cultural Association and
founder of the Armenian American Wellness Center (AAWC) in Yerevan,
Armenia, was invited to participate in an AGBU-organized workshop that
was jointly sponsored with the International Council of Nurses and
Felician College. Balian is also the co-president of the AGBU
President’s Club and the founder of the AGBU New York Summer Intern
Program. The Wednesday workshop focused on the interrelated issues of
technology and education in advancing development in healthcare.

In the Spotlight

Alexanian, on behalf of AGBU, nominated Balian for the honor of
speaking at the inaugural press conference as a representative of all
attending NGOs and in recognition of her notable achievements to the
Armenian community. This important press event, which kicked off the
three-day global gathering, was attended by major media outlets and
included presentations from Jim Wurst, UN Correspondents Association
President; Shashi Tharoor, Under-Secretary-General for Communications
and Public Information at the UN; Joseph Donnelly, Chair of the 58th
Annual DPI/NGO Conference, Anwarul Chowdjury; UN High Representative
for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Least Developed Countries
and Small Island Developing States; and William Pace, Executive
Director of the World Federalist Movement.

Success at Partnering in Education and Healthcare

Moderated by Adrienne Alexanian, AGBU’s workshop featured three
distinguished speakers: Dr. Mary Norton, Professor and Associate Dean
at Felician College (USA); Rita Balian, Founder of Armenian American
Wellness Center (Armenia); and Dr. Micaela Iovine, Senior Programme
Officer, Global Programme, Council for International Exchange of
Scholars. Norton spoke about an e-learning nursing program at both
Felician College and the University of Jordan that have partnered to
produce this innovative program. With the support of private industry
and government funding, the e-curriculum augments the accessibility of
teaching staffs and resources. Iovine contributed to Norton’s
presentation by discussing relevant fellowships in the field.

Balian spoke extensively about the creation of the AAWC and its
important impact on the Caucasus region. Saving the lives of thousands
of women, over 10,000 women have benefited by the Center’s breast
screening technology and other preventative services. Pointing out the
challenges that she confronted when AAWC was first established in
1997, the Center is undergoing an extensive renovation in a five-story
building donated by the government of the Republic of Armenia and will
become a “mini-Mayo clinic” for the region.

Audience members were invited to participate in a question and answer
period with the panel and share information about similar projects in
other parts of the world.

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with
an annual budget of $26 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the
Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and
humanitarian programs, annually serving some 400,000 Armenians in 35
countries. AGBU has been a registered NGO at the United Nations since
1989.