AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, June 22, 2009
AGBU & United Nations Development Programme Fundraise for Gyumri State
Technical College
The AGBU-United Nations Special Interest Group (UN-SIG), working in
cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted
its second benefit reception in support of UNDP Armenia’s Vocational
Education and Training (VET) Project on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at the
Megerian Rug Gallery in New York City. Approximately eighty guests were
present at the event, including AGBU and UN dignitaries.
UNDP in Armenia, with the financial help of the Government of Denmark,
launched the "Modernization of Vocational Education and Training System"
Project, aimed at strengthening and enhancing the vocational-technical
education in Armenia. AGBU, in its commitment to education, partnered
with UNDP to raise funds for socially disadvantaged students at Gyumri
State Technical College. The College specializes in the training of
railway technical staff and is the only institution of this specialty in
Armenia. Currently, more than 36,000 students are enrolled in Armenia’s
vocational education schools. These students are underserved due to
inadequate school facilities, a lack of educational materials, and other
shortcomings.
"The AGBU-UN SIG is proud to help sponsor UNDP’s VET Project," stated
Yelena Ambartsumian, AGBU’s Main Representative to the UN. "We feel that
it is a very worthwhile program, because of its focus on education and
channeling assistance to the regions of Armenia." The benefit reception
raised approximately $4,000, which will cover tuition debts of 20
high-achieving students at Gyumri State Technical College.
The benefit reception included remarks by His Excellency Armen
Martirosyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN, an address by Lousia Vinton,
Senior Program Manager and Team Leader, UNDP Western CIS and Caucasus,
and an engaging speech by Ian Bremmer, Founder and President of Eurasia
Group. Dr. Bremmer’s comments and view of the current global situation,
from Armenia to Iran, North Korea to China, captivated and thoroughly
entertained the audience.
During the reception, guests were treated to music provided by DJ Ash
Krikorian. As a special gift, each guest received a signed copy of
Bremmer’s book "The Fat Tail: The Power of Political Knowledge for
Strategic Investing."
Megerian Rugs () graciously offered their gallery to
host the benefit reception and donated a handmade rug, created in
Karabakh, which was featured in a silent auction at the event.
To make a donation or for general inquiries, please visit agbu.org/un.
To view photos from the event, visit flickr.com/agbu.
Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually serving some
400,000 Armenians on six continents.