The Conference of Armenian National Committees and Offices officially opened in Yerevan on September 25, bringing together representatives from Armenian National Committee structures in nearly 20 countries, along with representatives of ARF bodies.

The conference is aimed at reviewing the work of the past period, assessing the challenges facing Armenia and the Armenian people, and defining priorities for the next phase of activity. Participants are also expected to consider tactical adjustments in light of shifting regional and international developments.

The opening ceremony began with the national anthems of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh.

Messages from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, were presented to participants.

Opening remarks were delivered by ARF Bureau representative Armen Rustamyan, ARF Supreme Council of Armenia representative Ishkhan Saghatelyan, Armenian National Committee Central Council Chairman Hagop Der Khatchadourian, European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy President Kaspar Karampetian, and Armenian National Committee of America spokesperson Elizabeth Chouldjian.

Rustamyan addressed the changes in the military and political landscape of the South Caucasus following the wars of recent years, arguing that the threats and challenges confronting the Armenian people require a comprehensive reassessment. He also criticized the policies of Armenia’s authorities, contrasting them with what he described as the Armenian National Committee network’s mission to defend Armenian national identity, statehood, sovereignty and national rights.

Saghatelyan addressed what he characterized as recent unfounded attacks by Armenia’s authorities against Armenian National Committee structures, stressing that the network’s activities are focused on advancing the interests of Armenia and the Armenian people. He highlighted efforts to restrict military assistance to Azerbaijan, defend the right of forcibly displaced Armenians of Artsakh to return, secure the release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, and advocate for Armenian positions on international platforms.

Der Khatchadourian outlined the principal areas of activity of the global Armenian National Committee network, including strengthening Armenian statehood, defending the rights of the Armenians of Artsakh, advancing international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and issues of restitution, protecting the rights of Armenian communities throughout the Diaspora, and encouraging greater political participation among Armenian youth.

He also addressed the deterioration of relations with Armenia’s current authorities, saying that Armenian National Committee structures would continue their work despite significant disagreements.

The opening program also featured films highlighting the activities of Armenian National Committees and Offices around the world, while participants gave interviews to various media outlets.

Over the coming sessions, delegates are expected to review the work carried out by Armenian National Committee structures over the past two years, assess the changing political and security environment surrounding Armenia and Artsakh, and establish priorities for the network’s international activities in the period ahead.

The conference will continue through September 28.