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AGBU Speaker Addresses Inaugural Press Conf for 58th UN DPI/NGO, NY

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  • AGBU Speaker Addresses Inaugural Press Conf for 58th UN DPI/NGO, NY

    PRESS RELEASE
    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: www.agbu.org


    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
    (http://unngodpiconference.org) 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 (www.agbu.org) 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.
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