The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) proudly participated in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) / Beijing+30, an esteemed global forum organized by UN Women at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 10-21, 2025. This significant event brought together representatives from various countries and organizations to discuss pressing issues related to women’s rights, gender equality, and empowerment.
Engagement at the UN CSW 69
The ARS delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 69), where they had the opportunity to meet and engage with Lebanon’s First Lady, Mrs. Nehmat Aoun. This interaction underscored ARS’s commitment to international collaboration in addressing women’s rights and advocacy.
As a non-governmental organization (NGO) accredited by the United Nations since 1975, under the Department of Global Communications (DGC), ARS has remained steadfast in its mission to uplift and empower women globally. In 1998, the organization further solidified its presence at the UN by obtaining consultative status on the Roster of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Active Participation in UN Panels and Discussions
Throughout the UN CSW 69 proceedings, ARS representatives from New York, New Jersey, California, Washington D.C., and Canada actively participated in various high-level engagements, including the annual Town Hall Meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, where discussions focused on civil society’s role in advancing gender equality. Additionally, ARS members took part in intellectually stimulating panel discussions hosted by the UN CSW, Permanent Missions, and other ECOSOC-accredited NGOs, contributing valuable insights during interactive question-and-answer sessions.
ARS-Led Event: “Resilience and Recovery: The Role of Women in Conflict Zones & Health Advocacy”
A major highlight of ARS’s participation at the CSW 69 was the parallel event organized in collaboration with the Armenian Legal Center on March 12, 2025. Titled “Resilience and Recovery: The Role of Women in Conflict Zones & Health Advocacy,” the event took place at the United Nations Church Center (UNCC) in New York City and featured prominent speakers advocating for women’s rights in crisis regions.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from ARS Central Executive Chairperson, Mrs. Arousyak Melkonian, setting the stage for a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion.
The distinguished panel included:
- Ms. Tereza Yerimyan, who delivered a compelling presentation on the challenges faced by women in conflict zones.
- Dr. Kevork Hagopjian, Esq., who emphasized the importance of legal protections for women in these vulnerable areas.
- Dr. Lorky Libaridian, who joined virtually from Armenia to discuss health advocacy and medical support for women affected by crises.
- Dr. Nyree Derderian, who shared powerful real-life stories of ARS’s initiatives in Armenia, Artsakh, Syria, Lebanon, and Jerusalem, while also moderating the panel discussion.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A segment, where representatives of UN member states, UN agencies, NGO leaders, and ARS members actively engaged in discussions about sustainable strategies to support women in conflict zones.
Broadcast and Global Outreach
Recognizing the importance of global engagement, the event was broadcast live via ARS’s social media channels, ensuring that audiences worldwide could benefit from the discussions. A recording of the session remains available on ARS’s Facebook and Instagram pages, further amplifying the organization’s advocacy efforts.
Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
The Armenian Relief Society remains dedicated to empowering women, particularly those in conflict zones, by advocating for legal protections, providing healthcare support, and implementing recovery programs. As an active participant in the UN Commission on the Status of Women, ARS reaffirms its mission to foster resilience and empowerment among women in Armenia and across the globe.
Through its continued involvement in global policy discussions and grassroots humanitarian initiatives, ARS is making a meaningful impact in the fight for gender equality and women’s rights worldwide.
