ARF Youth Conference Concludes in Yerevan

The ARF Youth and Student Organizations’ Pan-Armenian Conference took place on Nov. 8-10, at the political party’s “Aram Manougian” youth premises in Yerevan.

The ARF Youth and Student Organizations Pan-Armenian Conference delegates at the “Aram Manougian” Youth premises, in Yerevan

Twenty-five delegates from 17 chapters across the world—including from Canada, the United States, South America, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Lebanon, Iran, Artsakh, and Armenia—participated in the conference. Representatives from Syria joined the conference via Skype. Members of the ARF Youth Council also attended.

On the conference’s 3-day agenda was the 18-month activities report of the organizations; an ARF Youth Office report; the “ARF Youth Concept and Strategic Objectives” fact sheet; discussion about pan-Armenian youth activities prior to the Armenian Genocide Centennial; upgrading the ARF Junior Organizations’ jamboree events in Armenia and Artsakh; and a presentation of a two-year action plan. Participants also had attended a talk by ARF Bureau member Davit Lokyan on “Armenia’s geopolitical and economical present state and perspectives.”

Various opinions and suggestions were voiced during the conference, especially on the need to expand the range of activities in Armenia and Artsakh; to commemorate the Genocide Centennial on a large scale and set it as a landmark date for a new phase of the Armenian Cause; to adopt a more influential presence in the field of foreign affairs; to upgrade the internal organization of the chapters; and to deepen their political and educational activities.

The conference highlighted the significance of holding similar events in the future, to allow for further exchange of opinions and concerns, and help one another draw up new projects.

At the closing session, the head of the ARF Youth Office, Sarkis Mkrtchian, and Youth Council member Mourat Topalian, addressed the conference attendees.