Harold Takooshian, Fordham University

“How are Armenians involved with the United Nations today?” This question was the focus of an unusual if not overdue forum held on May 15, 2026 at Fordham University in New York City, with 30 Armenians who serve in diverse parts of the United Nations.

In addition to the Armenian Mission to the United Nations (since 1992), over 100 Armenians are now scattered throughout the UN system—its governments, agencies (like UNICEF and WHO) and its 6,657 ECOSOC non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

This four-part forum began with a welcome message by Bryan Ardouny, the Director of the Armenian Assembly of America, spoke of his new leadership role in the UN Conference on Non-Governmental Organizations (CoNGO) at the UN. Bryan introduced Peter Preziosi who described his role as the new President of CoNGO. Zhirayr Ananyan described his years of diplomatic work with the Mission representing the Republic of Armenia in the UN—a small but immensely active team, especially on human rights.

Several others described their diverse roles among the UN NGOs: Emma Arakelyan, Houry Geudelekian, Ani Kalayjian, Souren A. Israelyan, Arpine Korekyan, Talin Daghlian, Harold Takooshian, Anahid Ugurlyan.

These messages segued into an open discussion about Armenians at the UN. Due to limited time, many participants suggested to re-gather soon, for more focused discussion of how Armenians can better network across the UN.

Forum #2 will be held in June of 2026.

During this forum, attorney Bryan Ardouny accepted an Outstanding Achievement Award for his 21 years of leadership at the Armenian Assembly.

Harold Takooshian, who edits a series of books with the UN, invited proposals for a timely volume on any aspect of Armenians working with the United Nations.

This forum was organized by seven community associations: The Armenian Assembly (AAA), Armenian Bar Association (ArmenBar), Armenian Behavioral Science Association (ABSA), Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA), Armenian Relief Society (ARS), Meaningful World, and Orion Worldwide Innovations. For any details, contact takoosh@aol.com.