Yerevan /Mediamax/. Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) and Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) announce a new format of cooperation aimed at development of Armenia and preservation of Armenian identity all over the world.

For better coordination of activity of the two organizations, IDeA co-founder Ruben Vardanyan has been elected a member of AGBU Central Board of Directors. Accordingly, Berge Setrakian and Vasken Yacoubian have been elected to the Board of Trustees of the IDeA Foundation joining current board member Noubar Afeyan.

“As part of our new initiatives, I am particularly proud and excited to welcome Ruben Vardanyan to the Central Board of AGBU. Having known Ruben for over 20 years, I consider him a true role model of a successful Armenian through his many achievements and unwavering personal integrity. Through his work, Ruben demonstrates a combination of vision, passion and devotion towards the future of the Armenian Nation. As a modern, entrepreneurial philanthropist he brings exciting innovative ideas and strong synergies through the IDeA Foundation, with whom AGBU has already been collaborating through the UWC Dilijan College. Finally, as a citizen of Russia he helps us reach out to the important Armenian communities in Russia and Eastern Europe. We are very much looking forward to his contributions to our new strategic aspiration”, commented Berge Setrakian.

Mediamax notes that speaking at the American University of Armenia on January 31, 2015, Berge Setrakian said:

“Let’s forget about charity for a moment. Presently, one of AGBU’s main areas is to engage and work with such individuals as Ruben Vardanyan, Sam Simonian and Eduardo Eurnekian – these are people who spare no effort to help Armenia. One of the things we consider is how we can create new jobs in Armenia. All our efforts are committed to this end today”.

Ruben Vardanyan, Founder of the IDeA Foundation, said:

“I feel privileged and honored to join the Central Board of AGBU. This institution has been one of the most significant drivers of the survival of Armenians in the last century through its sustained and fine work in service of the Armenian Nation and its many communities across the world. AGBU is in a great position to influence future prosperity in the Homeland and redefine what it is to be Armenian in the 21st century. I am deeply committed to contributing my energy, know-how, philanthropic capabilities and network to this fine institution. I also look forward to the budding collaboration between AGBU and IDeA Foundation as well as to our planned steps towards creating a powerful force for the advancement of Armenians throughout the world.”

On the occasion of this announcement, Central Board member Noubar Afeyan commented:

“Since joining the AGBU board over two years ago, I have had the pleasure to work closely with President Berge Setrakian and many members of the central board to expand the vision for AGBU’s future.  We have worked closely with Ruben and his team at IDeA Foundation to develop a roadmap for AGBU 2.0.  During this time, we have also forged a growing and successful strategic collaboration with the pioneering TUMO Centers initiative founded and led by long-time AGBU board member and philanthropist, Sam Simonian.  With my longtime partner Ruben now joining the AGBU board, we all look forward to engaging in the next phase of transformation.  Buoyed by the energy and strength Armenians showed during the centennial, we remain cognizant of the opportunities and challenges we will face.”

“This marks an exciting phase of advancement and partnership for AGBU”, commented Sam Simonian, Vice President of AGBU’s Central Board. “I especially look forward to strengthening AGBU’s educational offerings by leveraging TUMO Centers, IDeA’s UWC Dilijan College, American University of Armenia, and many other new initiatives”, he added.