WATERTOWN, Mass.—The Armenian Relief Society, Inc. announced the appointment of Houry Guedelekian as coordinator of the ARS, Inc. activities at the United Nations.

Guedelekian, who has been a resident of New York for almost three decades, will be operating from Manhattan, representing the ARS at United Nations official activities as well as in meetings and projects initiated by various Non-Governmental Organizations in affiliation with the UN’s Department of Public Information (DPI) and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

“The ARS, Inc. Central Executive Board appointed a committee to oversee the ARS activities within the UN, but the strategy developed by the committee needs permanent presence and participation in various UN activities. This cannot be accomplished without a dedicated staff member, and this was recognized during the ARS, Inc. 69-th International Convention,” said ARS Central Executive Board member Rosie Bedrosian.

Geudelekian will carry out the objectives of the ARS at the UN, as identified by the Central Executive Board. For 2011, these priorities include women’s health and maternal health, and women’s financial independence. “We are fortunate to have Houry join our team. Her experience in business, marketing, and public relations will advance our goals at the UN including partnerships with the international community to reach sustainable solutions for Armenia’s and the diaspora communities’ social and economic needs,” said Stephanie Killian, ARS, Inc. UN Committee Chairperson.

“It is an honor for me to be associated with an organization serving Armenian communities around the world for over 100 years within the realm of United Nations. I look forward to serving the humanitarian goals of the ARS, the oldest international Armenian women’s organization in the world, and tackle the nuances of the UN system while walking in the shadow of all the Armenian women who paved the way for me, including my mother and grandmother,” said Houry Guedelekian

The ARS, Inc. UN office can be contacted by calling (917) 965-5592 or emailing unngo@ars1910.org.

The ARS, Inc. is a 501©3 non-profit organization on the roster with the UN Economic and Social Council since 1989. Established in 1910, the ARS operates in 27 countries serving humanitarian needs of Armenians and non-Armenians alike.