AIWA and the United Nations

Our participation in CSW NY activities allows us to contribute to the efforts that support peace and equality around the world.

The Armenian International Women’s Association was previously accredited to the UN ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) and the UN DPI (Department of Public Information). As a member of the NGO Commission on the Status of Women, we have been hosting a parallel panel every year in March as part of the NGO CSW annual session.

On Friday March 21st, AIWA Greater NY and AIWA UN Liaison Team participated at the 69th session of the NGO Commission on the Status of Women NY with a powerful panel discussion.

The “Silent No More” panel brought together Armenian women leaders to address critical global issues—from gender equity and corporate leadership to peacebuilding and advocacy. The conversation underscored the vital role Armenian women play in shaping a more inclusive and stable future.

The momentum continued Saturday evening with When Two of Us Meet: An Armenian-American Musical in Concert by AIWA grant recipient Emily Simonian. The moving performance was followed by an exclusive reception with the cast, creative team, and special guests—including Ambassador of Armenia to the U.S., Lilit Makunts—celebrating Armenian resilience, identity, and artistic expression.

Why does the UN matter for AIWA?

Advocacy

By participating in panels, meetings and discussions, we increase the civic engagement of Armenian women and enable them to speak on behalf of others

Relevance

Having a voice and providing input means AIWA can influence the importance of Armenia and Armenian women within the global agenda of the UN.

Leadership

AIWA sets an example for others and paves the way for future leaders from the community.

UN Accomplishments

Represented as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations in New York since 1992
Sponsored several panels at the UN and participates in the NGO Commission on the Status of Women annual sessions in March
Met privately during our International Conference in Geneva with the Director General of the UN, Sergei Ordjonikidze, to discuss several issues, among them the role of women in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
authored with AGBU and ARF a joint letter to his Excellency António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, asking him to take immediate action concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (Oct 27, 2020)
4 AIWA members attended the UN Women’s Conference in Beijing, China, 1995

Representative Past AIWA UN Panels

Silent No More: Amplifying Armenian Women’s Voices — 2025
Enhancing Women’s Empowerment through Inclusive Financing and Stronger Institutions — 2024
STEM Opportunities to Advance Women & Girls in the Digital Age — 2023
From Decision Making to Financing: Achieving Gender equality in the context of climate change, environmental, and disaster risk reduction — 2022
Women’s Economic Empowerment in a Changing World of Human Environment — 2021
Elevating Armenian Women’s Role in Decision Making and Domestic/International Relations — 2020
Women as Agents of Sustainable Peace: From Revolution to Governance — 2019
Amplifying Voices and Choices: Pathways to Ensuring Rural Gender Equity — 2018
Economic Empowerment of Women: Lessons from Armenia — 2017
Development of Programs and Evaluation Methodologies Designed to Achieve Gender Equality — 2016
The Role of Men in in Preventing Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence — 2013
Rural Women: Imagery and Empowerment — 2012
Women’s Rights are Human Rights: Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights — 2008
Climate Change and the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection: Challenges for Holistic Health and Education — 2007