Building on a longstanding tradition of providing Armenians with educational and cultural opportunities, the AGBU Global Leadership Program was launched in 1987 through the dedication and leadership of Vartkess and Rita Balian. The Balians designed and nurtured the program for 20 years with a clear vision to develop and unite the next generation of Armenian leaders. From across the globe, young professionals connected through the unprecedented opportunity to learn, grow, and network with community leaders in the heart of New York City and subsequently other cities around the world.

For 8 weeks each year, participants gathered in the bustling global city for a life-changing experience. They left more connected to their peers, more deeply rooted in their heritage, and more aware of their professional and personal ambitions.

The success of the flagship program in New York inspired the launch of sister programs throughout the world, including in Los Angeles (1989), Paris (2003), Yerevan (2007), Moscow (2010), London (2015), Buenos Aires (2017) and most recently Boston (2019).

As AGBU GLP continues to evolve, our alumni are consistently recognized as exemplary members of their communities and pioneers in their professions. We are proud to acknowledge this reality as a testament to our program values and the overall AGBU mission.

AGBU currently operates the program in Boston, Buenos Aires, London, New York, and Yerevan.