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Yerevan to Host The Assyrian World Conference: Uniting Voices, Empowering Identity |
This ambitious initiative aims to unite the various components of the Assyrian community—including civil society organizations, unions, institutions, associations, academics, intellectuals, and technocrats—in a serious effort to coordinate and consolidate efforts in service of Assyrian causes, regardless of regional or linguistic designations.
The conference's preparatory committee has outlined several key objectives, including:
- Empowering Assyrians to face modern-day challenges,
- Reviving and promoting a unified Assyrian national identity,
- Working toward local, regional, and international recognition of that identity,
- Securing Assyrian national, cultural, and constitutional rights in their historic homeland and diaspora communities, in accordance with international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Additionally, the conference seeks to foster solidarity, communication, and cooperation among Assyrian institutions worldwide, while also strengthening the role of Assyrian women in national activism.
At the conclusion of the conference, new members will be selected to expand and support the preparatory committee. This renewed body will be tasked with following up on the conference’s resolutions and preparing for future sessions.
In a statement, Dr. George Marcus, a member of the preparatory committee, explained that the idea for a global Assyrian conference had been in development for more than five years. He noted that it arose from a shared desire among various institutions and individuals to create a collective working structure. The primary goal, he said, is to "redraw the roadmap for organizing and unifying efforts to achieve the legitimate rights of the Assyrian people—both in their ancestral lands and across the diaspora—as guaranteed by international law, allowing them to live in peace and dignity, and to bring their voices to global decision-making platforms."
Dr. Marcus also highlighted that the committee includes both independent personalities and representatives of Assyrian organizations from around the world. While some disagreed with the committee’s general direction, and others sought personal gain, the majority embraced a realistic and pragmatic approach to national issues.
Jamil Diarbakerli, Executive Director of the Assyrian Monitor For Human Rights and member of the organizing committee, emphasized that the conference is not about unrealistic ambitions or false promises. Instead, its focus is clear: “To bring together as many committed Assyrian activists from around the world as possible, creating a space for networking, dialogue, and the sharing of experiences—toward a common vision for our people.”
Diarbakerli underscored that the conference does not aim to form an Assyrian parliament or impose a unified leadership. Rather, it is rooted in the belief that real change comes from the grassroots and the collaborative efforts of all Assyrians. He concluded by clarifying that the committee is not associated with any external projects or agendas beyond the declared objectives of the conference.
Ultimately, this event marks a significant step toward revitalizing collective Assyrian action on the global stage, carrying the hope of achieving tangible progress in defending the rights and identity of the Assyrian people.
