Former diplomat and Navy veteran has spent
nearly 14 years bringing war criminals to justice
BOSTON, May 2, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative today announced
that Raffi Gregorian, a former diplomat and Navy veteran known for
his work for the U.S. State Department, NATO, and the UN, has
joined the Board of Directors of the Initiative, which was
co-founded by his late father, Dr. Vartan Gregorian.
"Aurora empowers people who put themselves
at risk to lift up the downtrodden, the voiceless, and the
defenseless."
Raffi Gregorian was the leading force in the creation of the
UN's Office of Counter-Terrorism and in 2019, became its first
director and deputy under-secretary-general serving on the
Secretary-General's Deputies Committee.
After serving nearly 25 years in a variety of domestic and
overseas assignments related to conflict and post-conflict
challenges, Gregorian retired and now joins Aurora's distinguished
Board members, whose collective experience in creating positive
change is crucial to helping the Initiative achieve its
far-reaching objectives. Gregorian holds a doctorate in strategic
studies and international relations from The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International
Studies.
"I have known Raffi for many years, and his commitment to peace
and justice is truly remarkable," said Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora
Humanitarian Initiative and Chair of the Board. "After selflessly
serving his country, he now brings his invaluable expertise to
Aurora to help the organization achieve its bold mission. Moreover,
he will play a pivotal role in preserving and advancing his
father's esteemed legacy."
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative was launched in 2015 by
philanthropists Vartan Gregorian, Noubar
Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan.
Aurora seeks to address on-the-ground humanitarian challenges
around the world and has already benefited more than 3.2 million
people in greatest need. The Initiative's flagship program, the
Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, is uniquely dedicated to
supporting the world's unsung humanitarian heroes bringing tangible
positive change to communities that need it most. To date, Aurora
has initiated and supported more than 427 projects in 56 countries
and territories.
"I am deeply honored to join Aurora's Board of Directors. Being
part of this Initiative is special for me, because it was one of my
father's most cherished projects, so it really feels like coming
home," said Raffi Gregorian, former diplomat and Navy veteran.
"Aurora empowers people who put themselves at risk to lift up the
downtrodden, the voiceless, and the defenseless, and I am grateful
for an opportunity to assist these efforts in any way
possible."
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative will hold a special series of
events on May 8–10, 2024 in Los Angeles,
CA, organized in partnership with The Promise Institute for
Human Rights at UCLA. Leading
humanitarians will come together to discuss the world's most
pressing humanitarian issues and announce the 2024 Aurora Prize
Laureate.
About the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative seeks to address
on-the-ground humanitarian challenges around the world with a focus
on helping the most destitute. Uniquely dedicated to discovering
and supporting the world's unsung humanitarian heroes in order to
enable and raise awareness of their courageous work, Aurora has
made a significant impact on the lives of those in greatest
need.
Media Contact:
media@auroraprize.com
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SOURCE Aurora Humanitarian Initiative