A conference of Armenian National Committee offices and chapters around the world vowed to step up advocacy efforts on behalf of Artsakh Armenians and those being held hostage in Azerbaijan, as well as to advance justice for the Armenian Genocide and human rights around the world. The held its official opening in Yerevan on Friday, bringing together representatives from Armenian National Committee structures in nearly 20 countries, along with representatives of Armenian Revolutionary bodies from around the world. The conference reviewed past efforts and strategies, assessing the challenges facing Armenia and the Armenian people, and defining priorities for the next phase of activity. Participants also considered tactical adjustments in light of shifting regional and international developments. The opening ceremony began with the national anthems of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh. Messages from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, were presented to the conference participants. Opening remarks were delivered by ARF Bureau representative Armen Rustamyan, ARF Supreme Council of Armenia representative Ishkhan Saghatelyan, Armenian National Committee Central Council Chairman Hagop Der Khatchadourian, European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy President Kaspar Karampetian, and Armenian National Committee of America spokesperson Elizabeth Chouldjian. Catholicos Karekin II hosted the conference participants at the Mother See of Etchmiadzin on Monday. Der Khachadourian briefed the pontiff on the discussion held at the conference and outlined the priorities and upcoming initiatives of the international Armenian National Committee offices. Subsequently, Karekin II conveyed his blessings and appreciation to the attendees, emphasizing the importance of the consistent efforts being made to defend Armenian interests and raise awareness of pan-Armenian issues on international platforms. The meeting addressed the challenges facing Armenia and regional developments, as well as issues regarding the protection of the rights of forcibly displaced Artsakh Armenians, the release of Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan, and the preservation of Artsakh’s Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage. In this context, the imperative of pooling the potential of national institutions to resolve pan-national issues and strengthen the homeland was emphasized. Attention was also drawn to concerns regarding issues facing the church, especially the reprehensible campaign unleashed by Armenia’s authorities against the Armenian Church and the obstacles that are being created. “The importance of the Armenian Church’s mission—centered on spiritual salvation and the preservation of the nation—was underscored in the context of strengthening the people’s spiritual life, preserving national identity, and reinforcing Armenian statehood,” said a statement issued by Etchmiadzin on Monday.