After 14 years, ARF Panagoum returns with powerful message of unity

By Siranush Sargsyan

After a 14-year hiatus, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) relaunched its 12th pan-Armenian youth and summer camp, Panagoum, held July 15-23, 2025. The opening ceremony, near the Nemesis monument in Yerevan, drew nearly 400 participants from 17 countries.

The program began with a procession to the statue of Aram Manukyan, founder of the First Republic of Armenia, and a march through the city center. Participants also visited the Yerablur Military Pantheon and the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd.

Carrying the powerful motto, “Death or Freedom,” the young Armenians in attendance embodied a shared commitment to their nation’s future. In his opening remarks, ARF Bureau member Hovsep Ter-Gevorgyan emphasized that only a united global Armenian mobilization can overcome the serious challenges facing Armenia today. While Armenian authorities seek to distance the diaspora from Armenia, this event actively strengthens those ties.

Hundreds of young Armenians have returned to support their compatriots at a time when some youth face political hostility.

“It is through collective pan-Armenian effort that we can confront looming threats and difficulties,” Ter-Gevorgyan declared.

The Armenian Weekly