Aurora Impact
THE AURORA
HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVE
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is a foundation that seeks to address on-the-ground humanitarian challenges around the world with the focus on helping the most destitute. Its mission is rooted in the Armenian history as the Initiative was founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors and strives to transform this experience into a global movement.
ABOUT THE AURORA PRIZE
OUR PURPOSE
On behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity is granted to those who risk their own lives to save the lives of others suffering due to violent conflict or atrocity crimes. The Aurora Prize Laureate is honored with a US $1,000,000 award and has the unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by using those funds to support grassroots humanitarians and humanitarian organizations that give a second chance to people in need.
Photo: Dr. Denis Mukwege, 2024 Aurora Prize Laureate, Founder and President of Panzi Hospital and Foundation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
THE AURORA PRIZE SELECTION COMMITTEE
Global Humanitarian Leaders Stand in Solidarity with Ruben Vardanyan
Ruben Vardanyan, Armenian philanthropist and Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, was unjustly arrested by the Azerbaijani government in September 2023. His politically motivated detention is a clear violation of basic human rights. Ruben is being held captive for his support of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and their right to a democratic and dignified life.
As members of the global humanitarian and human rights community, we call for his immediate release and urge Azerbaijan to respect the rights of Ruben and all Armenians in the region.
In Honor of Vartan Gregorian
Vartan Gregorian (1934 - 2021)
Vartan Gregorian, Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Co-Founder and member of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee, passed away in April 2021. He overcame countless challenges and built a career that spanned several decades and crossed the lines of academia, philanthropy, and culture within and beyond the United States. Committed to the eradication of genocide, discrimination, and persecution, he has become a mentor and a beacon of hope for all inspired by his empathy and determination.
Aurora is forever grateful for his vision, and his legacy will live on.
