The prestigious Global Leadership Program (GLP) gives high-performing young Armenians the opportunity to learn new skills that will enhance their leadership potential, that will promote individual progress and development, and that will foster a support network of cohorts of community leaders and aspiring professionals . With placements in stimulating environments, each participant is connected with professional mentors, thus getting a quick start in building their network as they acquire new skills. In addition, identity affirmation activities focus on strengthening leadership skills and personal growth and development.  

The program was created in New York in 1987 by Rita and Vartkess Balian to implement their vision of keeping the Armenian community strong and relevant to each generation. The Global Leadership Program UGAB (formerly NYSIP) has quickly established itself as a premier program for generations of Armenian leaders. Its great success prompted sister expansion programs around the world, including in Los Angeles (1989), Paris (2003), Yerevan (2007), Moscow (2010), London (2015), Buenos Aires (2017) and more recently from Boston ( 2019).

Attracting the best and brightest Armenians from around the world, the program matches participants with leading mentors and host institutions that represent the best of each host city. The program is structured to include a series of events and activities, including professional and personal development seminars and cultural activities and discussions. EMPOWERS hands-on experience giving participants the resources they need to forge their paths and compete in the global market.

To date, the UGAB Global Leadership Program has hundreds of connected peers who have increased the diaspora at the top of their fields and communities. Our accomplished alumni continually give society, so many supervisors and new generations to become world leaders and make generous contributions that support the work of UGAB.