Dr. Irina Ghaplanyan Appointed to TAAL Board of Directors
Former Deputy Minister of Environment of Armenia and World Bank Senior Climate Change Specialist Joins Prominent Armenian Advocacy Organization
Los Angeles – The Truth and Accountability League (TAAL), a leading Armenian-focused watchdog and advocacy organization, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Irina Ghaplanyan to its Board of Directors. Dr. Ghaplanyan, Senior Climate Change Specialist at the World Bank Armenia and former Deputy Minister of Environment for the Republic of Armenia, brings exceptional expertise and an accomplished record of leadership to TAAL’s mission of confronting anti-Armenian racism, disinformation, and hate.
Founded in 2020 in response to a dramatic surge in anti-Armenian racism, defamation, hate crimes, and Armenophobia, TAAL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Los Angeles. The organization monitors and addresses discrimination, propaganda, and slander targeting the Armenian people and culture across media, academia, policy circles, and digital platforms.
Dr. Ghaplanyan is widely regarded as a visionary leader in political science, climate policy, and international diplomacy. An Atlantic Council Millennium Fellow, she is a published author and an expert in political leadership, transitional states, environmental management, gender in conflict, and security studies. Her distinguished career spans working at globally recognized institutions such as the World Bank Group, Food and Agriculture Organization, UNDP, Georgetown University, Eurasia Foundation, and Chatham House, as well as academic appointments at the American University of Armenia.
Vic Gerami, founder of the Truth and Accountability League, stated, “Welcoming Dr. Irina Ghaplanyan to the Truth and Accountability League’s Board of Directors marks a pivotal milestone in our ongoing mission to defend the Armenian people and confront disinformation and prejudice wherever they arise. Irina is a visionary leader whose intellect, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice embody the very values TAAL was created to uphold.
Her deep understanding of complex political realities and her steadfast dedication to principled action will significantly enhance our ability to challenge false narratives and protect the dignity of our heritage. Having worked closely with her and featured her in my documentary ARTSAKH: Armenian Genocide Continues, I can personally attest to her insight, passion, and strength of character.
With her guidance and partnership, TAAL is better equipped than ever to hold power accountable and to safeguard the truth for generations to come.”
Dr. Ghaplanyan holds a Doctorate in Political Science from the University of Cambridge, a Master’s in Diplomatic Studies from the Diplomatic Academy of London, and a Bachelor’s in International Relations from the University of Malta. In 2015, she was recognized as one of the top social venture entrepreneurs by the Global Good Fund Leadership Program in Washington, D.C., for her pioneering work in sustainable business and social entrepreneurship in Armenia. Her recent book, Post-Soviet Armenia: The New National Elite and the New National Narrative, was published by Routledge.
Dr. Irina Ghaplanyan, newly appointed to the Truth and Accountability League’s Board of Directors, stated, “It is an honor to join the Truth and Accountability League’s Board of Directors and to stand with an organization that defends truth and justice for Armenians worldwide. TAAL’s unwavering commitment to confronting disinformation and prejudice is essential at this critical moment for our community.”
She continued, “I have long admired Vic Gerami’s principled leadership and tireless advocacy on behalf of Armenians everywhere, and I am proud to join him and the board in advancing this vital mission.”
Two years ago, the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations and LA vs. Hate selected TAAL as its sole Armenian-American advocacy partner for its unique service and impact. TAAL’s achievements include securing Artsakh recognition from the cities of West Hollywood and Burbank, producing celebrity-driven public service announcements urging the reporting of hate crimes, hosting town halls to address anti-Armenian racism, and campaigning against Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29.
About the Truth and Accountability League (TAAL)
Truth and Accountability League (TAAL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization with roots in defending Armenian identity and culture. Today, TAAL has grown into a broader platform dedicated to combating hate, discrimination, and disinformation affecting marginalized communities, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, ethnic and cultural minorities, and other underrepresented groups.
TAAL monitors and challenges bias across media, academia, public policy, and cultural institutions. The organization provides educational programs, resources, and training to empower communities and individuals with the knowledge and tools to recognize, confront, and prevent prejudice, disinformation, and harmful narratives.
Our mission is to advance equity, promote accountability, and foster understanding, ensuring that all communities, including those of Armenian heritage, are represented, respected, and supported.
About Dr. Irina Ghaplanyan
Dr. Irina Ghaplanyan is a political scientist, climate negotiator, and published author. She earned her Doctorate in Political Science from the University of Cambridge, a Master’s in Diplomatic Studies from the Diplomatic Academy of London, and a Bachelor’s in International Relations from the University of Malta. Dr. Ghaplanyan served as Deputy Minister of Environment for the Republic of Armenia from 2018 to 2020 and currently serves as Senior Climate Change Specialist for the World Bank Group and International Expert on Climate Change for the FAO. She teaches at the American University of Armenia and has held positions with UNDP, Georgetown University, Eurasia Foundation, and Chatham House. Recognized internationally for her work in sustainable development and social entrepreneurship, she received the Global Good Fund Leadership Award in 2015. Her most recent book, Post-Soviet Armenia: The New National Elite and the New National Narrative, was published by Routledge.
