On July 18, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Foreign Minister of Armenia, delivered a speech at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development held under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council.

In his remarks, FM Mnatsakanyan mentioned that the process of nationalization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is accompanied with ambitious reform project undertaken by the new government of Armenia. He underlined the links and cooperation between the government of Armenia and the UN Armenian Team, which are particularly directed towards encouraging innovative initiatives. Within the implementation process of Sustainable Development Goals, Minister attached great importance to the role of the viable and strong civil society -an integral part of the Armenian public life.

In terms of the effective implementation of the UN 2030 agenda, Minister Mnatsakanyan also underlined the importance of regional and subregional cooperation, noting that not only can it serve as a basis for strengthening the mutually beneficial links between the neighboring states, but it can also be an important tool for establishing confidence.

In his speech, the Foreign Minister of Armenia also referred to Armenia’s first National Voluntary Review, delivered the day before within the framework of the High-level Political Forum, summarizing the progress in sustainable development agenda as well as aims and targets derived from it.

Presenting the changes and developments that followed the Armenian velvet revolution, FM Mnatsakanyan underlined that the new government, based on the wide mandate bestowed upon it by the people, is implementing a comprehensive reform agenda directed at protecting the rule of law and strengthening justice, fight against corruption, granting of equal opportunities in economic and social spheres.