On July 15, in New York, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan presented Armenia's 3rd Voluntary National Review (VNR), summarizing the progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including its goals and targets. 

The Minister's full remarks are presented below.

Following Minister Mirzoyan’s intervention, delegates of countries representing broad geographical engagement, made their assessments and asked questions on various aspects of implementation of SDGs. The list of the countries included Germany, Greece, India, Lithuania, Mexico, Lebanon and Uzbekistan. A representative of the civil society also asked a question.

“Distinguished Chair, 

Excellences, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to address this High-level Political Forum and present the third voluntary national review of Armenia.

The last four years were unprecedented due to the pandemic, acts of aggression, ethnic cleansing, and refugee crisis. Although these negative developments could potentially overturn the efforts towards the Agenda 2030, Armenia proved that it is possible to deliver on the promise of the SDGs and create hope for progress, prosperity, and peace. 

Therefore, Armenia’s 3rd VNR is about the experience of resilience, humanitarian action, and steadfast efforts towards transforming the SDGs into real benefits and building back better with a strong bearing on peace and justice at home and in the region. It is a real-time example of the impact of the nexus between humanitarian action, development and peace on the achievement of Agenda 2030.

Allow me to present a brief overview of each of the elements of the humanitarian, development and peace nexus and their interplay in Armenia’s experience of implementing the SDGs.

Humanitarian action: Struggling with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, Armenia had to face yet another calamity. The large-scale military aggression of Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh in the fall of 2020, a 10-month-long blockade, starvation and the ethnic cleansing of the region in 2023 claimed thousands of lives, caused massive destruction and humanitarian crisis. More than 115,000 forcibly displaced refugees - the entire indigenous population of the region, fled to Armenia over a few days under the threat of persecution and atrocity crimes. 

On 26 October 2023, by the Government decision, temporary protection status was granted to refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, providing access to social protection mechanisms, healthcare, education and psychosocial services for refugees. The Government’s efforts and the solidarity of the Armenian society were instrumental in addressing the immediate and medium-term needs of the refugees. Over 160 mln USD has already been spent from the national budget for accommodation, food and other essential needs through direct cash assistance and other relevant mechanisms. At the current stage the Government has launched a long-term housing program as well as taking concrete steps to address the employment issues of the refugees, 1/3 of which - teachers, medical workers, entrepreneurs have already been employed or started their own businesses.

In addition to above mentioned challenges, in 2021 and 2022 the Republic of Armenia faced large-scale military aggression and occupation of its sovereign territories, which in its turn resulted in internal displacement and major violations of the rights of the people residing in bordering regions. 

At the time of finalizing Armenia’s third VNR for submission, Armenia faced another unprecedented climate calamity due to torrential rainfall and severe flooding in May 2024 in the Lori and Tavush regions of Armenia, with significant damage to 9 urban and 28 rural communities and the critical civilian infrastructure. 

Mr. Chair, 

The next component - Development: Against all odds, Armenia maintained a steady pace of progress and sustainable development. 

Institutionally, the main development priorities of Armenia were formulated in the Armenia Transformation Strategy 2050 aimed at eradicating poverty, promoting food security, stimulating human development and environment-friendly economic growth.

Major economic reforms, effective fiscal policies and inflation targeting contributed to the steady growth of the economy with up to double-digit GDP and the overall improvement of the country’s socio-economic outlook. This enabled  the Government to deliver on its promise of leaving no one behind. In this regard, establishment of the Social Emergency Support system has been a key undertaking. The system, while continuing social assistance to the most vulnerable, conceptually aims to empower them to graduate from social dependency to self-sufficiency through income generation.

The overall unemployment rate in Armenia in the years 2020 to 2022 has decreased from 18.2 percent in 2020 to 13.5 percent in 2022, and the percentage of the population living below the national poverty line decreased from 1.1 percent to 0.8 percent, lifting thousands above the poverty line.

Armenia is committed to building a knowledge based and inclusive economy. Highly educated and talented people have always been the competitive advantage of our country. With this in mind, the allocation of resources to education has registered more than 25 percent growth during the past four years.

Aiming to provide quality education the Government has introduced merit-based compensation scheme for professionals and has been progressing on its commitment of constructing and renovating 300 schools and 500 pre-schools by 2026. To ensure sufficient nutrition of schoolchildren the Government nationalized and is successfully implementing “School feeding programme” in 10 regions of Armenia.

The Government of Armenia is paying special attention to STEM education and relevant platforms as a link to higher education and, later, high-tech industry. Here, allow me also to introduce the recent significant initiative of building the Academic city, that will ensure coherence and synergy among education, research and industry.

Armenia has elaborated a comprehensive agenda for green transition with an equal focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Specifically, in 2021, the country adopted its Nationally determined contributions for 2030 with the commitment to reduce its GHG emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 1991 levels, as well as to increase the share of green energy production, along with other provisions. To coordinate and monitor the implementation of the provisions of the Paris Agreement, the Government has established an inter-agency coordination council. Another major undertaking related to the country's green transition is the “Green Armenia” platform, which aims to ensure a high-level policy dialogue on green transition with its major development partners.

The biggest refurbishment and overhaul of the country’s nuclear power plant in conformity with international nuclear safety standards is also key to the country's carbon neutral development. Additionally,  investments in the renewable energy sector with an ambitious goal to triple the share of solar energy production to at least 15% by 2030 is high on the Government’s agenda. 

Peace at home: The Government of Armenia has been steadfast in its efforts to achieve peace, both at home and in the region. We strongly believe that sustainable development can be achieved only on the firm bedrock of strong democratic institutions, protection of fundamental human rights, justice, peace in the society and in the region.

Truly believing in citizen’s say and elections to be the most peaceful and civilized way to resolve domestic political crises, in 2021 the Government of Armenia decided to conduct snap parliamentary elections regardless of the extreme security challenges that country was facing. It is noteworthy, that these elections once again were marked as fully free and fair by all reputable international observation missions. These elections reconfirmed that democracy in Armenia is irreversible.

Building on the will of the people, the Government has continued major reforms in the governance and judiciary system, strengthening of democratic institutions and social protection and the uncompromised fight against corruption, which are among top priorities for Armenia regardless of already accomplished achievements. 

Armenia has also been consistently promoting women’s and girls’ rights, their empowerment and meaningful participation in decision-making processes in all spheres of public life - both on regional and national levels. Noteworthy, women are assuming leadership positions in legislative and executive bodies, with steadily increasing representation in security and law enforcement structures.

Democratic resilience was also instrumental in fostering strong public support for the Government’s initiatives to achieve peace in the region. 

Peace in the region: This brings me to the last but, in fact, most crucial undertaking of our country within the last years, to achieve a long-term peace and stability in our region.

Armenia is genuinely engaged to conclude the agreement on the establishment of peace and interstate relations with Azerbaijan, anchored in the principles of mutual recognition of each other’s territorial integrity and delimitation of the state border based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, and unblocking regional transport infrastructure based on full respect for the countries’ sovereignty and jurisdiction, as well as the principles of equality and reciprocity.

With this understanding, Armenia has initiated the “Crossroads of Peace” project. This project aims to develop communications between Armenia and its neighbouring countries, thus transforming the whole paradigm of relationships in the region from confrontation to mutually beneficial cooperation. 

Armenia also continuously undertakes significant efforts towards full normalization, establishing diplomatic relations and opening borders with Türkiye which, if successful, understandably will have a huge positive impact on the region.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

To conclude, I would like to emphasize that based on the lessons learned from the third VNR, Armenia will continue its efforts towards overcoming structural constraints and vulnerabilities. Advancement of democracy, human rights, rule of law, gender equality, special focus to the most vulnerable will serve as a backbone for our future action to achieve the SDGs and prepare for post-2030 action.

Thank you!”

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Question from the representative of Germany: Our comments and questions are dedicated or directed to Armenia. While we are impressed by the commitment with which Armenia is engaging in multilateral UN processes and supporting the VNR process, we congratulate you on this manifold reform process and your determination to shape Armenia’s future on the basis of regional peace, democratic principles and the rule of law. The German government is prepared to continue to support you on this path. In the chapter on education, the report rightly discussed the new vocational training law that integrates social inclusion and educational offerings for all sections of the population. The review shows very clearly Armenia’s progress on increasing the share of renewable energies in energy production and in the area of decentralization and local development. Your approach of promoting local democratization processes and transparency is fostering just national development fully in line with the 2030 Agenda. I would like to ask two questions specifically about the report. While your previous VNRs had a subchapter for each SDG, the recent report is spilled around three overarching thematic areas with a focus on the various SDGs without any indicators. What was the reasoning behind this new approach? And we welcome that Armenia’s VNR includes a chapter on the challenges and future actions. What in your view are the essential key message, mass measures to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in your country?

Question from the representative of Greec: Our question is addressed to the foreign minister of Armenia and his very comprehensive presentation. In the context of implementing SDG 13, about climate action, there are countries which are particularly vulnerable to climate change such as mountainous countries. Can you elaborate on the specific vulnerabilities of Armenia as a country with mountainous ecosystems and what are your actions for adaptation to climate change and building resilience towards new stocks and adverse imports? Thank you.

Question from the representative of India: Thank you Mr Chairman. In the case of Armenia it is impressive how progress has been maintained in the face of multiple shocks. Something that we are wrestling with in India is how to think of a growth strategy in the modern world and I just wanted to ask what Armenia is choosing to do to attract investments, particularly in newer technologies, in newer sectors. 

Question from the representative of Lithuania: Thank you Mr. President. Congratulations to Armenia on their third voluntary National Review. Your significant progress since the last review is commendable and reflects your strong commitment to achieving the sustainable development goals. One of the key points of your VNR messages is the reference to the concept of democratic resilience built on the foundation of rule of law and public trust towards institutions. One of the key elements for building public trust is ensuring that there is zero tolerance towards corruption. Could you please elaborate more on the policies or laws which you think have been the most impactful for Armenia in terms of combating corruption. Thank you.

Question from civil society: Thank you. I am Lilit Avetisyan, a LGBT+ activist from Armenia representing the local civil society organisations and coalitions. We welcome the Armenian government's third report and acknowledge its commitment to reaching all SDGs despite the crises of the recent years. We respect Armenia’s agenda on peace. We witnessed Armenia’s attempts to advance the democratic institutions and green transition, but we are also here to remind about the groups who are still left behind because of persistent gender-based violence and discrimination. We appreciate the state's reforms in the educational system, but we still have LGBT+ adults who don’t have access to education because of violence and discrimination at school and at home. We still have survivors of sexual violence and abuse who don’t get treated respectfully by law enforcements and whose experiences are disrespected publicly by state institutions. We appreciate the state's efforts in implementing legal and judicial reforms, but we still have vulnerable groups who face hate crime and discrimination because of sexual orientations and gender identity, who are left without explicit court decisions and don’t have access to justice. We appreciate the state’s tremendous efforts in crisis response especially for displaced people, but we also witnessed gender bias and discrimination which leaves women with multiple backgrounds and marginalised communities behind. As a state committed to the values of not tolerating violence and discrimination, what are the planned strategies, policies and specific actions to change the atmosphere of impunity to make the existing legal regulations support… (audio cuts). 

Question from the representative of Mexico: Thank you Mr. Chairman. Mexico congratulates both countries on their presentations. Our question is to Armenia on gender equality as the secretary SDG report shows that only 15.4 percent of goal five indicators with data are on track and women continue to be disproportionately affected by multiple crises and are under-represented in the decision making levels. So could you share Armenia’s experience of promoting full equal and meaningful participation in all areas of public life including the decision making level?

Question from the representative of Lebanon: Thank you, Mr chair, for giving me the floor. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Lebanon would like to congratulate Armenia and Nepal for their success of the presentation of the VNR, highlighting their commitment to achieve the SDGs. I wish to direct one question to Armenia. As mentioned in your VNR, education is a prerequisite for human development. What are the policies undertaken by the government of Armenia to ensure quality and inclusive education for all, in particular women and girls, refugees, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable segments of society, and to equip them with relevant skills for the job market and provide lifelong learning opportunities. 

Question from a representative of Uzbekistan: We thank Armenia and Nepal for their VNR presentations. We would like to acknowledge the efforts of both countries in the empowerment of women and girls, poverty eradication and introducing renewable energy by increasing the share of solar energy. I would like to address my question to the Honourable Minister of Armenia. The access to global markets has always been challenging for landlocked developing countries due to their structural vulnerabilities, which impact their 2030 agenda. What measures are being undertaken by Armenia as a landlocked developing country to overcome these challenges and develop efficient infrastructure and better connectivity? Thank you.

Response from the Foreign Ministry of Armenia: Thank you very much, honourable chair. Dear colleagues, thank you very much for your questions and for your interest. Indeed, the words that have been said can only encourage the Republic of Armenia to take bolder steps to achieve the SDGs and we're only happy to see that the steps that already have been taken by my government and my colleagues there in Armenia, are tangible, are efficient and also are seen for our international partners. Believe me, this is very important for us. 

Of course, understandably, I cannot now come up with very deep answers and detailed answers to your questions. But I will take care, dear colleagues, distinguished representatives of the countries and organisations, that the proper answers would be delivered to you. Now I will do my best to make just a brief, quick overview in a given time. 

So why divided or why based on 3 components? Well, the answer is very simple, dear distinguished representative of Germany, we just tried to be more innovative and also taking into account the challenges, the specific circumstances that we had there in Armenia and around Armenia and the steps that have been taken by our government. We thought it is proper to combine the SDGs and the steps taken by the government in these 3 specific groups. I hope this attempt was successful and justified. About investments and the economy, well, in my report, I have already spoken several minutes earlier about the major economic reforms, the fiscal policy, the inflation targeting, and some other steps. What I would like to add right now is, for instance, the uncompromised fight against corruption, elimination of artificial monopolies, which of course create a free and competitive environment for businesses in my country. Justice reforms and independence of judiciary is another component, a key component which gives additional confidence to businesses and investments. So we have all the necessary elements, the necessary environment in Armenia. And if your distinguished colleague or any other of our colleagues decides to quit the public service or has some money put aside and is looking for a country to invest in, then Armenia is a proper choice. Everything from our side is assured. What is needed is probably some of your own money and creative ideas, but this is not all yet. There are sectors of the economy, there are spheres that the government subsidises, for instance, interests for bank loans or gives subsidies like agriculture, like high-tech industry. For the high-tech industry, we make significant tax exemptions, etc. In addition, I would like to emphasise the infrastructure that is being built, particularly the road infrastructure that is being built currently in Armenia. During the recent 3, 4 years, we constructed almost 2,000 kilometres of roads, high quality ones. And also as you heard about our efforts to build peace and harmony in neighbourhoods, normalising relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey. Then, all the pieces of the puzzle are there.