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Press Release
28 June 2024
Armenia is restoring soil health through agricultural recarbonization
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Story
18 June 2024
In Armenia, regional conference shines light on green policies to transform agrifood systems
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Press Release
12 June 2024
1 in 4 children globally live in severe child food poverty due to inequity, conflict, and climate crises – UNICEF
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Armenia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Armenia:
Press Release
20 June 2024
UNIDO, EU and Armenia jointly celebrated World Accreditation Day 2024
WAD 2024 theme, “Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future,” highlights the important role of accreditation in ensuring confidence in new technologies, digitalization, and sustainability amid transformative changes in the world. The celebration brought together representatives from various stakeholders, including regulatory bodies in the fields of technical regulation, quality infrastructure institutions, accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), the business sector, clients and potential clients of ARMNAB. ARMNAB is the only body that provides accreditation services to conformity assessment bodies in Armenia and ensures the implementation of accreditation process in compliance with international standards.“Accreditation is very important because it helps build trust in the public sector and among consumers. It also benefits the private sector, which needs finding ways to improve its quality, processes, and infrastructure, and requires a reliable institution for accreditation. In Armenia, that institution is ARMNAB. The European Union is happy to support the overall quality infrastructure in Armenia, and we will continue to do so jointly with our partners,” said Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation at EU Delegation in Armenia in his welcome speech. "Accreditation and conformity assessment ensure that products, services, and procedures meet the strict standards of quality, safety, and reliability. Compliance with these standards is the key to innovation, economic prosperity and sustainable development. On World Accreditation Day, I call on everyone to recognize and appreciate the efforts of all those involved in the accreditation and conformity assessment process," said Araks Kurghinyan, Acting Head of Quality Infrastructure Development Department, RA Ministry of Economy in her speech.Following the welcome speeches, Ani Obosyan, the Director of ARMNAB, presented role of accreditation in quality infrastructure, reflecting on the current state, legislative field, and regulations. Obosyan stated that to date, ARMNAB has issued accreditations to 86 testing and calibration laboratories, product, management systems, physical persons certification bodies, control performing bodies, and qualification check performing bodies. The conformity assessment documents issued by them ensure the marketing of products and provision of services in Armenia and the international
market. During the event, speakers including invited partners from the national accreditation bodies of Georgia and Greece, emphasized that by applying national and international standards, governments, regulatory bodies, businesses and society shall have confidence in test results, inspection reports, and certifications.The WAD 2024 celebration was supported by UNIDO through the project “Support to Quality Infrastructure in Armenia” which is funded by the EU. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the National Institute of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) to provide sustainable and internationally recognized metrology services. This initiative aligns with Armenia's commitment to implementing the CEPA Agreement with the EU, enhancing trade competitiveness, and maximizing the associated benefits. For more information, please contact
Cong WU, Project Manager at C.WU@unido.org or
Mane Tapaltsyan, National Project Coordinator at m.tapaltsyan@unido.org
market. During the event, speakers including invited partners from the national accreditation bodies of Georgia and Greece, emphasized that by applying national and international standards, governments, regulatory bodies, businesses and society shall have confidence in test results, inspection reports, and certifications.The WAD 2024 celebration was supported by UNIDO through the project “Support to Quality Infrastructure in Armenia” which is funded by the EU. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the National Institute of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) to provide sustainable and internationally recognized metrology services. This initiative aligns with Armenia's commitment to implementing the CEPA Agreement with the EU, enhancing trade competitiveness, and maximizing the associated benefits. For more information, please contact
Cong WU, Project Manager at C.WU@unido.org or
Mane Tapaltsyan, National Project Coordinator at m.tapaltsyan@unido.org
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Press Release
14 June 2024
Nearly 400 million young children worldwide regularly experience violent discipline at home – UNICEF
NEW YORK, 11 June 2024 — Nearly 400 million children under 5 — or 6 in 10 children within that age group globally — regularly endure psychological aggression or physical punishment at home, according to new UNICEF estimates. Of them, around 330 million are punished by physical means.The findings also emphasize the crucial role of play in children’s development and the mental health of children, parents, and caregivers in response to data that highlights the prevalence of inadequate caregiving, including stimulation and interaction at home.“When children are subjected to physical or verbal abuse at home, or when they are deprived of social and emotional care from their loved ones, it can undermine their sense of self-worth and development,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Nurturing and playful parenting can bring joy and also help children feel safe, learn, build skills, and navigate the world around them.”More and more countries are prohibiting physical punishment against children in the home. Over half of the 66 countries that have banned the practice have enacted legislation within the past 15 years, but this still leaves around half a billion children under the age of 5 without adequate legal protection.Globally, harmful social norms that underpin violent childrearing methods persist, with slightly more than 1 in 4 mothers and primary caregivers indicating that physical punishment is necessary to raise and educate children properly, according to the findings.The data – released on the first-ever International Day of Play – also underscore disparities in caregiving practices and access to play opportunities. For example, new estimates show that approximately 4 in 10 children aged 2-4 years do not get enough responsive interaction or stimulation at home, meaning they may experience emotional neglect and a sense of detachment, insecurity, and behavioural issues that can persist into adulthood. Meanwhile, 1 in 10 misses out on activities with their caregivers that are critical to promoting cognitive, social, and emotional development, like reading, storytelling, singing, and drawing.The data also show that around 1 in 5 children aged 2-4 years do not play with their caregivers at home, while roughly 1 in 8 under age 5 do not have toys or playthings at home.Studies show that evidence-based parenting programmes improve caregiving, reduce family violence and maltreatment, and enhance the mental health of children and parents. These programmes include coaching on positive approaches, building strong parent-child relationships, and supporting play, nonviolent discipline, and communication.To ensure every child grows up feeling safe and loved, UNICEF calls on governments to strengthen efforts and investment in:· Protection: Strengthening legal and policy frameworks that prohibit and end all forms of violence against children in the home;· Parenting support: Scaling up evidence-based parenting programmes that promote positive, playful approaches, and prevent family violence;· Playful learning: Expanding access to learning and play spaces for children, including preschools, schools, and playgrounds.“On the first International Day of Play, we must unite and recommit to ending violence against children and promoting positive, nurturing, and playful caregiving,” added Russell.
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Press Release
14 June 2024
1 in 4 children globally live in severe child food poverty due to inequity, conflict, and climate crises – UNICEF
NEW YORK, 12 June 2024 – Around 181 million children worldwide under 5 years of age – or 1 in 4 – are experiencing severe child food poverty, making them up to 50 per cent more likely to experience wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition, a new UNICEF report reveals today.For the first time, Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood analyses the impacts and causes of dietary deprivation among the world’s youngest people in nearly 100 countries, and across income groups. It warns that millions of children under the age of five are unable to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet to sustain optimal growth and development in early childhood and beyond.Children who consume, at most, two of eight defined food groups are considered to be in severe child food poverty. Four out of five children in this situation are fed only breastmilk/milk and/or a starchy staple, such as rice, maize or wheat. Less than 10 per cent of these children are fed fruits and vegetables. And less than 5 per cent are fed nutrient-dense foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, or meat.“Children living in severe food poverty are children living on the brink. Right now, that is the reality for millions of young children, and this can have an irreversible negative impact on their survival, growth and brain development,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Children who consume just two food groups per day, for example rice and some milk, are up to 50 per cent more likely to experience severe forms of malnutrition.”The report warns that while countries are still recovering from the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of growing inequities, conflicts, and the climate crisis have pushed food prices and the cost of living to record high levels. Of the 181 million children living in severe food poverty, 65 per cent reside in just 20 countries. Around 64 million affected children are in South Asia, and 59 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa.In the Gaza Strip, months of hostilities and restrictions on humanitarian aid have collapsed the food and health systems, resulting in catastrophic consequences for children and their families. Five rounds of data collected between December 2023 and April 2024 have consistently found that 9 out of 10 children in the Gaza Strip are experiencing severe food poverty, surviving on two or fewer food groups per day. This is evidence of the horrific impact the conflict and restrictions are having on families’ ability to meet children’s food needs – and the speed at which it places children at risk of life-threatening malnutrition.The report finds nearly half (46 per cent) of all cases of severe child food poverty are among poor households where income poverty is likely to be a major driver, while 54 per cent – or 97 million children – live in relatively wealthier households, among whom poor food environments and feeding practices are the main drivers of food poverty in early childhood.Several factors are fueling the child food poverty crisis, including food systems that fail to provide children with nutritious, safe and accessible options, families’ inability to afford nutritious foods, and parent’s inability to adopt and sustain positive child feeding practices. In many contexts, cheap, nutrient-poor and unhealthy ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages are aggressively marketed to parents and families and are the new normal for feeding children. These unhealthy foods and beverages are consumed by an alarming proportion of young children experiencing food poverty, displacing more nutritious and healthier foods from their daily diets.To end child food poverty, UNICEF calls on governments, development and humanitarian organizations, donors, civil society and the food and beverage industry to urgently:· Transform food systems so that nutritious, diverse and healthy foods are the most accessible, affordable and desirable option for caregivers to feed young children.· Leverage health systems to deliver essential nutrition services to prevent and treat malnutrition in early childhood, including support for community health and nutrition workers to counsel parents and families on child feeding and care practices.· Activate social protection systems to address income poverty through social transfers (cash, food and vouchers), in ways that are responsive to the food and nutrition needs of vulnerable children and their families.#### Categories of child food poverty If children are fed: 0–2 food groups/day, they are living in severe child food poverty,3–4 food groups/day, they are living in moderate child food poverty,5 or more food groups/day, they are not living in child food poverty.
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Press Release
12 June 2024
Ready, Set, Safe: World Food Safety Day 2024-Prepare for the Unexpected
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly with key partners in Armenia observes the World Food Safety Day under the theme " Prepare for the Unexpected." This year's theme emphasizes the importance of readiness for unforeseen food safety incidents, ranging from minor local events to major international crises. Every year, approximately 600 million people worldwide suffer from around 200 different types of foodborne illnesses, with 420,000 preventable deaths, the burden falling most heavily on the poor and young. Ensuring food safety is not only critical to food security but also vital in reducing foodborne diseases, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. In light of the recent flooding in Armenia, the urgency of preparing for unexpected events that threaten food safety has never been more apparent. Floods in Lori and Tavush contaminated water supplies and food sources, exacerbating the risk of foodborne illnesses and highlighting the need for robust food safety measures in Armenia. Every year, World Food Safety Day serves as a crucial reminder that food safety is a collective responsibility. On this day, we highlight that while everyone from producers to consumers must play their part to ensure the food on our plates is safe, there are situations where the unexpected intervenes. Preparedness is of paramount importance, especially when there is a risk of natural disasters. While other threats like power outages, food poisoning, and imported product outbreaks are also concerning, there is always something we can do to prevent illness. In our interconnected global food supply chain, food safety hazards can quickly escalate from a local issue to an international emergency.Ensuring food safety is one of the important and urgent priorities of every country and Armenia is not an exception. The development and improvement of food safety policies in order to ensure the health of consumers is one of the government priorities in the Republic of Armenia. Armenia has made significant strides in improving food safety through adherence to globally recommended standards. As part of worldwide celebrations, Armenia will also honor individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the food safety. This recognition underscores the importance of collective efforts and the impact of dedicated work in ensuring the safety of food systems.FAO and WHO teams in Armenia have jointly promoted the multisectoral One Health approach and supported Armenia’s commitments to developing and updating national food safety emergency response plans. Commitment of the Government of Armenia reflected in strengthening national scientific, analytical, and technical capacities in risk analysis, early warning systems for food safety, and response to food safety emergencies which was supported by FAO. Whereas, WHO played a critical role in supporting the Government of Armenia in implementation of the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) – a multisectoral assessment of country capacities to prevent, detect and rapidly respond to public health risks. The JEE helped the country identify the gaps within human and animal health systems and provided the Government with recommendations including those related to food safety and AMR. JEE findings, will provide guidance for developing the National Action Plan for Health Security. Furthermore, FAO and WHO worked hand in hand with Armenia over many years for enhancing the policy framework and bolstering the capacity of national laboratories and related infrastructure for collecting and sharing data on the detection of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial residues and supported the development of national strategy and its multi-sectoral action plan to prevent and control spread of AMR in Armenia. Key Facts and Figures: • One in ten people worldwide falls ill from contaminated food each year, affecting all countries. Over 200 diseases are caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances such as heavy metals. • Children under 5 make up 9% of the population but carry 40% of the foodborne disease burden. • Food safety standards protect the lives of all and the livelihoods of many, establishing criteria that food should meet to protect consumers and build confidence in the product. • The Codex Alimentarius Commission has been setting international food standards for 60 years. The Codex Alimentarius, or "Food Code," is a collection of standards, guidelines, and codes of practice adopted by the Commission, established by FAO and WHO.
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Story
21 February 2024
UN Armenia's Victory at My Forest Armenia’s Nature Quiz Night
Recently our partner organization, My Forest Armenia NGO, hosted the Nature Quiz Night to contribute knowledge and environmental advocacy. The event was full of excitement as 12 teams of 96 participants gathered to test their knowledge of the environment, climate, nature and forests.Among the participants, the UN Armenia team stood out for its dedication to sustainability, climate action and unwavering commitment to the environmental conservation. On behalf of UN Armenia, 960 trees were planted as a reward for the achievement. "In addition to being a great success, we were able to collaborate and share knowledge with each other, demonstrating our commitment to combat climate change and further improve environmental management," noted Team UN member, Marianna Kocharyan, UNDP Programme Associate. “It was a great opportunity to help a cause, and at the same time to demonstrate what real UN teamwork should look like, having so much fun in the process,” highlights Mher Manukyan, UNFPA Communications Associate. “For me the Nature Quiz Night was an amazing experience of harmonious collaboration in a team with enjoyment of a process and summit feeling of exhilaration and pride for the “green” victory!”, notes Ms. Naira Harutyunyan, Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Expert at FAO Armenia.Over the past few years, #TeamUN has been actively involved in nature-friendly projects, including the ambitious initiative to plant 18,000 trees in the UN Forest in Lori. Each tree planted symbolized a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for Armenia.This victory achieved by UN Armenia serves as another milestone in ensuring the protection of the environment and community development in Armenia.
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21 June 2024
In Armenia, regional conference shines light on green policies to transform agrifood systems
Yerevan, Armenia – 11 June, 2024 – The impacts of COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and climate change continue to challenge the resilience and sustainability of agrifood systems in Armenia and throughout the region. Addressing these challenges will require the promotion of increased environmental sustainability and ecologically sound and socially responsible agriculture practices that consider economic dimensions. The Regional Conference on Green Agriculture was held from 29–31 May in Yerevan, Armenia, with more than 50 participants in person and many more online. The event was opened by United Nations Resident Coordinator Francoise Jacob and by Raimund Jehle, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in Armenia.The FAO event convened representatives from various sectors – including government, academia, civil society and the private sector – from Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova and Uzbekistan. The aim of the conference was to exchange experiences and facilitate discussions regarding the status of green agriculture and green policies, with a focus on leveraging innovation and technology to advance the green transformation in agrifood systems, both regionally and globally.The UN Resident Coordinator emphasized the importance of understanding the complexity of agrifood systems transformation, highlighting the pivotal role played by green agriculture, innovation and youth in addressing these challenges.FAO Representative in Armenia, for his part, underscored the significant efforts and achievements in Armenia in implementing the country’s national pathway for agrifood systems transformation and the ongoing monitoring of progress.“Armenia stands as a front runner in agrifood systems transformation,” said Raimund Jehle.In a journey across the globe, the conference highlighted successful green agriculture practices from various regions. Highlights from Asia included the MIDORI strategy on sustainable food systems in Japan and the constitutional recognition of organic farming laws in the Philippines. The inter-regional platform on water scarcity in the Near East and North Africa and the Voluntary Guidelines on Agro-Environmental Policies from Latin America and the Caribbean also were highlighted.These examples demonstrate the importance of raising awareness and sharing knowledge within and among regions on the role of policies to promote green agriculture, said Tania Santivanez, FAO Regional Coordinator for natural resources management, biodiversity and climate change.To strengthen the connection between evidence-based information and the design of green policies in the region, the conference on its final day featured capacity-building workshops on science–policy interfaces. Participants discussed the development of a road map for actioning science–policy interfaces at the country level, with a focus on Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Republic of Moldova and Uzbekistan.One of the main outcomes of the conference was the discussion of a master plan for green agriculture. This comprehensive plan of action serves as a compass to guide further strategic actions at the country level, aiming to develop national road maps for three pilot countries – Armenia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan – in line with FAO’s Strategic Framework and the four betters.Progress in green agricultureThe agricultural sector in Armenia, which contributes 12 percent of the country’s gross domestic product and employs 25 percent of its workforce, is making significant strides in green practices to align with global environmental goals for food security and sustainability.Key initiatives include state assistance for leasing agrifood equipment, supported by green finance initiatives such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s Green Economy Financing Facility and the European Union Green Agriculture Initiative in Armenia project on green agriculture. Despite such challenges as natural resource depletion and climate change, Armenia is progressing in adopting green practices, supported by the development of a national road map, and the establishment of a Regional Green Agriculture Network aimed at enhancing policy coherence and agrifood system resilience.
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27 May 2024
UNIDO, EU and Armenia Jointly Celebrated the World Metrology Day 2024
[Yerevan, Armenia, 20 May] – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the European Union (EU) Delegation to Armenia, and the National Body of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) of Armenia jointly celebrated the World Metrology Day 2024. This annual event honors the signature of the Metre Convention (French: Convention du Mètre), also known as the Treaty of the Metre, that was signed in Paris on 20 May 1875 by representatives of 17 nations. The Convention sets the framework for the International System of Units and global collaboration in the science of measurement, as well as its industrial, commercial, and societal applications. The primary goal of the Convention is to ensure worldwide uniformity of measurement. During WMD 2024 event, the National Body for Standards and Metrology of Armenia (NBSM) hosted representatives from key national institutions, the business sector - clients and potential clients of NBSM services, manufacturers of measuring instruments, representatives from academia and universities, testing laboratories, as well as representatives from other quality infrastructure institutions. WMD 2024 theme “We measure today for a sustainable tomorrow” puts in center the concept of sustainability we are pursuing in all nations to address various challenges in all aspects of society and in our daily life and advance sustainable development goals (SDGs). "As a result of a properly functioning metrology system, the quality of Armenian manufactured goods will be brought to international standards. This is sound stimulus to eliminate technical barriers to trade, supporting our manufacturers to become competitive at international market”, -remarked Albert Babayan, Director of NBSM, reflecting on NBSM services, achievements, ongoing initiatives and outlined future. “The European Union has been involved in quality infrastructure development initiatives in Armenia since 2009. Our cooperation has included development of strategy for quality infrastructure with the Armenian government and compilation of a legislative package, including the Uniformity in Measurement Law. Recognizing the importance of metrology, the EU has invested €4 million to upgrade Armenia's metrology system through a UNIDO project. Accurate measurements across various industries help governments, enterprises, and individuals make informed choices that contribute to a more sustainable future”, - highlighted Karen Azaryan, Trade Officer at EU Delegation in Armenia. “Apart from other goods we are producing measuring instruments. Having our products listed in RA Measurement Instruments Register will allow us to export our devices to third countries avoiding technical barriers. These types of events are crucial for establishing connections between state bodies and the private sector. We value not only the formal registration of our products but also the consultancy services provided by the National Body for Standards and Metrology,"-said Robert Tovmasyan, General Director of “Yeghitsi Luys” Ltd., a manufacturer of electrical systems and compressors said. The celebration consisted of the three modules: 1. Presentations from NBSM and invited speakers on the role of metrology in advancing sustainability and recent development in metrology system in Armenia related to legal framework, institutional arrangement, technical capacity development of calibration laboratories, 2. A guided tour to NBSM laboratories - giving opportunity to visitors to show metrology work and glean insights. The tour reward with behind-the-scenes details about calibration and measurements, how the work is done and what motivates metrologists to do their job, 3. Exhibition of measuring instruments produced by Armenian manufacturers, showcasing their products and services. 1st module: presentations were demonstrated on the role of metrology in advancing sustainability and recent developments in Armenia's metrology system, including legal frameworks, institutional arrangements, and the technical capacity development of calibration laboratories. All speakers and presenters emphasized the pivotal role of metrology in supporting public and private initiatives through accurate and reliable measurements, thereby contributing to economic prosperity, the wellbeing of the population, and the protection of our planet. 2nd module: participants were offered a guided tour to NBSM’s mass and thermal calibration laboratories to observe metrology work and gain insights into the details of calibration and measurements. 3rd module: visitors attended an exposition of measuring instruments produced by Armenian manufacturers, which were showcased for this event in NBSM building, becoming familiar with the products and services of local manufacturers. Certificates were awarded to partner institutions and NBSM beneficiaries acknowledging their contributions in the development of metrology in Armenia. The WMD 2024 celebration was supported by UNIDO through the project “Support to Quality Infrastructure in Armenia” which is funded by the EU. The main objective of the project is to establish and equip four calibration laboratories in NBSM, in order to provide sustainable and internationally recognized metrology services to stakeholders within the country, ultimately supporting Armenia to implement the CEPA Agreement with the EU for improved trade competitiveness and meaningful utilization of the benefits.
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23 May 2024
Armenia hosts the Nepalese delegation within the frames of the Armenia-Nepal VNR Twinning programme
From 12 to 18 May 2024, Armenia hosted a high-level delegation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to Armenia within the framework of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Voluntary National Review (VNR) Twinning Study Tour initiative. This study tour aimed to strengthen cooperation and knowledge sharing in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) between the two countries, noting the various similarities between the countries and the development opportunities. During the launch event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UN Residence Coordinator Ms. Françoise Jacob welcomed the delegates on behalf of the UN Country Team in Armenia and highlighted the importance of exchange and collaboration between the two countries, particularly since they are engaged in presenting their VNRs this year. She emphasized the role of VNRs in assessing and accelerating SDG implementation in the countries, the opportunity for a critical and comprehensive overview of country advancement, and, of course, their importance as an accountability and transparency tool for the public. She also noted the opportunities for the collaboration between the two countries, focusing on environmental challenges in landlocked mountainous countries. During the mission, the Delegation visited the National Assembly to discuss parliamentary engagement in the SDG processes, the Statistical Committee to review the SDG monitoring process and had meetings at the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure as well as the Ministry of Environment. The Delegation held consultations with the Deputy Foreign Minister on strengthening cooperation and underlined the importance of joint side events within the framework of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July. One of the highlights of the mission was the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Yerevan and Nepal Chamber of Commerce. This will create opportunities for further collaboration between the two chambers. Within the framework of the ESCAP VNR Twinning programme, visits and meetings were planned to the relevant departments and agencies, where the officials from Nepal got introduced to the strategies and sectoral programs of the Republic of Armenia, study tours to organizations in the field of information technology, scientific and educational centers, as well as field visits to get familiarized with infrastructure and environmental projects carried out in Armavir and Gegharkunik regions.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, being the host of the Twinning programme, confirmed its willingness for further cooperation and collaboration beyond the presentations of their VNRs in July, with a particular focus on monitoring mission achievements.
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08 May 2024
FAO Project Supports Refugee Households in Armenia to Access Agricultural Land
In response to the displacement of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh in late September 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a project aimed at supporting refugee households in Armenia to access agricultural land. Many of these displaced individuals, who were engaged in farming activities, have resettled in rural areas of Armenia where agriculture represents their primary means of livelihood.During November – December 2023, the refugee families which had recently settled in rural areas of Tavush Province were interviewed, as part of an FAO-led internal context analysis to solicit their interest in engaging in agricultural activities. The outcome of this analysis was used to identify the settlements in Tavush with potentially most refugee households interested in acquiring access to agricultural land.This project that was officially launched in January 2024, aims to facilitate access to land for refugee families while boosting local agricultural production for domestic consumption. Through targeted support, FAO seeks to establish linkages with local value chains and ensure social cohesion within communities.During the initial phase of the project, which commenced in February and March 2024, FAO worked closely with refugee households in three settlements in Tavush and Lori Provinces. Six refugee households in the Tavush settlement and eight in the Chinari settlement have confirmed their interest in accessing agricultural land. Additionally, efforts are underway to contact private landowners who are not utilizing their land, inquiring if they would be interested in leasing it out to refugeehouseholds. Lease agreements for the first ten land parcels are currently being prepared and are expected to be signed during April 2024. In Achajour settlement, there are some refugee families that are currently interested in access to land. Simultaneously, as the process of identifying potential matches between landowners and refugee households progresses, FAO are also identifying and mapping out the additional requirements of refugee households related to initiating agricultural production."The project aims to provide a sustainable solution for refugee households to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. By facilitating access to agricultural land and providing necessary support, we aim to empower these households to engage in agricultural production and contribute to increased agricultural output in Armenia" says Vahan Amirkhanyan, Technical Coordinator of the project. Despite challenges such as unresolved inheritance issues among landowners and restrictions on land ownership for foreign citizens, FAO remains committed to facilitating lease agreements and addressing the needs of refugee households.Moving forward, FAO will continue its work with supporting refugees in Tavush and Lori Provinces, with project activities fully underway. FAO will work closely with development partners to meet the identified needs of refugee households and promote agricultural development in Armenia. For additional information:FAO Programme CoordinatorBotagoz NartayevaEmail: botagoz.nartayeva@fao.orgMobile: +374 43381219Online presencePhotos FAO FlickrFAO newsFAO press releases RSS feed@FAOnews TwitterFAO Representation in ArmeniaGovernmental bld. No 3, 3rd floor, room 362Yerevan 0010, Republic of ArmeniaTel.: +374-10-525453FAO-AM@fao.orgMailing Address:UN House, 14 P. Adamyan Street. FAO Box 0010 Yerevan,Republic of ArmeniaEmail: FAO-AM@fao.orgURL:http://www.fao.
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30 April 2024
Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan and FAO Representative Raimund Jehle convene for productive talks on collaboration
On April 16, the Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan and Deputy Minister of Economy Arman Khojoyan met with Raimund Jehle, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN in Armenia.Gevorg Papoyan thanked FAO for its effective cooperation related to the support in creating resilient and sustainable food system. He stressed that it was of great importance for the economy of Armenia. He also highlighted the importance to support further digitalization of the sector. He made specific reference to the importance of safeguarding the livelihoods of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and welcomed FAO’s current work in this regard supporting refugees utilizing innovation and best practices from other countries that can be replicated in Armenia.Jehle expressed his appreciation for productive collaboration between the Ministry and FAO. He reaffirmed the commitment of FAO in continuous cooperation with the Ministry of Economy in the field of food systems transformation and emphasized the importance of advancing the cooperation with the focus on FAO's "Four Betters": better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life for all. Underscoring the pivotal role of agriculture in Armenia's economic development, Jehle elaborated, "Our joint efforts in shaping sector strategies exemplify our close cooperation. As the FAO, we are committed to support the Government of Armenia with implementing sectoral reforms, innovative projects, and capacity-building initiatives." He also made reference to the upcoming 34th Session of the FAO European Regional Conference in Rome and invited the Minister to attend.The meeting covered a range of relevant topics, from the current state of agriculture in Armenia to strategies for enhancing forest resilience and pasture management in the face of climate change impacts. Discussions also revolved around expanding adaptation measures, advocating for sustainable land management practices and increasing access to agricultural land, as well as promoting green agriculture development in rural areas.
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Press Release
01 July 2024
Armenia is restoring soil health through agricultural recarbonization
The RECSOIL initiative aims to address the pressing issue of soil degradation highlighted in the FAO's 2015 Status of the World’s Soil Resources report, which states that approximately 33 percent of global soils are moderately to highly degraded due to unsustainable agricultural practices, erosion, salinization, compaction, acidification and chemical pollution of soils. Annually, the world loses an estimated 75 billion tonnes of soil from arable land, costing about USD 400 billion each year in lost agricultural production.Through the RECSOIL initiative, the GSP seeks to empower Armenian farmers to implement sustainable soil management practices. This initiative not only focuses on enhancing soil health but also measures and assesses the impact of these practices over time.Supported by funding from the European Commission, reflecting the EU’s strong commitment to sustainable agriculture and soil health, FAO hosted a stakeholder workshop led by Michaela Brown, FAO’s Soil and Climate Change Specialist from the Land and Water Division (NSL).The workshop started with the welcoming speech of Ms. Botagoz Nartayeva, FAO Programme Coordinator, who emphasized the importance of the initiative “Agriculture does not have to degrade soils. On contrary, climate smart agriculture can restore soil nutrients, conserve water and prevent soil erosion. That is exactly what this initiative promotes - sustainable farming with lasting impact on Armenia's agricultural landscape.”Following Ms. Botagoz Nartayeva’s address, Ms. Varsik Martisrosyan, the Head of Department of plant breeding of the Ministry of Economy highlighted the project significance. She remarked: “Given the significance of land resource conservation and climate change adaptation policies, this project holds great importance for Armenia. It aims to empower land users to conserve and enhance land resources by employing effective and contemporary technologies. Additionally, the initiative will enhance the capabilities of the institutions engaged in this sector.”The workshop brought together government officials, representatives from academia, and various stakeholders involved in agriculture, plant protection to align the initiative's objectives with national priorities and define pathway for implementation of such important initiative. Through the partnerships with government bodies, farmers’ associations, and scientific institutions in Armenia, the RECSOIL initiative aims to empower local communities with knowledge and resources to improve soil health sustainably.During the workshop, around 40 participants were introduced to RECSOIL's approach and involved in selection of the project sites. The participants were introduced to the project activities, data collection methodologies as well as informed about global practices and engaged in discussions regarding the potential challenges to the project's implementation.
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Press Release
01 May 2024
Global immunization efforts have saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years
The study, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), shows that immunization is the single greatest contribution of any health intervention to ensuring babies not only see their first birthdays but continue leading healthy lives into adulthood. Of the vaccines included in the study, the measles vaccination had the most significant impact on reducing infant mortality, accounting for 60% of the lives saved due to immunization. This vaccine will likely remain the top contributor to preventing deaths in the future.Over the past 50 years, vaccination against 14 diseases (diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, measles, meningitis A, pertussis, invasive pneumococcal disease, polio, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, tuberculosis, and yellow fever) has contributed to reducing infant deaths by 40% globally, and by more than 50% in the African Region."Vaccines are among the most powerful inventions in history, making once-feared diseases preventable,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Thanks to vaccines, smallpox has been eradicated, polio is on the brink, and with the more recent development of vaccines against diseases like malaria and cervical cancer, we are pushing back the frontiers of disease. With continued research, investment and collaboration, we can save millions more lives today and in the next 50 years.”The study found that for each life saved through immunization, an average of 66 years of full health were gained – with a total of 10.2 billion full health years gained over the five decades. As the result of vaccination against polio more than 20 million people are able to walk today who would otherwise have been paralysed, and the world is on the verge of eradicating polio, once and for all.Released ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to take place in May 2024, the study is the most comprehensive analysis of the programme’s global and regional health impact over the past five decades. Founded in 1974 by the World Health Assembly, EPI's original goal was to vaccinate all children against diphtheria, measles, pertussis, polio, tetanus, tuberculosis, as well as smallpox, the only human disease ever eradicated. Today, the programme, now referred to as the Essential Programme on Immunization, includes universal recommendations to vaccinate against 13 diseases, and context-specific recommendations for another 17 diseases, extending the reach of immunization beyond children, to adolescent and adults.The study highlights that fewer than 5% of infants globally had access to routine immunization when EPI was launched. Today, 84% of infants are protected with 3 doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) – the global marker for immunization coverage.Nearly 94 million of the estimated 154 million lives saved since 1974, were a result of protection by measles vaccines. Yet, there were still 33 million children who missed a measles vaccine dose in 2022: nearly 22 million missed their first dose and an additional 11 million missed their second dose. Coverage of 95% or greater with 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine is needed to protect communities from outbreaks. Currently, the global coverage rate of the first dose of measles vaccine is 83% and the second dose is 74%, contributing to a very high number of outbreaks across the world. To increase immunization coverage, UNICEF, as one of the largest buyers of vaccines in the world, procures more than 2 billion doses every year on behalf of countries and partners for reaching almost half of the world’s children. It also works to distribute vaccines to the last mile, ensuring that even remote and underserved communities have access to immunization services.“Thanks to vaccinations, more children now survive and thrive past their fifth birthday than at any other point in history,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “This massive achievement is a credit to the collective efforts of governments, partners, scientists, healthcare workers, civil society, volunteers and parents themselves, all pulling in the same direction of keeping children safe from deadly diseases. We must build on the momentum and ensure that every child, everywhere, has access to life-saving immunizations.”Since the study only covers the health impact of vaccination against 14 diseases, the number of lives saved due to vaccination is a conservative estimate and not a full account of the life-saving impact of vaccines. Societal, economic or educational impacts to health and wellbeing over the 50 years have also contributed to further reductions in mortality. Today, there are vaccines to protect against more than 30 life-threatening diseases. Global immunization programmes have shown what is humanly possible when many stakeholders, including heads of state, regional and global health agencies, scientists, charities, aid agencies, businesses, and communities work together. Today, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and BMGF are calling on world leaders to advocate, support and fund vaccines and the immunization programmes that deliver these lifesaving products – reaffirming their commitment to public health, while celebrating one of humanity’s greatest achievements. The next 50 years of EPI will require not only reaching the children missing out on vaccines, but protecting grandparents from influenza, mothers from tetanus, adolescents from HPV and everyone from TB, and many other infectious diseases.
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Press Release
25 March 2024
Call from 100+ Pantheon of Global Leaders for Urgent Agreement on Governments to Reach Ambitious & Equitable International Deal to Prepare for and Prevent Future Pandemics
Former UN General Secretary Ban-ki Moon, New Zealand’s former Prime Minister Helen Cark, former UK Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, former Malawi President Joyce Banda, former Peru President Franciso Sagasti, and 3 former Presidents of the UN General Assembly are amongst 100+ global leaders, from all continents and fields of politics, economics and health management who today issued a joint open letter urging accelerated progress in current negotiations to reach the world’s first ever multi-lateral agreement on pandemic preparedness and prevention. “A pandemic accord is critical to safeguard our collective future. Only a strong global pact on pandemics can protect future generations from a repeat of the COVID-19 crisis, which led to millions of deaths and caused widespread social and economic devastation, owing not least to insufficient international collaboration,” the leaders write in their joint letter.In the throes of the Covid-19 disaster which, officially, claimed 7 million lives and wiped $2 trillion from the world economy, inter-governmental negotiations to reach international agreement on future pandemic non-proliferation were begun in December 2021 between 194 of the world’s 196 nations. Nations set themselves the deadline of May 2024 by which they should reach agreement on what would be the world’s first ever Pandemic Accord.The ninth round of Pandemic Accord negotiations are underway this week and next. Signatories of today’s open letter hope their combined influence will encourage all 194 nations to maintain the courage of their Covid-years conviction and make their own collective ambition of an international pandemic protocol a reality by the intended May deadline to enable ratification by the World Health Assembly at its May 2024 Annual General Assembly.And they urge negotiators “to redouble their efforts” to meet the imminent deadline and not let their efforts be blown off course by malicious misinformation campaigning against the WHO, the international organisation which would be tasked with implementing the new health accord.Taking a swipe at those who wrongly believe national sovereignty may be undermined by this major international step forward for public health the signatories say “there is no time to waste” and they call on the leaders of the 194 nations taking part in the current negotiations to “redouble their efforts to complete the accord by the May deadline.”The letter, hosted on the website of The Office of Gordon and Sarah Brown states, “Countries are doing this not because of some dictum from the WHO – like the negotiations, participation in any instrument would be entirely voluntary – but because they need what the accord can and must offer. In fact, a pandemic accord would deliver vast and universally shared benefits, including greater capacity to detect new and dangerous pathogens, access to information about pathogens detected elsewhere in the world, and timely and equitable delivery of tests, treatments, vaccines, and other lifesaving tools.“As countries enter what should be the final stages of the negotiations, governments must work to refute and debunk false claims about the accord. At the same time, negotiators must ensure that the agreement lives up to its promise to prevent and mitigate pandemic-related risks. This requires, for example, provisions aimed at ensuring that when another pandemic threat does arise, all relevant responses – from reporting the identification of risky pathogens to delivering tools like tests and vaccines on an equitable basis – are implemented quickly and effectively. As the COVID-19 pandemic showed, collaboration between the public and private sectors focused on advancing the public good is also essential.”“A new pandemic threat will emerge; there is no excuse not to be ready for it. It is thus imperative to build an effective, multisectoral, and multilateral approach to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Given the unpredictable nature of public-health risks, a global strategy must embody a spirit of openness and inclusiveness. There is no time to waste, which is why we are calling on all national leaders to redouble their efforts to complete the accord by the May deadline.”“Beyond protecting countless lives and livelihoods, the timely delivery of a global pandemic accord would send a powerful message: even in our fractured and fragmented world, international cooperation can still deliver global solutions to global problems.”
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Press Release
27 November 2023
United States supports WFP’s assistance to refugees in Armenia
With the generous support of the U.S. Government, WFP plans to reach approximately 20,500 people who have fled hostilities and are now living in the Ararat, Kotayk, and Gegharkunik regions. These regions host one of the highest numbers of refugees outside of Yerevan.
“We are grateful to the U.S. Government for the support during this emergency. This donation supports our efforts to ensure the well-being of thousands of refugees residing in Armenia, providing them daily access to food,” says WFP Representative and Country Director in Armenia Nanna Skau.
As part of the crisis response, WFP will provide food parcels to assist 20,000 refugees in covering their food needs over three months, contributing to improved livelihoods. Additionally, WFP will provide three hot meals each day for 500 refugees for three months totalling 135,000 hot meals. WFP will help distribute hot meals through mobile kitchens, school canteens, and arrangements for elderly residents.
“While providing urgent assistance for the upcoming winter, it's important to plan the next phase of support. This involves moving beyond immediate relief to strategies that stabilize lives and promote social cohesion,” added Saku.
In addition to immediate food assistance, WFP, with this contribution, will conduct a Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment to support evidence-based decision-making and its overall response planning. The comprehensive analysis will cover all regions, with a particular focus on areas where refugees have settled.
WFP is supporting the Government of Armenia through a range of initiatives, including emergency food assistance and cash-based transfers, nutritional support, and resilience-building.
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Press Release
01 December 2023
Announcement. “SUITCASE 2023” annual journalism award
This year, materials published during the period of 28 November 2022 to 4 December 2023 can be submitted for the contest.
Eligible materials include:
Printed / online articles in the press / blogs / news websites.
Online journalistic videos
Online radio stories, podcasts
Online / printed photo galleries with human-interest story pictures
The materials can cover one or more of the following groups of people and/or topics:
Asylum seekers and issues faced by them.
Refugees, other forcibly displaced people and issues faced by them.
Migrants and issues faced by them.
Stateless persons and their situation.
Returnees and issues faced by them, reintegration.
Communities hosting refugees; challenges faced by hosts.
Situation of forcibly displaced persons.
Solutions to issues faced by refugees and host communities.
Support from international community; international protection of refugees.
Refugees’ access to jobs, education, and services.
Contribution of refugees to host communities.
Contribution of host communities to refugee protection and assistance.
Migration processes.
The contest is open to journalists and media actors working in television, radio, print media, electronic media, independent bloggers, photographers, and multimedia professionals.
NB: Please note that media materials developed in the frame of any grant project, on a fee-for-service basis, will be considered ineligible.
The submitted materials will be evaluated by the Jury, and the winners of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be announced at the closing ceremony in December 2023.
The materials must be submitted by 23:59, 4 December 2023, to ghalamka@unhcr.org, along with the following mandatory information:
the author’s (authors’) name(s) and surname(s), phone number, e-mail address.
date of publication, link to the source, additional justification of the authorship (if the applicant deems necessary), name of the media outlet.
In case of questions please contact us at 095 005 313 (Aramazd Ghalamkaryan, UNHCR), 091 520 254 (Nelly Davtyan, MCS) or 091 506 884 (Shushanik Nersesyan, PIN).
Suitcase 2023 Journalism Award is aimed at motivating high-quality thematic media coverage. Since 2010, by encouraging the production of professional and impressive media content on the processes relating to refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, returnees, and migrants in Armenia, we aim to inspire journalists to apply more comprehensive, accurate and impartial approaches in media work with displaced persons and migrants. Suitcase 2023 is funded by the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), by UNHCR Armenia, IOM and UN Armenia.
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Resources
22 December 2023
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