On November 1, RA NA Deputy Speaker Hakob Arshakyan participated in the "Climate Change and Energy Transition Approaches, Action Opportunities for Parliamentarians" conference.
The conference was attended by RA NA deputies, government members, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, experts of the RA NA staff, and representatives of civil society organizations.
Emphasizing that the climate crisis is one of the most severe challenges of our time and requires an immediate and unified response, in his welcoming speech, the NA Vice-President stated:
"The effects of climate change are manifested in many ways: rising temperatures, unstable weather conditions, and increased frequency of natural disasters.
In Armenia, we have experienced the consequences of climate change, from changes in the structure of agriculture to problems related to water supply and drainage. We must appreciate these realities and take decisive action to address their consequences.
Parliamentarians have assumed an important role and responsibility in this matter. Our job is to legislate, lead by example, educate, and implement policies that prioritize sustainability and resilience.
We must work together to build a sustainable energy future for Armenia to meet our present needs and prevent tomorrow's challenges.
I would like to express my gratitude to our partners for this initiative, particularly the United Nations Development Programme and our international partners, the governments of Sweden and Norway. Your commitment to supporting the potential of our Parliament is invaluable.
One of the critical topics of today's discussions is the use of available economic and financial instruments for sustainable development. We will provide insight into green financing options and sustainable investment opportunities that can leverage public and private sector investment in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.
By collaborating and leveraging our collective expertise, we can contribute to increasing resilience to climate change and implementing best practices in all areas of our public life.
Our efforts today will determine the legacy we leave to future generations. We are committed to ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future.
Thank you for your commitment to this important cause. I look forward to the new ideas and collaborations that will emerge during this conference's discussions."
During the conference, Sweden's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia, Patrick Svensson, and UNDP permanent representative in our country, Natia Natsvlishvili, also spoke with welcoming words. It was noted that the sectoral reform programs implemented in Armenia will be continuous. In this regard, the involvement of the RA National Assembly in the development and implementation of environmental policies was emphasized. In 2026, Armenia will host the Conference of the Parties to Biodiversity, COP17, was highlighted.
During the discussions, the speakers in different formats referred to the role of the Parliament in strengthening the climate agenda, the need to switch to alternative energy sources, the factual evidence of climate risks in Armenia was considered, and the importance of strengthening resilience was emphasized.
The event was organized in conjunction with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Which Promotes the RA National Assembly's response capacity, efficiency, transparency, and inclusiveness and Reduces the risks of investments aimed at energy-efficient modernization of buildings in close cooperation with the RA National Assembly.
