On November 1, the RA NA Vice President Hakob Arshakyan participated in the Conference on Climate Change and Energy Transition: Opportunities for Parliamentarians to Act.
RA NA deputies, members of the Government, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, experts of the RA NA Staff, representatives of civil society organizations attended the Conference.
Underlining that the climate crisis is one of the most serious challenges of our time and requires an immediate and united response, the NA Vice President mentioned in his welcoming speech.
The effects of climate change are manifesting in various forms—rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and an increasing frequency of natural disasters.
In Armenia, we have felt the impact of climate change, from changing agricultural patterns to challenges in water availability. It is essential that we acknowledge these realities and act decisively to mitigate their effects.
As parliamentarians, we hold a unique position of influence and responsibility. Our role is not just to legislate but to lead by example, to educate, and to advocate for policies that prioritize sustainability and resilience.
We must work collaboratively to build a sustainable energy future for Armenia that not only addresses our current needs but anticipates the challenges of tomorrow.
I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to our partners in this endeavor, particularly the United Nations Development Programme,our international Partners, the Swedish and Norwegian Governments. Your commitment to supporting our Parliament's capacity is invaluable.
Another crucial aspect of our discussions today will be understanding the economic and financial tools available for sustainable development. We will gain insights into green financing options and sustainable investment opportunities that can attract both public and private sector investment in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.
By collaborating and using our collective experience, we can contribute to increasing resilience to climate change and implementing best practices in all areas of our social life.
Our efforts today will shape the legacy we leave for future generations. We owe it to them—and to ourselves—to ensure a sustainable and thriving future
Thank you for your commitment to this crucial cause, and I look forward to the insights and collaborations that will arise from this Conference."
During the Conference, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to ArmeniaPatrik Svensson and the UNDP Resident Representative in our country Natia Natsvlishvili also spoke with welcoming words. It was noted that the programmes of sectoral reforms being implemented in Armenia will be continuous. In this regard, the involvement of the RA National Assembly in the process of development and implementation of environmental policies was emphasized. The fact that in 2026 Armenia will host the Conference of 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 sources of energy, 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 Programme (UNDP) projects Fostering responsiveness, effectiveness, transparency, and inclusiveness of Armenian Parliament and De-risking and Scaling-up Investment in Energy Efficient Building Retrofits in close cooperation with the RA National Assembly.
