On 1 November, a conference titled " Climate change and energy transition: Opportunities for parliamentarians to act" took place at Matenadaran. The event was co-organized by the UNDP “Fostering Responsiveness, Effectiveness, Transparency, and Inclusiveness of Armenian Parliament”, and “De-risking and Scaling-up Investment in Energy Efficient Building Retrofits” projects, in close partnership with the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. 

The conference was attended by members of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, government officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, experts from the staff of the National Assembly, and representatives of civil society organizations.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Hakob Arshakyan, Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Patrik Svensson, Ambassador of Sweden to Armenia, and Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia.

“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,” Hakob Arshakyan, Vice President of the National Assembly of Armenia, noted in his welcoming remarks.

Patrik Svensson, Ambassador of Sweden to Armenia, acknowledged the importance of gathering policymakers, experts, and partners to address critical issues like climate change and energy transition. He also highlighted Sweden’s long-standing partnership with Armenia, including cooperation in governance reforms, parliamentary development and environmental sustainability. 

“We must act together to mitigate risks, strengthen climate resilience, and accelerate sustainable energy solutions. The UNDP has proudly stood alongside the Government of Armenia throughout this journey. As we celebrate 30 years of UNDP's presence in Armenia next year, we reaffirm our commitment to helping Armenia meet today’s challenges while planning for a sustainable, inclusive tomorrow” said Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia. 

During the discussions, the speakers addressed the role of parliament in strengthening the climate agenda through various formats. They emphasized the necessity of transitioning to alternative energy sources, examined the tangible evidence of climate risks in Armenia, and highlighted the importance of enhancing resilience.

The UNDP “Fostering Responsiveness, Effectiveness, Transparency, and Inclusiveness of Armenian Parliament” project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, the Government of Sweden and the RA National Assembly.

The UNDP “De-risking and Scaling-up Investment in Energy Efficient Building Retrofits” project is financed by Green Climate Fund and implemented by UNDP under the coordination of the RA Ministry of Environment.