The lighting of Republic Square in Yerevan was switched off for one hour from 20:30 to 21:30 on March 28, 2026. The capital city joined “Earth Hour” initiative, which is being held globally for the 20th time. On this day, thousands of cities and communities around the world, along with millions of people, express their support for the planet by switching off lights for one hour or taking environmentally beneficial actions.
The initiative was led by the Armenian branch of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which, in cooperation with Candlenight Concerts and with the support of Yerevan Municipality, organized an open-air musical event at Republic Square. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of environmental issues, promote sustainable lifestyles, and highlight the shared responsibility to protect nature.
In his welcoming remarks, Levon Aghasyan, Director of WWF Armenia, noted:
“For Armenia, this event is of special importance. We are a country where biodiversity is not only a natural wealth but also an essential part of our identity. That is why we must preserve it and pass it on to future generations.
This year, our unity is especially important, as Yerevan is preparing to host COP17 — the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. This is a unique opportunity for our country to become an active participant and contributor to the global environmental agenda.”
Acting Head of the Environmental Department of Yerevan Municipality, Sirarpi Haykazyan, stated: “Today, Yerevan Municipality has joined WWF: The main idea is to once again express our care for our common home — the Earth. This act of turning off the lights is symbolic.
This small step is aimed at shaping a broader agenda related to responsible behavior and conscious choices. Every small saving action we take, every good deed we do, reflects the very essence of nature conservation. Let this not be just a one-hour action, but a continuous commitment to building greener and more resilient communities.”
The welcoming remarks were followed by musical performances by Candlenight Concerts.
Photo Credit: WWF Armenia
March 30, 2026 at 17:12