In 2025, regional consultations regarding community needs for the implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies were organized in Pambak community, Lori Region, Talin community in Aragatsotn Region, and Meghri community in Syunik Region.
The consultations were attended by MPs, representatives of the Ministry of Environment, local self-government bodies, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), non-governmental organizations, experts, and youth.
The aim of the consultations was to raise awareness of Armenia’s national climate commitments, particularly the implementation of the 2021-2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Additionally, they sought to gather information from community authorities, civil society, and youth regarding climate challenges, needs, and opportunities for addressing them, as well as to engage in dialogue with Members of the National Assembly and receive answers from Ministry representatives.
The consultations were conducted within the framework of the UNDP "Fostering Responsiveness, Effectiveness, Transparency and Inclusiveness of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia" (FORSETI) project.
In his interview with EcoLur, Konstantin Sokulskiy, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Armenia, addressed the climate challenges in Armenia and the cooperation between local communities and the legislative body in mitigating their impacts.
"Today, climate change is affecting the entire world. We are witnessing numerous natural disasters. Unfortunately, Armenia is no exception. There are many negative consequences of climate change here. High-altitude regions are suffering; in one place, drought is a serious problem, while in another, it is water scarcity," he noted, adding that they are working with the Government of Armenia to understand which of the country’s regions and communities are most sensitive to climate change.
This year, the United Nations Development Programme marks the 30th anniversary of its operations in Armenia. "This means that we have been by the side of the people and state institutions almost since the first days of Armenia's independence, and we have tried to build relationships based on trust-both among people and institutions-which is very important to us," said Konstantin Sokulskiy.
He also emphasized that thanks to joint initiatives by the National Assembly, UNDP, executive bodies, and local communities, a dialogue exists that will gradually expand further. "Today's dialogue format-listening to the problems and needs of local communities-allows us to make it participatory and provides an opportunity for the legislature to respond immediately. It is very important that local residents actively raise the issues that concern them and propose the solutions necessary to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. Local residents can make their contribution, as they are the ones who know the situation and the problems best," Konstantin Sokulskiy noted.
He highlighted the involvement of community representatives in the decision-making process, as well as he underscored the role of National Assembly MPs from the perspective of raising awareness about problems through direct contact with local communities. "It is important that deputies get acquainted with the problems right in the communities, discuss them on the spot, and try to reflect those core issues in legislative initiatives," he stated.
December 09, 2025 at 15:55