On April 15-17, an international conference titled “Climate Change, Justice and Human Rights” was held at Yerevan State University (YSU).
On April 17, two panel discussions of the conference focused on issues of climate policy, governance, and security.
Susanna Martins, Climate Expert at the EU Delegation in Armenia, Diana Harutyunyan, Senior Advisor of UNDP Climate Change Programme, and Marine Saribekyan, Chief Specialist of Climate Policy Department of RA Ministry of Environment, presented the challenges and progress in the field.
Susanna Martins noted that in response to citizens’ demands, the EU initiated a policy program for more active climate action in 2019, and in 2021 adopted the European Climate Law.
Martins also highlighted that about 95% of the EU’s climate budget is directed toward mitigation measures, while only 5% is allocated to adaptation, adding that there is a goal to increase adaptation financing.
Diana Harutyunyan, Senior Advisor of the UNDP Climate Change Programme, referred to one of the key principles in climate negotiations-“common but differentiated responsibilities”, as enshrined in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. “For us, energy independence and the development of clean, carbon-neutral systems are important,” said Diana Harutyunyan, emphasizing that this is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of national security.
She also stressed the importance of transparency, noting that Armenia regularly submits its national reports, emission inventories, and progress reports in line with international requirements.
Marine Saribekyan, Chief Specialist of the Climate Policy Department of the RA Ministry of Environment, emphasized that all strategic documents are developed based on climate modeling and scenario forecasting.
To be continued
April 21, 2026 at 15:57