In June 2025, regional consultations were held on identifying community needs for the implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies in Debet Village in Pambak Community in Lori Region, in Talin consolidated community in Aragatsotn Region in July, and in Meghri Community in Syunik Region in October.
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The consultations were attended by MPs, representatives of the Ministry of Environment, the local self-government bodies of Pambak, Talin, and Meghri communities, the UN Development Programme, civil society organizations, experts, and young people.
The purpose of the consultations was to raise awareness of Armenia’s national climate commitments-particularly the implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2021–2030-as well as to collect information from community authorities, civil society, and youth on climate challenges, response needs, and opportunities, and to hold a dialogue with Members of Parliament and receive responses from representatives of the Ministry.
The consultations were held within the framework of the UNDP “Strengthening the Responsiveness, Effectiveness, Transparency and Inclusiveness of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia” (FORSETI) project.
Youth participation in climate initiatives is becoming a necessity. It is important to ensure that the voices of young people are heard in the climate agenda and reflected in decision-making processes. Mane Madoyan, an expert at the Freedom of Information Center, spoke about the role of youth in shaping and localizing climate policy and the importance of raising their awareness.
“There are already mechanisms at both the national and international levels that encourage the engagement of young people, and it is important that these mechanisms be applied in communities,” she said. “If a community faces an issue and can involve young people, they can become not only a driving force in participatory processes but also a key link in mobilizing human resources. Communities can effectively use the potential of young people to amplify their voices and make important issues visible.”
According to Mane Madoyan, working around climate and environmental issues can serve as a good platform to showcase the strengths of the community to young people and engage them in local initiatives. Residents actively participated in the discussions and noted that rural schools need to incorporate knowledge on business and agriculture into educational programmes so that children can understand the potential development paths of their communities from an early age.
Narine Hakobyan, National Coordinator of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, highlighted that the localization of national and global strategies is progressing much more slowly than actual needs require.
November 28, 2025 at 15:26