Armenia positions COP17 as inclusive, action‑oriented biodiversity forum

PanARMENIAN.Net - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan participated and delivered remarks in Doha at a side event titled “Nature‑based solutions and traditional knowledge for poverty eradication: discussion ahead of COP17”, organised at Armenia’s initiative within the framework of the Second World Social Development Summit.

He stated that Armenia’s goal is to make the 17th Meeting of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity a truly inclusive, participatory, and practical outcome‑oriented conference.

Kostanyan stressed that they envisage a platform that brings together diverse stakeholders, from state institutions and Indigenous peoples to civil society, women, youth, academics, and the private sector, to work together for a future in harmony with nature.

He emphasised the interlinkage between biodiversity and human well‑being, noting that ecosystem protection is not merely an environmental objective but a pillar for poverty eradication, health rights protection, food and water security, as well as cultural identity and community resilience. He also reaffirmed that Armenia is ready to continue cooperating with all partners and will warmly welcome them in Yerevan for COP17.

In his opening remarks, President Vahagn Khachaturyan spoke at the event, and the key presenter was Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan. The COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity will be held in Yerevan in October 2026.