Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to discuss support measures for Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Mirzoyan noted that despite current challenges, Armenia—as a member of UNESCO’s Executive Board—continues to actively participate in implementing initiatives aligned with the organization's mandate.

The sides exchanged views on ongoing activities within various UNESCO structures and examined prospects for Armenia–UNESCO cooperation, particularly in light of Armenia’s upcoming hosting of the COP17 conference in autumn 2026. The potential relevance of UNESCO’s extensive experience and tools applicable in this field was underscored.

At the end of the meeting, as a gesture of gratitude, Minister Mirzoyan awarded Audrey Azoulay the Order of Friendship, granted by the President of Armenia, in recognition of her significant contributions to strengthening Armenia–UNESCO relations and upholding humanitarian values.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a full-scale assault on Nagorno-Karabakh, subjecting the region to heavy shelling. A day later, Artsakh authorities agreed to a ceasefire proposed by the Russian peacekeeping command, accepting Baku’s terms: disarmament and dissolution of the Republic. Forced displacement began on September 24, with over 100,000 Armenians fleeing to Armenia. By some estimates, around 20 Armenians remained in Artsakh. On September 28, President Samvel Shahramanyan signed the decree dissolving the Republic, effective January 1, 2024.