On the eve of the COP27 climate Conference, which will be held in Egypt on November 7-18, 2022, the Republic of Armenia, represented by the Ministry of Environment, will host representatives of about 40 countries from the advisory group of experts of the Asia-Pacific region and Eastern Europe of the Framework Convention on Climate Change (CGE regional workshop-Asia-Pacific and EE) from October 19 to 21, 2022 region).
The opening meeting of the seminar took place today. The purpose of the workshop is to strengthen the capabilities of specialists from developing countries who will help monitor progress in the implementation of actions established at the national level to understand and apply the accountability provisions provided for in the Paris Agreement.
The delegates who arrived in Armenia were welcomed by Minister of Environment Hakob Simidyan and thanked on behalf of the Government for participating in this important event in the capital of the Republic of Armenia.
In his speech, the Minister touched upon Armenia's climate agenda and touched upon our country's efforts to serve this agenda.
"The geographical location of our country, the lack of access to the sea, the mountainous landscape, vulnerable ecosystems, as well as national security considerations have led to increased attention of the country to the possible impact of climate change. The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia is interested in the possibility of somehow implementing in our country the experience and resources of countries grouped around combating climate change, increasing resilience and adapting to climate change, as well as comprehensive measures and programs aimed at implementing the climate agenda," the Minister said.
Minister Hakob Simidyan also touched upon the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the membership of the Republic of Armenia in the Paris Agreement and the commitments made by the country.
"Since 1998, the Republic of Armenia has regularly submitted reports to the Convention Secretariat. The reports concerned the inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, screening and adaptation activities carried out in the country, marking vulnerable areas, forecasts, and policy development.
In 2021, the Armenian government confirmed its actions at the national level, the National Adaptation program and the program of activities for 2021-2025.
Building a framework of expanded transparency arising from the Paris Agreement is a priority for the Government of the Republic of Armenia, it is included in the program of activities of the Government for 21-26 years," the Minister said.
The UNDP Permanent Representative in Armenia, Natia Natsvlishvili, delivered a speech.
In her speech, Ms. Natsvlishvili touched upon the importance of the impact of climate change and the introduction of partnership efforts aimed at mitigating this impact.
"Climate change is already a reality, the direct impact of which is already visible. This is also confirmed by statistics: the average annual temperature has increased in Armenia, the amount of annual precipitation has decreased. We are also seeing an increase in natural disaster incidents: This risk is increasing, not only in Armenia, but all over the world. The UN Development Program, cooperating with other structures, stands next to the Government of the Republic of Armenia and is ready to make its efforts," Natia Natsvlishvili said.
Deputy Minister of Environment Gayane Gabrielyan, member of the advisory group of experts at the Secretariat of the Framework Convention on Climate Change Mikhail Vartanyan and Head of the Transparency Department of the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Tugba Itsmeli also made speeches.
The seminar will last two more days.