Platform aimed at development of "green economy" was launched in  Armenia

ArmInfo.The Government of Armenia, in cooperation with the World Bank, the European Union and the United Nations Development Program, today launched the "Growth  and Recovery for the Strengthening, Upgrading and Prosperity of  Armenia" platform in support of Armenia's promising sustainable  development, green recovery and growth.

As the press service of the RA Government reports, the discussion  chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan was attended  by World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus Sebastian  Molineus, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Andrea Wiktorin, the  Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden  to Armenia Patrik Svensson, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia  Natia Natsvlishvili, Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan, and  representatives of other concerned structures.

The goal of the GREEN Armenia platform is to combine and optimize  policies and investment initiatives for the sake of Armenia's  transition to green economy.  Today's event was the first in a series  of thematic dialogues jointly organized by beneficiaries to come up  with innovative ideas and to learn about global knowledge, which is  key to building resilience to climate change.

Deputy Prime Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan welcomed the participants  of the discussion, emphasizing that the Armenian Government highly  appreciates such initiatives in terms of summarizing the work done,  learning lessons and outlining the next steps. "This is best  expressed in the Government's Action Plan 2021-2026, by which we have  planned a number of measures, from increasing the share of green  energy to the promotion of alternative vehicles, the introduction of  related infrastructure, afforestation, and other necessary works",  the Deputy Prime Minister said, adding that on the way to building a  modern low-carbon economy, Armenia attaches importance to ensuring an  inclusive, participatory process with the active participation of  international partners, the private sector, civil society, and  academia.

According to Sebastian Molineus, WB Regional Director for the South  Caucasus, the GREEN Armenia platform will assist Armenia in its  efforts to transition to a sustainable economy. "The green transition  may be a stimulus for Armenia's economy, but it will be necessary to  set priorities in cooperation with the private sector and  international development partners and implement low- carbon,  resource efficient policies and programs, in line with environmental  goals," the WB representative said.

According to EU Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, the green agenda, which  is considered one of the leading among the priorities set by the EU  for Europe and the planet, implies much more than the reduction of  emissions. "It implies systemic changes in economies, societies and  industries. In the case of Armenia, this opportunity is clear. A  greener economy will not only improve the quality of life of the  Armenian people, but will also stimulate sustainable growth and new  jobs," the EU Ambassador said, hoping that the GREEN Armenia platform  will contribute to an open and transparent transition to a green  economy.

According to UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia  Natsvlishvili, making Armenia's economy greener is the right policy  in these difficult times, it can serve as a national strategic  framework to ensure an equitable and inclusive transition to  sustainable, zero-emission, climate- friendly economy while  minimizing potential challenges that can be faced by the affected  population and communities. She reaffirmed the UNDP's readiness to  combine efforts with the EU, the WB and other partners to assist the  Government of Armenia in the fact-based, equitable and strategic  policy of green transition, contributing to economic growth, human  development and the unique natural capital of the country.

During the discussions, the Government presented its vision for the  transition to a green economy in Armenia and its policy on climate  and environment, which will help strengthen Armenia's resilience.   The representatives of the scientific-educational community, the  public sector and international organizations presented their  experience and position on the challenges and opportunities on the  way to the transition to a green and resilient economy.

Deputy Prime Minister Matevosyan praised the efforts and readiness of  all partners and stakeholders to combine their knowledge, experience  and resources for the sustainable growth of the country through the  GREEN Armenia platform.