Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN at the First Regular Session of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board: UNFPA Segment

04 February, 2026

Mr. President,

Executive Director,

Distinguished Members of the Board,

I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Executive Director Ms. Diene Keita for the comprehensive presentation and her leadership in advancing UNFPA’s vital work.

As a newly elected member of the Board, Armenia fully supports UNFPA’s indispensable role within the UN system, particularly in delivering life-saving assistance in both humanitarian and development contexts. We commend UNFPA’s steadfast commitment to promoting women’s and youth empowerment, addressing gender-based violence, ensuring disability inclusion, and supporting vulnerable groups.

Drawing on our national experience, UNFPA has consistently proven to be a reliable and constructive partner. A notable example is the substantive role of the UNFPA Country Office in developing Armenia’s Demographic Strategy 2024–2040, which outlines the country’s demographic priorities and provides a strategic roadmap for achieving them. The recently adopted UNFPA Country Programme Document (CPD) for Armenia for 2026–2030 establishes a comprehensive, forward-looking framework that advances human development and enables all members of society to reach their full potential.

We are also pleased to note that the findings of the Independent Evaluation of UNFPA’s Capacity in Humanitarian Action (2019–2025) further demonstrate the organization’s progress in integrating humanitarian action into its core operations. The evaluation highlights UNFPA’s agility in responding to rapidly evolving and complex crises, from natural disasters to protracted conflicts, while remaining responsive to local contexts.

Mr. President,

This session takes place at a pivotal moment for the United Nations system. In light of the Secretary-General’s reform agenda, the UN80 initiative, enhancing the efficiency, coherence, and responsiveness of the UN system must remain central to our deliberations. In this context, Armenia believes that evaluation of the proposed UNFPA-UN Women merger should be grounded in a thorough, evidence-based analysis. Assessments must prioritize preserving and strengthening the existing mandates of both entities, with a stronger focus on gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights, while also enhancing coordination in humanitarian and crisis contexts. At the same time, potential risks, including mandate dilution, political backlash and disruption of life-saving services, must be carefully mitigated and addressed.

Armenia stands ready to engage actively in the work of the Executive Board and to collaborate with all partners in safeguarding the rights of all individuals, with particular attention to women and youth, thereby fostering inclusion, equality, and empowerment.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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