Statement by Ms. Syuzanna Martirosyan, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Armenia, at the High-level Forum on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace

02 September, 2026

Mr. Chair,

Excellencies,

We thank the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, for convening today’s Forum and the distinguished speakers for their valuable contributions.

Dialogue, tolerance and respect for diversity are indispensable to safeguarding human dignity and building peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies. Yet, amid deepening polarization, intolerance and hate speech, the foundations of peaceful coexistence are increasingly under strain, with women often disproportionately affected by conflict and violence. Against this backdrop, the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, together with relevant General Assembly resolutions, continue to provide an important framework for concerted international action.

We remain fully committed to promoting a culture of peace, with prevention at the core of our approach. At the United Nations, including through resolutions of the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, Armenia has consistently contributed to strengthening international efforts to prevent genocide, atrocity crimes, identity-based discrimination and violence, reflecting our conviction that a genuine culture of peace requires sustained attention to the root causes of exclusion, intolerance and hatred.

Education is equally integral to building peaceful societies, strengthening resilience against prejudice and discrimination, while nurturing respect for diversity. In this spirit, Armenia initiated the General Assembly resolution “Education for Peace,” adopted by consensus this June and co-sponsored by nearly one hundred Member States, recognizing the vital role of education in promoting tolerance, mutual understanding and a culture of peace.

Mr. Chair,

Armenia particularly welcomes the Forum’s focus on women’s leadership, recognizing that women’s full, equal and meaningful participation across peace and security processes is essential to advancing conflict prevention, achieving sustainable and lasting peace.

This commitment is reflected in Armenia’s implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, as an integral part of our broader commitment to democratic governance, human rights and sustainable peace. Our Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2025–2027, entitled “Investing in Global Efforts for Peace,” seeks to advance women’s participation and leadership in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, while strengthening the protection of the rights of women and vulnerable populations affected by conflict.

Women’s political participation also remains an important priority for Armenia, including through their representation in elected institutions, with women constituting over 35 per cent of the newly elected National Assembly. Mr. Chair, Armenia stands ready to work with all partners to advance tolerance and nondiscrimination, promote women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace processes, and foster a culture of peace, in accordance with the UN Charter and the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

Thank you.

MFA RA
official website

Dual citizenship

Electronic visa

Visa applications