Remarks by H.E. Mr. Mher Margaryan, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Armenia, at the UNGA 74 Second Committee, Sustainable Development

15 October, 2019

Mr. Chair,

At the outset I would like to express my appreciation for the submission of the Secretary-General’s reports on various aspects of Sustainable Development, which shape the background of our discussions and provide assessment on the progress in implementation of the 2030 Agenda. I wish to reiterate the readiness of the Armenian delegation to contribute to the discussions of the Second Committee aiming at forward looking and action-oriented deliverables.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development continues to be at the centre of the UN efforts to promote global cooperation with the aim to achieve harmony between economic growth and environment, build peaceful and inclusive societies, where all the groups and individuals are equal in realizing their human rights and fundamental freedoms. As a strategic framework for development cooperation with clearly defined goals and targets the 2030 Agenda is well placed to boost the collective efforts of the international community.

However, four years after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals while certain progress has been achieved, our discussions take place amidst negative trends, such as growing inequality, exclusion and marginalization, which necessitate accelerated efforts and stronger and inclusive engagement of all stakeholders in securing implementation of the SDGs in the remaining decade ahead of us.

We look forward to constructive dialogue to build upon the outcomes of several important conferences and summits, in particular the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and identify ways for advancing result-oriented action at all levels.

Mr. Chair,

As a mountainous and landlocked country, Armenia faces specific development challenges, which are exacerbated by the maintenance of closed borders by some of the neighbouring countries.

Armenia’s main resource throughout its history has been and continues to be the human capital. We have never relied on natural resources as a basis for economic growth. The Government has put the human rights and self-realization of the individual at the core of its ambitious reform agenda, as announced by the Prime Minister in the context of launch of the Transformation Strategy of Armenia 2050.

All our efforts aim at setting conducive framework for realization of political, civic, economic, social and cultural rights of our citizens. Encouraging creative talents, empowerment of women and young people, support of innovation and creative education are key elements of Armenia’s development agenda.

The long-term and sustained policies in this regard should start from quality education. The Government has launched reform of the educational system, important components of which are innovation, inclusion, better coherence between the labour market and educational system, improvement of social conditions of teachers.

The growing networks of centers for creative technologies have contributed to innovative education and attracted strong interest from abroad. We are promoting inclusive education, with strong focus on girls, children with disabilities and children living in rural and border areas.

Mr. Chair,

The Government of Armenia prioritizes development of environmentally friendly high-tech economy, protection of ecosystems and disaster risk reduction.
The comprehensive measures to address the problem of deforestation include strengthening local ownership, providing alternative energy sources and eco-friendly job opportunities, combating corruption and countering wildfire, including in the transboundary context.

Natural disasters don’t recognize borders, therefore we underscore the importance of international and regional cooperation. Armenia is committed to the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The multidimensional cooperation, in particular with the UN DRR and support for institutional capacity building has enabled to shift from response-oriented approach to risk-informed development and resilience-building agenda.

The local communities and civil society are governments’ important partners in tackling challenges emanating from climate change and building resilience to disaster risks.

Mr. Chair,

We realize that a number of challenges still remain and I want to reiterate Armenia’s commitment to further localize the SDGs in its national strategies, building synergy and coherence between its economic and environmental policies and strengthen cooperation with the international organizations and other development partners.

I thank you.

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