Statement by Mr. Tigran Galstyan, Deputy Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN at the General Debate of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

19 July, 2023

Mr. President,

I would like to express our appreciation for this opportunity to reflect upon the achievements so far and discuss the existing challenges in our collective efforts towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at national, regional, and global levels.

The 2030 Agenda remains at the heart of the United Nations' efforts in leading effective post-COVID recovery, building back better, and consolidating the collective efforts of the international community in achieving harmony between economic growth and the environment, protecting and promoting social and economic rights, and building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.

As we enter the third year of the Decade of Action, the urgency of making meaningful progress towards achieving the SDGs cannot be overestimated. We support the measures proposed by the UN Secretary-General in his report entitled “Our Common Agenda” to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs and prepare for post-2030 actions.

Armenia reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the operationalization of the collective pledge of “leaving no one behind”. The Government of Armenia has been aligning the SDGs with national priorities and reform agenda, incorporating them into state policies and strategies to create a safe and enabling environment for the full realization of human rights, achieving gender equality and human development. We place particular emphasis on promoting inclusive and quality education, ensuring a universal, affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare system, and establishing a resilient social protection service with a focus on vulnerable groups of society.

Mr. President,

Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) serve as key tools to assess progress and challenges in the implementation of the SDGs. Armenia has already presented its first and second VNRs in 2018 and 2020, respectively, reflecting the successes, achievements, and shortcomings of previous years, while also introducing a long-term transformational vision. We are considering to present our third VNR in 2024, to assess achievements and lessons learned halfway to 2030. Furthermore, it will enable us to advance our national efforts in promoting innovation, a green economy, women's empowerment, good governance, the rule of law, and combating corruption.

To accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the Government of Armenia has elaborated several National Strategies encompassing capacity-building and technical assistance programs. These strategies provide an opportunity for interdepartmental cooperation and data exchange to coordinate the implementation of the relevant SDGs.

Mr. President,

Since December last year, a population of 120,000 people in Nagorno-Karabakh has been exposed to a blockade by Azerbaijan sue to the disruption of the Lachin corridor - the only humanitarian lifeline connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Despite the numerous calls of the international community and the orders of the International Court of Justice issued on 22 February 2023 and reaffirmed on 6 July 2023, which obligate Azerbaijan to take all necessary measures to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions, Azerbaijan continues unlawful and inhumane siege for already 219 days, in gross violation of the international humanitarian law and existing international obligations, also completely disrupting the gas and electricity supplies, and hindering all humanitarian access, including movements of ICRC.

The humanitarian crisis emanating from the blockade is having an irreversible negative impact on the social and economic development of the whole region. We firmly believe that development efforts go hand in hand with peace processes, and we support comprehensive and sustainable conflict settlements. In this regard, we attach particular importance to ensuring the accessibility of international development assistance to all conflict-affected people, especially those deprived of direct access and communication with the United Nations and its agencies.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, let me reiterate Armenia’s commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda. In the run up to the SDG Summit and Summit of the Future we stand ready to engage constructively with all our partners to ensure a prosperous and inclusive future for all.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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