Statement by Ms. Julieta Tavakalyan, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Armenia at the UNGA80 2nd Committee agenda item “Sustainable Development”

14 October, 2025

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

The 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Report shows that only one third of SDG targets are on track, while nearly one fifth have fallen below 2015 levels. This reality underscores the urgency of decisive action and collective solutions rooted in solidarity, equity and renewed multilateralism.

Armenia remains firmly committed to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, advancing national policies that invest in people, promote quality education and universal health coverage, strengthen social protection, and foster gender equality and democratic governance. Green and digital transformation stand at the core of our national priorities, driving innovation, connectivity and inclusive growth.

Protecting the environment and addressing climate change remain among the defining challenges of our time. Armenia emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental sustainability across all dimensions of development policy, recognizing that healthy ecosystems are the foundation of resilient economies and societies. We underscore the need to scale up ambition in implementing global environmental commitments, strengthen synergies among the Rio Conventions, and mobilize adequate and predictable financing to support developing countries in advancing climate action, biodiversity conservation and land restoration.

In 2026, Armenia will host the seventeenth United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP17). We assume this responsibility with a strong sense of purpose and partnership. Our vision for COP17 is guided by the principles of ambition, action and inclusivity, aiming to translate global commitments into measurable progress. The Global Review of collective progress under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will be at the core of the Conference, ensuring a transparent, science-based and solution-oriented process. In this context, the timely submission and effective implementation of national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) will be essential to assess collective progress and ensure that national efforts align with the global goals and targets of the Framework.

Mobilizing adequate, predictable and accessible biodiversity finance will be central to the success of COP17. Armenia will work to advance a comprehensive approach that scales up public and private resource flows, strengthens alignment between biodiversity and climate finance, and promotes innovative mechanisms that channel funding directly to countries and communities most in need. In this regard, operationalizing the Cali Fund for Nature, People and Planet will be a key priority, ensuring that it delivers new and additional resources to support the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while fostering transparency, country ownership and equitable access for developing countries.

We will also seek to elevate the role of biodiversity in sustainable development, recognizing its interlinkages with food and water security, health and climate resilience. Armenia stands ready to work with all partners to make COP17 a milestone for nature and people—one that turns global ambition into tangible action for the planet we share.

Mr. Chair,

In conclusion, Armenia remains committed to advancing the 2030 Agenda, advocating for inclusive and coordinated efforts to strengthen implementation, mobilize resources and foster partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for people and the planet.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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