Statement by Mr. Zhirayr Ananyan, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the UN, at Knowledge Dialogue «One World One Health»

11 May, 2026

Thank you Madame Moderator,

Excellencies, Colleagues,

Allow me to express our gratitude to the Permanent Mission of France to the UN for hosting this pertinent event, which we view as a logical continuation of the useful discussions held within the framework of the One Health Summit in Lyon in April 2026.

The Minister of Healthcare of the Republic of Armenia Anahit Avanesyan participated in this landmark event in France bringing the Armenian perspective to the importance of promoting a unified approach to the interconnectedness of the health of humans, animals, plants and ecosystems.

We’re very sympathetic of the idea of indivisibility of health and command France’s efforts in this direction and happy to support to the best of our abilities. Global challenges require coordinated response and Armenia is committed to the One Health agenda.

Outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic years ago has also been a reminder that all people regardless of everything end up in equal settings when healthcare crises of this magnitude take place. In this regard, the responsible use of artificial intelligence can also leverage a data-driven response to global healthcare emergencies, at the same time, bearing in mind that irresponsible use of AI for illicit purposes can be a threat multiplier.

Colleagues,

It is contextual to mention that Armenia, alongside with Rwanda, has been designated by the PGA as a co-facilitator of the intergovernmental negotiations on Political Declaration ahead of the High Level Meeting on the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response and also, this October Armenia will be hosting the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), to be held in capital Yerevan.

In the face of what’s known as “triple planetary crisis" referring to the threats facing Earth - climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, the Republic of Armenia views biodiversity preservation as a foundational condition for sustainable future and health and it’s our duty before the future generations to safeguard a safe and secure environment, as there can be no health, no wellness or sanity in all aspects of this word without addressing issues related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Armenia approaches its COP17 Presidency with a strong commitment to continuity, inclusiveness, and respect for the intergovernmental nature of the Convention, alongside meaningful multistakeholder engagement. The Presidency will support action-oriented discussions, facilitate constructive engagement among Parties and stakeholders, and promote coherence across processes related to implementation, monitoring, and review under the Convention.

Dear Participants,

To generate strong political momentum, a Leaders’ Summit on Biodiversity will be convened on 16 October 2026 in Yerevan under the theme “Leaders for Nature”.

A central objective of COP17 will be the first Global Review of collective progress in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This process will assess progress, identify gaps and challenges, and highlight best practices, based on national reports, National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), outcomes of regional dialogues, the best available scientific data, and contributions from non-governmental stakeholders.

Discussions on resource mobilization and financial mechanisms were identified as key priorities, requiring continued open and transparent dialogue among Parties to advance progress on interconnected tracks, in line with relevant decisions under the Convention.

Summing up, I would like to once again highlight that Armenia stands ready and looks forwards to cooperating with all partners genuinely interested in translating the principles into concrete actions.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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