Statement by the Delegation of Armenia at the Second Committee of the 81st Session of the UNGA under the agenda item “Groups of countries in special situations”

07 October, 2026

Madam Chair,

Armenia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Rwanda on behalf of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries. Now we would like to add a few words in our national capacity.

Allow us to start by thanking Madame Rabab Fatima for her dedicated leadership and advocacy for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States during her tenure as High Representative, and wish her every success in her new responsibilities.

Madam chair,

The multilateral system is undergoing hard times, characterized by shrinking official development assistance, debt distress, growing military expenditures resulting in scarcity of resources for the most vulnerable, including countries in special situations. In the wake of these challenges, addressing the infrastructure challenges faced by LLDCs demands focused and coordinated action from the international community. It is more than ever important to streamline international assistance and empower the UN Development system to promote transformative changes on the ground through targeted and efficient programmes. In this context it is important to reducing the earmarked funding and implement long-term development projects based on the real needs on the ground to overcome the structural constraints of the countries in special situations.

The Awaza Programme of Action adopted two years ago serves as a forward-looking and actionable roadmap to overcome the complex and multifaceted challenges faced by LLDCs. The five priority areas of the new Programme of Action directly address the most pressing needs of LLDCs and identify clear commitments to strengthen resilience, enhance connectivity, and advance structural transformation, with a particular focus on responding to the socio-economic consequences of emerging threats.

In this regard, we thank the Secretary-General for the reports on the implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action, disseminated ahead of this meeting, and took careful note of the recommendations therein. We consider them as a solid basis for our future work and stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance international cooperation in support of countries in special situations and LLDCs in particular.

Madam Chair,

As the LLDC Group’s coordinator on financing for development, Armenia supports exploring a dedicated Infrastructure Investment and Financing Facility for LLDCs. Further consideration should focus on project preparation, risk-sharing and cooperation with multilateral development banks to mobilize investment in sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

We support strengthening OHRLLS and coordinated UN assistance to LLDCs. Effective implementation requires sustained engagement with development partners, transit countries and the private sector.

Inclusive, equitable and reliable connectivity and efficient transit remain essential to reducing trade costs and expanding market access. Regional cooperation should advance these objectives while respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity and national jurisdiction.

In this regard, we continue to advance the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, with its integral part – the TRIPP Route, which aims at contributing to intra-regional and global trade by establishing trade and transport connectivity in the South Caucasus and significantly transform the region's transport and logistics infrastructure, by integrating into various international routes, thus offering reliable alternatives to reduce the time and costs of cargo transportation.

The “TRIPP Route” is intended to establish unimpeded, multimodal transit connectivity on the territory of Armenia, contributing to regional peace, stability, and integration on the basis of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction of the Republic of Armenia by generating reciprocal benefits for international and intra-state connectivity for the Republic of Armenia through the territory of Azerbaijan.

Beyond infrastructure, support must strengthen productive capacities, economic diversification and access to technology. Regional agricultural research cooperation can contribute to food security and climate resilience.

Madam Chair,

Armenia remains committed to advancing SIDS priorities, including as co-founder and co-chair of the UNESCO Group of Friends of SIDS and through its initiative leading to the proclamation of 25 April as the International Day for SIDS.

Before I conclude, I would like to remind that in a couple of weeks, Armenia will host the COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity. As host and incoming Presidency of COP17, Armenia will work to ensure that the priorities of countries in special situations, particularly on biodiversity finance, resilience and marine and coastal ecosystems, are meaningfully reflected in the Conference’s deliberations and outcomes. To ensure that the voices of LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS are heard and they are fully enabled to benefit from their rich biodiversity resources, the Armenian presidency has decided to finance the participation of LDCs and SIDS in the conference. We look forward to welcoming all stakeholders in Yerevan, to advance global dialogue to address environmental crises and biodiversity preservation.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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