Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of the RA, participated in the panel discussion titled “Expanding Armenian Global Influence: The Strategic Role of Youth” during the Second National Youth Conference, organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.
The event brought together talented, progressive, and enterprising young people from Armenia and the Diaspora to explore ways to strengthen the pan-Armenian presence and influence. In his speech, Minister Matevosyan emphasized that youth are co-authors of both the national and global agenda, and that their participation and initiative can shape the country’s development paths today.
He noted that today’s generation both experiences the consequences of global environmental challenges and has the capacity to shape their solutions. Environmental protection remains one of the most important chyallenges facing Armenia, and the contribution of young people is irreplaceable in this field.
As a speaker at the panel discussion, Minister Matevosyan presented he 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) — one of the world’s most significant environmental platforms — which is scheduled to be held in Armenia in 2026. He emphasized that this is a unique opportunity to showcase Armenia as a responsible partner that not only responds to environmental crises but also leads in proposing effective solutions.
According to Minister Matevosyan, the goal is to ensure that young people have a clear and institutional mandate both to influence the discussions and decisions of the COP17 and to take part in the conference.
The youth participants of the National Youth Conference expressed strong interest in COP17. An active Q&A session followed, with particular focus on the involvement of Diaspora youth. Several ideas were proposed on how to combine the Diaspora’s experience and networks with Armenia’s environmental and international initiatives, laying the foundation for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.
Hambardzum Matevosyan called on young people to engage in the preparatory work for COP17 starting now, encouraging them to become Armenia’s international ambassadors for nature and vital connectors between the country’s and the world’s environmental, scientific, educational, and public communities.
The Minister expressed confidence that the joint efforts of youth from Armenia and the Diaspora can foster a new level of cooperation and make a significant impact on both the national and environmental agendas. He thanked all young people who dedicate their time, knowledge, and networks to the country’s future, emphasizing that their involvement and potential are vital not only for this conference but also for Armenia’s sustainable development and the enhancement of its international standing. The Minister added that the government is committed to providing all necessary resources to ensure that youth participation is meaningful, valued, and effective.