From 5 to 7 October, the Delegation headed by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia Vahram Dumanyan is participating in the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the UN Economic Commission for Europe in Cyprus (Nicosia) on “Education for Sustainable Development, Circular Economy: Sustainable Infrastructure, Sustainable Tourism”.

The Delegation also includes ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan and Adviser to Minister Arman Andrikyan.

RA ESCS Minister Vahram Dumanyan delivered a report at the "Environment for Europe" Ninth Ministerial Conference in which, in particular, he noted:

“I have the honor to welcome you at the “Environment for Europe" Ninth Ministerial Conference”.

The global education crisis, encompassing issues of access, inclusion, quality and accessibility of education, has negative consequences for the future of children and youth around the world. This slows down the process of achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to education. Crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and military conflicts have a negative impact on education.

The latest crisis affecting education in the Republic of Armenia was the large-scale military aggression unleashed by the Azerbaijani armed forces on some sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on September 13, 2022. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces intensively shelled the cities of Goris, Jermuk, Vardenis, Kapan and adjacent villages located on the territory of Armenia.

As a result of the military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan, 24873 school children of 172 schools and 5808 preschool children from 69 kindergartens studying in Syunik, Gegharkunik, and Vayots Dzor regions were deprived of the right to education. The activities of extracurricular educational institutions, colleges and universities operating in these regions are also under threat.

We call on the international community to condemn such hostile actions of Azerbaijan, thereby contributing to the prevention of further violations of the fundamental principles of the UNESCO mandate.

Emphasizing the role of education as a key precondition for sustainable, inclusive development and the general welfare of nations, Armenia developed the State Program on the “Development of Education of the Republic of Armenia until 2030" in 2022. It is based on the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular, on poverty elimination, gender equality, quality education and decent work for all, as well as approaches based on human rights, antidiscrimination, and the principle of "leaving no one behind", and also reflects our commitments under current global trends in the transformation of education.

The goal of the program is to provide learners with an education that will ensure modern environmental and civic skills, employability, and a prosperous future, contributing to the complete implementation of the “Education for Sustainable Development 2030” program.

We have completely revised and are introducing comprehensive general education standards and curriculum, where environmental education is at the core.

Since the key to the success of educational reforms is the teacher, the Ministry is committed to taking all necessary steps to increase the traditionally high social status of teachers in Armenian society, along with raising salaries and providing social guarantees.

Improving the physical conditions of the educational infrastructure is another important priority of access to education. The Government is committed to creating an attractive, safe and secure learning environment across the country that promotes learning and is equipped with modern digital technologies, taking into account innovative and inclusive learning methodologies, safety standards and universal access. To achieve these goals, we are constantly increasing funding for education and will continue to ensure its progressive advancement.

I would like to note, once again, that the Republic of Armenia attaches great importance to the agenda formed within the framework of this Conference, the commitments it has undertaken and expresses its willingness to transform education for the full achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, since it is impossible to achieve stability if we do not unite, cooperate and are not in harmony with ourselves, the environment and the planet.”