RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan received today United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier, who arrived in Armenia to participate in the Tenth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan also participated in the meeting.

Welcoming Felipe Paullier’s visit to Armenia, Zhanna Andreasyan highlighted the significance of friendly relations between Armenia and the United Nations. The Minister emphasized that the ESCS Ministry is the only state authority responsible for implementing youth policy.

“In our country, there is a wide sector of civil society and non-governmental organizations with good experience that are actively engaged in this field, but it is also essential for us to have a policy that will strengthen ties with this sector and contribute to youth empowerment,” noted Zhanna Andreasyan.

The ESCS Minister informed that various programs are implemented with state funding and on an annual basis aimed at encouraging youth participation in public life and the state-building process, realizing their rights, unlocking the potential of youth, developing competencies, as well as creating the necessary conditions and stimulating mechanisms for socialization, self-realization, engagement and development.

In this regard, Zhanna Andreasyan referred to the development of the draft law “On Youth Policy”, which commenced in 2023. The Minister stated that the law will define the principles and objectives of Armenia's youth development policy and regulate interactions between youth, young families, youth workers, public organizations, youth advisory boards, and the state. Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized that the working group formed for the development of the draft, held public discussions in all regions of the Republic of Armenia, as a result of which the draft was revised and submitted to the Government.

The ESCS Minister also addressed the establishment of youth centres in Armenia. She emphasized that the newly established centres will contribute to the disclosure of potential, comprehensive development, self-realization and organization of intellectual leisure for young people from the regions. She stated that alongside the four operating youth centres in Armenia, four additional centres are set to be established in 2024 in Gegharkunik, Ararat, Shirak, and Syunik regions.

The Minister also introduced programs focused on enhancing the potential of Armenian youth, specifically in civic education, media and financial literacy, first aid, healthy lifestyle, youth employment, vocational guidance, social entrepreneurship, and volunteering.

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier thanked for the reception and emphasized the significance of the extensive scope of collaboration with Armenia. He noted that the Youth Affairs Office was established by the UN General Assembly in 2022 to promote youth rights and needs globally and enhance youth participation in all UN initiatives.

Felipe Paullier stressed that the Office also promotes youth participation in decision-making, sustainable development and peace, and supports the advancement of their social, economic and cultural rights.

During the meeting, the parties also addressed other issues of bilateral interest, expressing their willingness to join forces in implementing joint programs and enhancing cooperation.

Within the framework of the Tenth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs will have meetings with representatives of youth non-governmental organizations, state youth centres, and young diplomats to discuss issues related to the promotion of youth, their participation in decision-making at the national and global levels.