At the initiative of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the first student conference titled “My Voice for a Safe and Secure School” was held.

Welcome remarks were delivered at the opening of the conference by ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, Head of the Cooperation Section at EU Delegation to Armenia Frank Hess, and UNICEF Representative in Armenia Christine Weigand.

The event was organized within the framework of the European Union's budget support to boost the competitiveness of the education system in Armenia, in cooperation with UNICEF.

Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized that organizing such a conference was a long-overdue necessity, noting that in recent years the tradition of teacher conferences has been shaped, becoming a key platform for exchanging experience and fostering innovation. As stated by the ESCS Minister, the issue of creating a platform with the participation of the main beneficiaries of education—the students—was also raised during discussions with teachers.

"Children's direct participation in the processes is of key significance not only for the students, but also for the Ministry. If we want education reforms to be targeted and actually useful, it means that they cannot be implemented without the participation of students," the Minister pointed out, emphasizing that students often raise issues that are not raised in any other environment.

Zhanna Andriasyan emphasized that the conference is being held at a time when the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is being celebrated worldwide. "Among the rights of the child, special importance is given to the right to participation, including the right to be heard, ensuring that decisions affecting children are not made without them. This is only possible when students themselves demonstrate active engagement."

In this context, the ESCS Minister referred to the student councils operating in schools, noting that in some cases they operate only formally and do not take advantage of the opportunities offered.

Zhanna Andreasyan also touched on the theme of the conference, reminding that this academic year has been declared the year of safe and secure education, which is no coincidence. "As learners, you have surely witnessed—or at least heard about—the issues that make our educational environment not always safe. The issues are multi-layered, starting with physical security in schools," addressing the students, the Minister said, referring to the RA Government's program to build and renovate 300 schools. According to Zhanna Andreasyan, work has been completed in 60 schools, but significant efforts are needed in the sector to improve the physical environment.

Nonetheless, according to the Minister, a safe environment is not merely a physical space: a psychological and social environment is needed where nothing will prevent the student from learning, developing, and self-expression. "Unfortunately, we talk about bullying and its various manifestations less than necessary, and only a small percentage of cases are visible. Creating an atmosphere of trust in school is vital, and for this particular goal, the position of a psychologist has been introduced in all schools. However, introducing positions is not yet sufficient. It takes time to ensure productive work."

Zhanna Andriasyan also highlighted the significance of inclusive education, noting that there is much to be done in this area, and that listening to the students' opinions and voices on these issues is one of the main objectives of the conference. Concluding her speech, the ESCS Minister thanked international partners—the European Union and UNICEF—for their support in organizing the conference, and wished the participants success.

"Children around the world are facing new and complex challenges, and Armenia is no exception. Preventing bullying and cyberbullying, as well as creating a safe and secure environment in schools where children can thrive, are key priorities that require the attention and involvement of each of us. The best way to achieve this is to make children's voices heard, as well as to ensure their participation in the process of developing solutions that affect them. The Convention on the Rights of the Child reminds us that every child has the right to express their opinions safely and to have them taken seriously. By consistently listening to children, we can create safe environments where they feel respected and included," said Christine Weigand, UNICEF Representative in Armenia, expressing hope that this conference will become an annual event.

Around 180 students participated in the student conference. They were selected from among the members of the student council under the ESCS Minister, RA regional Governors and the Yerevan Municipality, and students engaged in active social activities, as well as from among students of schools under the jurisdiction of the ESCS Ministry and private schools who have actively participated in various programs of the Ministry.

During the conference, panel discussions were held with the participation of schoolchildren from Yerevan and the regions of Armenia, as well as a plenary session on the topic "Academic Year with a Safe and Secure Educational Environment," which was moderated by ESCS Deputy Minister Araksia Svajyan. She presented the three key directions of educational reforms: improving infrastructure, increasing the quality of educational content, and expanding teachers' professional development opportunities. Araksia Svajyan also underscored the significance of creating a safe and secure educational environment, emphasizing that it aims to make school a place where every student will attend with pleasure.

As part of the conference, an expo of project work titled “Safe and Secure School” was also held, presented by students in grades 4–8 from the capital city and the regions.