Together we can protect planet Earth and ensure the long-term sustainability and well-being of our societies. Khachatryan at the UN Regional Environmental Summit

President of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, delivered a speech at the UN Regional Environmental Summit held in Astana:

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as to the Government and people of Kazakhstan for their traditional warm hospitality and for the excellent organization of this important event.

Armenia highly appreciates Kazakhstan’s efforts to promote international cooperation in addressing climate change and environmental degradation both in the region and beyond. This summit plays an important role as a platform for dialogue, bringing together governments, the scientific community, and civil society to tackle the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.

As a landlocked, developing, and mountainous country, Armenia is already facing serious consequences of climate change, while our contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is only about 0.02%. Over recent decades, the country’s average temperature has increased by more than 1 degree Celsius and is projected to continue rising by mid-century. Climate change has led to more extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves, causing significant economic losses and threatening livelihoods.

Decreased precipitation and glacier retreat are contributing to water scarcity. Access to freshwater is increasingly under pressure, especially in rural communities. Water scarcity threatens fragile mountain ecosystems, affects agriculture, and overall impacts the well-being of our population.

In this context, we welcome Kazakhstan’s initiative to hold consultations with international partners to strengthen cooperation in the effective management of water resources. Armenia will actively participate in these consultations.

Armenia demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to contributing to global climate action. We have set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels through domestic efforts, and by up to 52% with international support.

Armenia undertakes these commitments with a full understanding of its national capacities and the importance of international cooperation in advancing climate change mitigation and adaptation, guided by the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

Rising temperatures are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss, affecting unique ecosystems and endemic species worldwide, with profound impacts on human health, food security, and the economy. Therefore, it is crucial to expand global efforts toward the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. This year, Armenia will host the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

This reflects the strong commitment of our small country to contributing to global nature conservation efforts. Armenia looks forward to welcoming you all to Yerevan this October within the framework of the Biodiversity COP17 conference to assess our progress and explore ways to accelerate environmental restoration and protection efforts for present and future generations.

International cooperation, mobilization of financial resources, and the exchange of knowledge and technologies remain key to addressing interconnected environmental challenges, strengthening climate resilience, supporting sustainable agriculture and food security, and promoting the effective management of water resources.

Armenia is ready to cooperate with its regional and international partners, share its experience, and learn from others. Together, we can protect our planet Earth and ensure the long-term sustainability and well-being of our societies.”