Armenian President аddresses UN Regional Environmental Summit in Astana

President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan has delivered a speech at the United Nations regional environmental summit held in Astana, highlighting Armenia’s commitment to tackling climate change and strengthening international cooperation.

In his remarks, the President expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as to the government and people of Kazakhstan, for their warm hospitality and the excellent organization of the event.

Khachaturyan commended Kazakhstan’s efforts to promote international cooperation in addressing climate change and environmental degradation both regionally and beyond. He emphasized the importance of the summit as a platform for dialogue, bringing together governments, the scientific community, and civil society to confront challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.

The President noted that Armenia, as a landlocked, developing, and mountainous country, is already facing serious consequences of climate change, despite contributing only about 0.02% to global greenhouse gas emissions. He pointed out that the country’s average temperature has risen by more than 1 degree Celsius over recent decades and is projected to continue increasing by mid-century.

Khachaturyan warned that climate change has led to more frequent extreme weather events, including floods and heatwaves, causing significant economic losses and threatening livelihoods. He also highlighted the growing pressure on water resources due to reduced precipitation and glacier retreat, particularly affecting rural communities and agriculture.

In this context, the President welcomed Kazakhstan’s initiative to hold consultations with international partners aimed at enhancing cooperation in the efficient management of water resources, stressing that Armenia will actively participate in these efforts.

Reaffirming Armenia’s commitment to global climate action, Khachaturyan stated that the country has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels through domestic efforts, and up to 52% with international support.

He underlined that Armenia is undertaking these commitments with a strong sense of responsibility, guided by the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

Addressing biodiversity, Khachaturyan noted that rising temperatures are a major driver of biodiversity loss, affecting ecosystems and endemic species, with significant consequences for human health, food security, and the economy. He stressed the importance of scaling up global efforts for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

The President also announced that Armenia will host the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) later this year, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to global environmental protection.

Khachaturyan invited participants to Yerevan in October for the COP17 conference to assess progress and explore ways to accelerate environmental restoration and protection efforts for present and future generations.

Concluding his speech, the President emphasized that international cooperation, financial mobilization, and the exchange of knowledge and technologies remain essential in addressing interconnected environmental challenges, strengthening climate resilience, supporting sustainable agriculture and food security, and improving water resource management.

He reaffirmed Armenia’s readiness to work with regional and international partners, share its experience, and learn from others to protect the planet and ensure long-term sustainability and prosperity.