YEREVAN, Armenia — On November 18, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment hosted a focused workshop with communication specialists from key government agencies as part of the Green Agenda Armenia project implemented by the AUA Acopian Center and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). The event brought together press and public relations representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, “Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center” SNCO, and the newly established Eco Patrol Service․
The workshop presented and enabled discussion around the results of a detailed capacity assessment report prepared as part of the project to evaluate how Armenian public institutions communicate green transition reforms and priorities. Similar studies were conducted in Moldova and Ukraine.
Ilona Kazaryan, senior communications and impact officer at SEI, underscored that effective communication is not optional, but fundamental, for Armenia’s green transition. “Public support is the foundation of successful green reform,” she noted, adding that strategic communication must be integrated from the very beginning to ensure policies become real, living change. Kazaryan emphasized that government communicators play a frontline role in building trust, engaging citizens, and shaping inclusive, evidence-based dialogue.
During the session, participants examined the strengths and gaps in institutional communication on green reforms. Insights from professionals working on the ground were a central part of the discussion. They highlighted the need to further develop a more strategic approach to public communication and closer cooperation across government bodies. Representatives also stressed the importance of delivering clear information to citizens about ongoing reforms and long-term goals.
A significant part of the conversation focused on the upcoming Conference of the Parties 17 (COP17) of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to be held in Yerevan in October 2026. Participants emphasized that the event creates a national opportunity to strengthen communication around green reforms and deepen public understanding.
AUA Acopian Center Director Alen Amirkhanian noted the broader importance of this effort. “This is the first time that Armenia is hosting an international gathering of such scale and significance,” he said, adding, “Armenia is not only hosting an event, but is taking on an unprecedented global leadership role for the two years following hosting the COP17.”
Amirkhanian explained that this level of global attention makes it especially important to understand that Armenia’s green transition is not limited to nature protection or to the Ministry of Environment alone. It affects every sector of the economy and every resident of Armenia. Raising awareness and improving communication across all levels, from citizens to senior decision makers, is essential for the country to hold such a global leadership position.
The group agreed that the workshop should serve as a starting point for continued dialogue. Participants expressed interest in holding follow-up meetings, expanding cooperation, and involving a wider group of government communicators as Armenia prepares for COP17.
The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment and SEI will continue to support these efforts through the Green Agenda Armenia project in order to strengthen environmental communication in the critical months that lie ahead.
The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, a research center of the American University of Armenia (AUA), promotes the protection and restoration of the natural environment through research, education, and community outreach. The AUA Acopian Center’s focus areas include sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity protection and conservation, greening the built environment, sustainable energy, as well as information technology and the environment. Visit ace.aua.am.
The Green Agenda Armenia, implemented by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, is funded by Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It brings together government actors and expert partners from Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine to accelerate green transitions. By supporting policy reform, innovation uptake, capacity building, and investment, the project advances greener economies and resilient societies. Green Agenda Armenia is part of the larger regional project Green Agenda for Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine, run by SEI. Visit ace.aua.am/projects/green-agenda-armenia/.
