YEREVAN, Armenia — On November 20, the American University of Armenia (AUA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Armenia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing a broad, long-term partnership aimed at strengthening municipal governance, advancing climate and circular economy solutions, and accelerating innovation-driven development across Armenia.
While waste management remains an important area of joint work, the MoU reflects a collaboration that extends well beyond it — bringing together AUA’s academic and research capacities with UNDP’s innovation ecosystem to co-develop models that can shape Armenia’s sustainable development trajectory.
The partnership builds on several ongoing initiatives at the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment — including the Sweden-funded Waste Policy Armenia program — and UNDP’s City Experiment Fund. Through the MoU, the institutions will expand cooperation across municipal capacity building, evidence-based experimentation, biowaste innovation, climate action, stakeholder convening, and policy-relevant research.
“This MoU formalizes our collaboration with UNDP, reinforcing our shared mission to advance sustainable development and empower communities in Armenia,” said AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian. “Through our partnership with UNDP and UNEP, the American University of Armenia is contributing tangible solutions to Armenia’s climate and circular economy agenda — linking scientific evidence, policy innovation, and real-world demonstration. Together, we aim to deliver measurable improvements in municipal waste management and set a strong precedent for innovation, learning, and inclusive development.”
UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili highlighted the significance of the MoU: “This MoU formalizes our shared commitment to sustainable, resilient, and inclusive development. Together, we will deliver real impact for Armenian communities. This collaboration will leverage both organizations’ strengths to address pressing environmental challenges in the Lori region.”
Representatives from both institutions echoed the broader strategic significance of the MoU during the subsequent discussion. “AUA’s mission is to bridge science, policy, and community action,” noted Alen Amirkhanian, director of the AUA Acopian Center. “Our collaboration with UNDP supports not only waste management systems, but also the development of national learning models grounded in experimentation, evidence-based decision-making, and local communities engaged in active learning and development.”
The MoU offers a framework guiding collaboration through August 2026, with the possibility of extension. All joint activities will align with Armenia’s circular economy priorities, climate commitments, and municipal development strategies. Following the signing, UNDP colleagues participated in a guided tour of AUA facilities and ongoing sustainability initiatives.
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.
UNDP in Armenia, established in March 1993, supports the Government in advancing national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. For nearly 25 years, UNDP has worked to accelerate Armenia’s development at both the policy and community levels — advising on legal and strategic frameworks while also implementing on-the-ground initiatives that turn policies into real action. The organization has extensive reach across the country, engaging rural and urban communities as well as a growing network of youth, innovators, and social entrepreneurs. Visit undp.org/armenia
