YEREVAN, Armenia — On March 13, the American University of Armenia (AUA) and the Yerevan Urban Development Projects Implementation Unit (PIU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at contributing to the development of Yerevan and improving the city’s urban environment. The agreement focuses on initiatives related to sustainable urban development and enhanced public infrastructure. The cooperation further aims to promote the development and strengthening of research capacities in the fields of energy transition and climate solutions in Yerevan.
The Yerevan Municipality hosted the MoU signing event, which was preceded by an informal discussion of the two parties’ activities and plans for urban development initiatives. The discussion involved AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian, AUA Chief Communications Officer Narek Ghazaryan, and Hasmik Knyazyan, project manager at the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment. PIU was represented by Director Aneta Babayan and Chief Development and Partnerships Officer Alina Yeghiazaryan.
The participants discussed the prospects of encouraging improved transportation, the use of open GIS platforms with comprehensive data for developers and planners, and facilitating the exchange of ideas on different national and international cases that could be practically implemented with active public support and engagement. The discussants emphasized the importance of conducting participatory research as a co-creation and co-design approach to problem-solving and innovation, taking into account the opinions and perceptions of the public and stakeholders.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between academia and urban development practitioners in Yerevan,” said Dr. Boghosian. “We look forward to working together to generate meaningful initiatives that support innovation, education, and sustainable urban development in Yerevan.”
In line with the future collaboration pathways emphasized during the discussion, the MoU will enable PIU and AUA to organize student internships and mentoring programs. The cooperation will also include participation in the pilot program of the “Model Yerevan” Urban Governance Academy in the city. This initiative will support innovation and piloting by promoting the development and testing of innovative ideas, methods, and solutions in the urban environment, while facilitating cooperation and dialogue among relevant public, academic, private, and other stakeholders.
Earlier, on February 12-13, 2026, Yerevan Sustainable Energy Days 2026 took place in Yerevan, jointly organized by Yerevan Urban Development PIU and the Yerevan Municipality. The event aimed to foster dialogue on sustainability and urban development by bringing together researchers, policymakers, and community members to discuss energy and sustainability. The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment participated by showcasing several projects, including its Green Agenda Armenia, Waste Policy Armenia, Road to COP 17, and EU Horizon STREACS project that aims to strengthen energy transition research in Armenia. The event also offered opportunities to connect with the broader community and exchange perspectives on key sustainability challenges.
The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, a research center of the American University of Armenia, 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 and conservation, greening the built environment, clean energy, and energy efficiency, as well as information technology and the environment.
Yerevan Urban Development PIU (CNCO) is the special project management agency of the Yerevan Municipality, designing and implementing the city’s large-scale and impactful infrastructure and urban development investment projects.
