Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan presented Armenia’s priorities and the guiding principles of its presidency at the opening of the United Nations biodiversity conference in Yerevan.
He noted that biodiversity protection is also a matter of direct national importance for Armenia.
“We are meeting at a time of profound changes in international relations. Geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and competition among national priorities are placing increasing pressure on international institutions and established mechanisms of cooperation.
“Under these circumstances, the United Nations, other relevant international organizations and the principles of multilateralism continue to play a central role by providing a platform where states, regardless of their resources, capabilities or political differences, can engage on an equal footing, reconcile divergent interests and jointly pursue common objectives.
“Effective multilateralism is an important component of Armenia’s foreign policy. We attach particular importance to the sovereign equality of states, inclusive dialogue and the ability of international institutions to respond to the needs and priorities of their members,” he said.
The minister noted that the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022 was an important collective achievement. The objective now is to ensure that the commitments undertaken are accompanied by sustained engagement and practical implementation.
“For Armenia, biodiversity protection is also a matter of direct national importance. Our country’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems are an essential part of our natural heritage and require responsible protection and conservation. Hosting COP17 provides an opportunity to link this national responsibility with our contribution to global efforts to protect and restore nature.
“We have approached the preparations for this conference with the understanding that the presidency carries both institutional and diplomatic responsibilities. We do not regard the presidency as an end in itself, but rather as an opportunity to help the Parties build trust, bridge differences and advance the common agenda.
“We sincerely hope that the dialogue we will continue to facilitate, both during the conference and throughout the next two years of our presidency, will contribute to decisions that take into account the interests of all Parties and advance our shared objectives. We will be guided by the principles of impartiality, inclusiveness and respect for the intergovernmental nature of the Convention,” he said.
Mirzoyan noted that the significance of biodiversity on the international agenda extends far beyond environmental protection, as biodiversity, climate change, food security and sustainable development are closely interconnected.
He added that decisions made in one area increasingly affect others, creating both opportunities and challenges for national policies and international cooperation. This requires closer coordination among these areas and greater attention to their interconnections when implementing the commitments undertaken.
On the evening of October 18, the official opening ceremony of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) took place at the Meridian Center in Yerevan. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the ceremony and delivered an address. In his remarks, he said Armenia views its COP17 presidency as an opportunity to unite the efforts of the international community and channel them toward practical and tangible results.
