Second National Stakeholder Consultation Workshop

On May 13, the Second National Stakeholder Consultation Workshop and Capacity Building on the National Expert SDG Tool for Energy Planning (NEXSTEP) for the SDG 7 Roadmap for Armenia brought together experts and stakeholders to shape Armenia's energy future.

“Today's workshop presents a crucial opportunity to address the challenges we've encountered in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, share strategies for overcoming them, and exchange best practices. Armenia, like many others, has been significantly affected by this crisis. In line with the agreements made in Paris and subsequent COP meetings, the development of long-term green strategies and the implementation of relevant mechanisms are essential steps towards mitigating rapid warming and addressing climate change, ultimately contributing to the realization of the UN's sustainable development goals," said in his welcoming speech Mr. Hovhannes Abrahamyan, Head of Regional Energy Markets Development Division, Energy Department, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia.

Mr. Oleg Dzioubinski, Regional Adviser, Sustainable Energy Division of the UNECE commanded Armenia’s commitment and added that the UNDA project “Strengthening energy policies of Countries with Special Needs to build back better from COVID-19” (January 2022-June 2025) targets eight countries, including Armenia. The NEXSTEP Tool offers a strategic pathway towards sustainable energy development.

"ESCAP has supported 20 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, including in the Caucasus and Central Asia in developing their SDG 7 Road Maps, which have supported countries to formulate national policies and strategies on energy transition. Once completed, the SDG 7 Road Map for Armenia will offer an opportunity to align Armenia’s energy sector policies and plans with global sustainable energy goals and targets, while building on national development priorities,” mentioned Michael Williamson, Section Chief of the ESCAP Energy Division.

“Since 2000, UNDP has been steadfast in its support for the Government of Armenia on climate change, with a particular focus on energy efficiency policy development. This has meant mainstreaming climate mitigation and adaptation strategies across various sectors of the economy”, highlighted Mr Hovhannes Ghazaryan, the UNDP Armenia Climate, Environment and Resilience Portfolio Team Leader.

The workshop was organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), with substantive and logistical support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).