COP17 also holds political, economic and security significance for Armenia, sa

The 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity is important for Armenia from an environmental, political, economic and security perspective.

Armenian Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan said this while discussing the opportunities offered by the conference and the prospects for expanding international cooperation.

He said hosting an international event of this scale enables Armenia to strengthen ties with international partners, raise its profile and highlight the importance of its involvement in international affairs.

“Security comes first. Clearly, this event also has a political dimension. The presence of so many people, countries and participants in the Republic of Armenia is a significant event. This is one of the most important factors for Armenia’s economic development and its place in the world. It is impossible to overlook all the positive aspects,” Simonyan said.

He said such international platforms allow Armenia to establish new connections, engage directly with representatives of different countries and identify areas for further cooperation. Hosting such events also helps increase international interest in the country and expand Armenia’s involvement in global affairs.

Asked what new opportunities could emerge for Armenia over the next two years, Simonyan said these were already being created through the country’s hosting of the conference.

“Look, these opportunities have already opened up through the very fact that COP17 is being held in the Republic of Armenia. If it had not been possible to hold this event in the Republic of Armenia, COP17 would not be here today,” he said.

The Security Council Secretary stressed the importance of maintaining the connections and opportunities for cooperation established during the conference after the event ends. The next two years could be important for Armenia in continuing dialogue with international partners and developing these ties.

The UN Biodiversity Conference (COP17), to be held in Armenia from 19 to 30 October, is the largest international environmental event in the country’s history. Its central objective is to conduct the first global review of how countries are implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

The conference’s activities are divided between two main venues: the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex (Green Zone) and the Meridian Expo Centre (Blue Zone).

The Green Zone is open to the general public, civil society, scientists, businesses and young people. It will showcase environmental innovations and host community discussions, exhibitions and cultural events.

The Blue Zone is the venue for official negotiations, where national delegations, intergovernmental bodies, observers and experts meet to take decisions at the global level.

Sargis Asatryan