The head of the Gyumri region, Hakob Simidyan, warmly received John Gallacher, the Deputy Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General, during his visit to Armenia. Simidyan expressed his gratitude to the envoy and highlighted the positive development of cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the United Nations. The discussion focused on Armenia’s participation in the upcoming 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to take place in the United States from November 30 to December 12. Simidyan presented Armenia’s climate strategy and priorities during the meeting.

The meeting also explored the potential implementation opportunities for electric transportation means, an area of interest discussed between the official and the envoy. Notably, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia has been implementing the “National Programme for the Implementation of Climate-Based Urban Development in Armenia” since 2021. The program, funded by the Green Climate Fund, aims to promote the use of electric transportation means and establish an institutional framework to integrate them. It also seeks to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles, enhance urban planning, and develop monitoring and accounting systems.

Another topic discussed during the meeting was the “Game of Happiness” project. Simidyan expressed his hope for collaboration between countries, not only in environmental protection but also in fostering sustainable development across the region.