The Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, Arayik Harutyunyan, recently held a meeting with Regina De Dominicis, the Head of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Department at UNESCO. Also present at the meeting were Arthur Martirosyan, the Deputy Minister of Education, and Christian Vaygand, the representative of UNESCO in Armenia. During the meeting, Harutyunyan expressed gratitude for the cooperation between Armenia and UNESCO, particularly in the areas of education and support during challenging times. He highlighted the Ministry of Education’s active participation in various programs and projects, including the “State Program for the Development of Education in Armenia until 2030” and the “Education Needs of Children and Youth Displaced from Mountainous Karabakh” project.

Harutyunyan stated, “We are ready to deepen our cooperation in all areas where it is needed,” emphasizing the willingness to further collaborate with UNESCO. Regina De Dominicis expressed her gratitude for the acceptance and stressed the significance of cooperation in the field of education between Armenia and UNESCO. She shared her involvement in inclusive and pre-school education, military education, the national qualification framework, and the rights of children and youth through the “Youth about the Law” group.

The meeting also focused on the education of children displaced from mountainous Karabakh due to the conflict. The Deputy Minister informed that over 17,000 students from conflict-affected areas are currently attending schools and universities. Additionally, more than 1,000 students continue their education at colleges and vocational schools, with efforts being made to ensure education for the remaining children outside the school age group.

Arayik Harutyunyan stressed the importance of reintegrating these children into the educational process and highlighted the role of social service workers. The meeting also discussed the possibility of exchanging experiences with other countries through joint projects and enhancing ongoing cooperation. Overall, the meeting between the Armenian Minister and UNESCO aimed to strengthen cooperation and support educational initiatives in Armenia.