Yerevan, 11 March 2011 – The UN Resident Coordinator and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia led the discussion on the progress made towards the achievement of the four UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) outcomes. The UNDAF (2010-2015) is the main strategic document which guides the overall assistance provided by the UN system to Armenia. It has been jointly prepared by the Government of Armenia and the UN country team and is fully aligned with the national priorities and development needs. The four strategic priorities of the UNDAF focus on: the promotion of inclusive and sustainable growth by reducing disparities and expanding economic and social opportunities for vulnerable groups; the improvement of the capacity of citizens to exercise their rights and responsibilities and government institutions to comply with their obligations; the access to social services in line with sustainable development principles; and the strengthening of effective management of natural resources in line with sustainable development principles. The Deputy Foreign Minister, Arman Kirakossian said: “The Government of Armenia works to further improve the economic and social development of our country, raising standards in education, health care and science, protecting environment and promoting sustainable development and investment opportunities. A lot has been done already, but we will continue implementation of our reform agenda and the cooperation with the UN is essential on our path to success.” Dafina Gercheva, UN Resident Coordinator commented: “The UN system in Armenia, through its collective, coherent and integrated interventions, contributes towards fostering social transformation and advancing human development”. Anahit Simonyan, UNIDO Head of Operations and Ruben Sarukhanyan, Head of Investment Policy Department of the Ministry of Economy of Armenia, presented progress in the area of economic development and reported that despite the economic crises certain progress has been achieved to improve regulatory framework and mechanisms for entrepreneurship and revitalization of business opportunities. Dirk Boberg, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and Vache Terteryan, First Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration, briefed the audience about the advancement of democracy and enhancement of capacity of public institutions and stressed the need for further implementation of the reforms to bridge regional disparities and promote social inclusion as well as the full respect of human rights. Laylee Moshiri, UNICEF Representative and Ara Petrosyan, First Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Issues, presented the progress achieved in the provision of social services, with the focus on quality and equity of access for the most vulnerable groups. Armen Martirosyan, UNDP Environmental Governance portfolio manager and Simon Papyan, First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection, presented the achievements in the areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation, energy efficiency and disaster risk reduction. The comments and contributions provided by the participants during the annual UNDAF review will be incorporated into the work plans of the UN agencies, programs and funds thus ensuring full alignment with the evolving needs and national priorities.

---