ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN — President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan delivered remarks at the United Nations Regional Environmental Summit held in Astana, emphasizing Armenia’s commitment to global climate action and the urgent need for strengthened international cooperation.
In his address, President Khachaturyan expressed sincere gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as to the government and people of Kazakhstan, for their warm hospitality and for organizing the high-level event.
“Armenia highly appreciates Kazakhstan’s efforts to promote international cooperation in addressing climate change and environmental degradation, both within the region and beyond,” the President stated, noting that the summit serves as an important platform bringing together governments, the scientific community, and civil society to tackle challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.
As a landlocked, developing, and mountainous country, Armenia is already experiencing the severe impacts of climate change, despite contributing only approximately 0.02% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Over recent decades, the country’s average temperature has risen by more than 1°C and is projected to continue increasing by mid-century. This trend has led to more frequent extreme weather events, including floods and heatwaves, resulting in significant economic losses and threats to livelihoods.
President Khachaturyan highlighted that declining precipitation levels and glacier retreat are intensifying water scarcity, particularly in rural communities. Limited access to freshwater poses risks to fragile mountain ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and overall public well-being.
In this context, Armenia welcomed Kazakhstan’s initiative to hold consultations with international partners aimed at enhancing cooperation in the effective management of water resources, confirming its active participation in these efforts.
Reaffirming Armenia’s dedication to global climate goals, the President outlined the country’s ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels through domestic efforts, and by up to 52% with international support.
“Armenia undertakes these commitments with a strong sense of responsibility, guided by the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities,” he stated.
Addressing biodiversity challenges, President Khachaturyan stressed that rising global temperatures are a major driver of biodiversity loss, affecting unique ecosystems and endemic species, with far-reaching consequences for human health, food security, and economic stability. He underscored the importance of expanding global efforts to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity.
In this regard, Armenia will host the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) later this year. The President extended an invitation to participants to attend the summit in Yerevan this October, where progress will be assessed and new pathways identified to accelerate environmental protection and restoration efforts.
Concluding his remarks, President Khachaturyan emphasized that international cooperation, mobilization of financial resources, and the exchange of knowledge and technology remain essential to addressing interconnected environmental challenges, enhancing climate resilience, supporting sustainable agriculture and food security, and improving water resource management.
“Armenia stands ready to work closely with regional and international partners, to share our experience and learn from others. Together, we can protect our planet and ensure long-term sustainability and prosperity for our societies,” he concluded.
