Friday, 31 July 2015
New 5-Year GoA-UN Cooperation Instrument Signed
On July 31, the UN-Armenia Development Support Program for 2016-2020 was signed in the Office of Government. The document was by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian for the Republic of Armenia and UN Resident Coordinator Bradley Busetto for the United Nations.
During the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan noted with satisfaction that Armenia has made significant progress in implementing the Millennium Development Goals by providing for universal secondary education, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, as well as in the fight against malaria, HIV / AIDS and other diseases.
As the Premier pointed out, his government is keen to implement the Post-2015 development agenda and achieve the sustainable development objectives.“Today we have gathered to mark the startup of a new phase of cooperation between Armenia and the United Nations. The United Nations’ 2016-2020 Development Assistance Framework document will serve as a reference point for developing UN-Armenia cooperation over the next five years. 7 expected “results” have been established by the Government of the Republic of Armenia, the Armenia Office of the United Nations and the civil society. 5 strategic principles are at the core of the UN Development Program: human rights, gender equality, environmental protection, goal-oriented management and capacity building,” Hovik Abrahamyan said, adding that the document includes those areas reflected in the strategic development program of the Republic of Armenia in the 2014-2025 as adopted by the Government in 2014.
Noting that this is the third similar document coming after the five-year programs for 2005-2010 and 2010-2015, the Prime Minister said to have the understanding of Armenia’s significant progress in specific areas of public life. The Head of Government expressed confidence that the document at hand will help enhance the living standards in the Republic of Armenia.
In turn, UN Resident Coordinator Bradley Busetto noted that the program sets the framework of cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the United Nations.
“It is appropriate that the signing of the document comes after a meeting of the National Council for Sustainable Development, which stated progress in achieving our goals. This program is a strategic assistance planning tool for the United Nations. This is the fruit of joint efforts made by the Government of the Republic of Armenia, civil society and the Armenia Office of the UN. The program acknowledges the progress made by Armenia and states innovative solutions in response to the challenges faced in the Republic of Armenia,” Bradley Busetto noted.
The five-year program has a budget of USD119 million.
