YEREVAN — Armenia's National Commission for UNESCO convened a high-level regular session today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advance the nation's cultural diplomacy, global education initiatives, and environmental preservation targets.

The meeting was chaired by the Commission’s President, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, and brought together top cabinet ministers and state officials to shape Armenia’s multilateral priorities within the United Nations framework.

Expanding Cultural Heritage Priorities

The primary focus of the session was expanding the nation's presence on global heritage lists. Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan presented a series of comprehensive initiatives aimed at securing new Armenian nominations for both the UNESCO World Heritage (Tentative and Main) Lists and the Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Additionally, the ministry outlined ongoing work to register critical historical assets into the Memory of the World International Register. Beyond physical preservation, Andreasyan highlighted efforts to integrate Armenian cities into the UNESCO Creative Cities and Learning Cities networks, expand local involvement in the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), and introduce modern, innovative educational approaches. State planners are also drafting proposals to include significant Armenian anniversaries in the official UNESCO calendar for the 2028–2029 cycle.

Aligning Economic Growth and Climate Goals

The commission emphasized that its engagement with international programs must serve a strategic dual purpose—safeguarding heritage while directly driving Armenia’s local economic development and public welfare.

Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan underscored the vital relationship between environmental protection and the protection of natural heritage. He linked these efforts to Armenia’s expanding responsibilities on the world stage, notably its upcoming role as the host nation for the COP17 United Nations Biodiversity Conference. To build on this momentum, the commission detailed plans to intensify state cooperation under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

Enhancing Diplomatic Capabilities

Armenia has steadily increased its footprint within the UN body since joining the organization. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Abisoghomonyan delivered a progress report tracking recent successes in expanding Armenia’s institutional representation within specialized UNESCO bodies.

Looking forward, the ministry outlined future actions designed around the "Education for Peace" strategic vision. The commission concluded the session with an exchange of views on bolstering its internal structural and professional capacities to keep pace with its rapidly diversifying, long-term partnership with UNESCO.