In the run-up to World Water Day 2024, a high-level event was held in Yerevan on Friday 22 March, co-organised by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian NGO "Environment and Health", with the support of the European Union through the EU4Environment - Water and Data programme.
This year, the World Water Day event was celebrated with greater significance, focusing on the advancement of reforms to improve water resources management in Armenia.
The ceremony was opened by Mr Hakob Simidyan, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, and Mr Jan Plesinger, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia.
The event was attended by Mr Vache Terteryan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Minister of Economy, Mr Arman Khojoyan, Deputy Minister of Economy, Mr Vahe Ghalumyan, Head of the Parliamentary Commission on Environmental, Agricultural and Nature Protection Issues, other representatives of the Government of the Republic of Armenia.
During the event, the reforms implemented in the water sector of the Republic of Armenia were presented, including improvements in water legislation, water saving mechanisms, water infrastructure reforms, and environmental control measures. The presentations were followed by the awarding of certificates and a question and answer session with the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, in which the young winners of the competitions took part. The young people had the opportunity to share their concerns about water resources with the Minister and propose creative solutions.
Young people from different regions of Armenia were invited to participate through two competitions. The initiative aimed to engage young people in the issues of conservation and efficient use of water resources in Armenia by presenting creative and modern solutions. Announced in February, the two competitions were dedicated to the creation of a logo for the 2024 World Water Day with the theme “Water for Generations and Peace”, and the creation of an infographic titled "Conservation and Management of Water Resources through the Eyes of Youth." As a result of the competitions, 48 logos and 23 infographics were submitted by young people from various regions of the Republic of Armenia. The best logo, created by 10th and 12th grade students of Voghjaberd secondary school in the Kotayk region, became the symbol of the day and was distributed as a badge to event participants. Eight young winners of the two competitions were given the opportunity to participate in the World Water Day event in Yerevan on 22 March.
The World Water Day was concluded with a thematic exhibition. In 10 different pavilions, water saving technologies, water monitoring tools, scientific/academic solutions, eco-educational programmes, as well as implemented and ongoing projects of international donor organisations in the water sector were presented. The friendly environment of the exhibition contributed to two-way communication, new connections and cooperation with business, science, government bodies, international donor organisations, civil society organisations and young people.
Read the article on the website of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia.
Pictures: Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia and Vahagn Tonoyan
