Natia Natsvlishvili, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia, has issued an end of year video message. She stated as follows in this message:
“Dear colleagues,
It is time to bid farewell to 2021 and welcome 2022. This is the moment to reflect back, take stock where we are, and make goals for the future.
The year 2021 was not easy. It has brought new challenges, but it has also opened new opportunities. Whether it was dealing with the coronavirus pandemic or recovering from the armed conflict of the previous year, addressing socio-economic obstacles or reducing the consequences of climate change, the United Nations Development Programme has been there for the Armenian people.
And together, we have achieved a lot:
We have strengthened resilience and livelihood of nearly 30,000 people in Armenia in the face of the compound crisis. It includes hundreds of jobs, greater income of thousands of people, access to public services in remote, bordering and conflict-affected settlements of Armenia.
We supported the June parliamentary elections, making sure that over 2 million eligible voters effectively exercise their electoral rights.
We supported Armenia’s aspirations countering the climate change, including through demonstrating green energy solutions which reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 6 thousand tons annually.
We promoted equal opportunities for women and men of Armenia, including acceleration of women’s economic empowerment, as well as contribution to increase of women’s representation in local politics to 30 percent.
Yet, we also know that we still have a long way to go to foster sustainable development in Armenia. As long as there is 27 percent poverty, if 18 percent of the adult population is unemployed, if regional disparities or gender inequality still persists, it means that UNDP’s mission is not accomplished.
We set an ambitious goal ahead of us and are ready for the tireless efforts to achieve it. Each of us plays an important role in accomplishing these objectives. And I am excited to work with all of you to make it a reality.
On this note, let me wish you all a peaceful, prosperous and healthy 2022. Happy New Year!”
