Celebrating United Nations Day: Panel discussion titled "Youth and Climate Change" held

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan delivered a welcome speech at the event, highlighting the UN as a key partner for Yerevan State University in educational and research fields.  

"This event, dedicated to climate change and key directions in environmental protection, aligns with YSU's mission. The university actively researches many related topics and offers relevant courses. We approach our students' education with great responsibility, ensuring they acquire essential knowledge and understand the pressing challenges facing our country and the world," said the YSU rector. He expressed hope that this event will pave the way for closer collaboration with UN Armenia.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Armenia, Francoise Jacob, spoke about the current environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity. She emphasized the UN's commitment to finding solutions for the challenges faced by the most vulnerable regions. 

"Our aim remains to provide young people, students, and the academic community with new knowledge and information that will empower them to participate in political and social life, as well as in the fight against global and local challenges. One of today's session's goals is to raise awareness of everyone. As representatives of the academic community, we must prioritize environmental protection in our work agenda, as clean air, clean water, and other essentials are critical for the survival of humanity," pointed out the UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia. 

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan considered the contributions of UN specialized agencies, peacekeeping forces, and UN offices in various countries invaluable for conflict resolution, poverty eradication, food security, fights against climate change, quality and inclusive education, and the protection and promotion of children and women. 

"79 years ago, the international community ratified the UN Charter and established the United Nations, committing to save future generations from the horrors of war. Over the past decades, the UN has played a significant role in maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, and protecting human rights," the deputy foreign minister noted. He added that the world continues to face serious challenges and crises, the resolution of which requires the collective efforts of the UN and its member states through the multilateral system to ensure peace, justice, prosperity, and the protection of human rights.

At the panel discussion on the topic "Youth and Climate Change", representatives from government departments, international and civil society organizations, along with specialists and professors of the field discussed climate change, environmental problems and challenges. 

Armenian Deputy Minister of Environment Aram Meymaryan also participated in the panel discussion at YSU. Emphasizing the significance of the event, he spoke about the activities of the United Nations and the relevance of the topics being discussed.

Referring to the climate changes occurring in Armenia, he emphasized, "We deal with climate change every day. Over the past 30 years, the global average air temperature has increased by 1.1 °C, while in Armenia, it rose by 1.34 °C in 2020 and by 1.6 °C in 2023. In other words, Armenia is experiencing these changes at a progressive pace. This is influenced by our climatic conditions and various other factors, making it essential to discuss the events unfolding right before our eyes. We can see how these ongoing changes affect us and how natural disasters have intensified. In this context, the Ministry of Environment is developing a new policy in two directions (adaptation and mitigation), along with an action plan that should be integrated into the programs of our partner sectoral ministries." 

Aram Meymaryan presented legislative initiatives in the field of climate, discussing both local and international climate processes and ways to engage youth in them. He also addressed the issue of climate policy in the Republic of Armenia and the importance of involving youth in these processes.

The speakers discussed a range of topics, including the role of the education system (what necessary knowledge and skills do higher education institutions provide to youth?), the involvement of youth in climate change processes (how do they participate in climate change in Armenia?), the opportunities provided by modern technologies (how can modern technologies improve our lives and help fight climate change?), the actions of civil society organizations (what programs are they implementing to prevent climate change?), and human responsibility (what steps can people take to have a positive impact in these ongoing processes?). 

Students from YSU Faculties of Biology, Geography and Geology, and International Relations, along with pupils from STEM High School, actively participated in organizing the event and panel discussion dedicated to United Nations Day.

Emphasizing the active involvement of YSU students and STEM High School pupils in volunteer work, Azniv Grigoryan, Head of the Marketing Department at YSU, noted, "It is noteworthy that the event was held at YSU, as the university has always supported youth participation in such initiatives. Thanks to their dedicated efforts, the volunteers ensured the success of the event, and I am sure that their work will yield visible results. We must also focus on the concept of a 'green university', which underscores our responsibility for environmental protection. This year, we are planning to organize the BioExpo, which will serve as a platform for students and pupils to present their innovative ideas in sustainable development and environmental protection. We aim to promote creativity, knowledge, and engagement of the university community to foster environmental improvement."

The BioExpo will take place on November 8, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. in the lobby of the YSU Main Building. During the event, the chairs of the YSU Biology Faculty will present their professional and work opportunities to support students' professional orientation.

During the question-and-answer session following the panel discussion, the speakers, including Arman Khojoyan, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, answered participants' questions. Afterwards, students from the "Universitarian" Theater-Studio of the YSU Charles Aznavour Cultural Center presented a short stage performance on the topic of climate change.

As part of the event, a painting and applied art competition titled "Climate Change and Ecology" was announced in advance. The winners—Arevik Khachatryan for "Restless Cats", Marusya Zakaryan for "Salvation", and Alla Meliksetyan for "Apeghakar"—received incentive prizes.