Armenia hosts the Nepalese delegation within the frames of the Armenia-Nepal VNR Twinning programme

From 12 to 18 May 2024, Armenia hosted a high-level delegation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to Armenia within the framework of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Voluntary National Review (VNR) Twinning Study Tour initiative. This study tour aimed to strengthen cooperation and knowledge sharing in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) between the two countries, noting the various similarities between the countries and the development opportunities.

During the launch event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UN Residence Coordinator Ms. Françoise Jacob welcomed the delegates on behalf of the UN Country Team in Armenia and highlighted the importance of exchange and collaboration between the two countries, particularly since they are engaged in presenting their VNRs this year. She emphasized the role of VNRs in assessing and accelerating SDG implementation in the countries, the opportunity for a critical and comprehensive overview of country advancement, and, of course, their importance as an accountability and transparency tool for the public. She also noted the opportunities for the collaboration between the two countries, focusing on environmental challenges in landlocked mountainous countries.

During the mission, the Delegation visited the National Assembly to discuss parliamentary engagement in the SDG processes, the Statistical Committee to review the SDG monitoring process and had meetings at the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure as well as the Ministry of Environment. The Delegation held consultations with the Deputy Foreign Minister on strengthening cooperation and underlined the importance of joint side events within the framework of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July.

One of the highlights of the mission was the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Yerevan and Nepal Chamber of Commerce. This will create opportunities for further collaboration between the two chambers. 

Within the framework of the ESCAP VNR Twinning programme, visits and meetings were planned to the relevant departments and agencies, where the officials from Nepal got introduced to the strategies and sectoral programs of the Republic of Armenia, study tours to organizations in the field of information technology, scientific and educational centers, as well as field visits to get familiarized with infrastructure and environmental projects carried out in Armavir and Gegharkunik regions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, being the host of the Twinning programme, confirmed its willingness for further cooperation and collaboration beyond the presentations of their VNRs in July, with a particular focus on monitoring mission achievements.