The UN Armenia Resident Coordinator Francoise Jacob’s Speech at the ‘Countries Under One Roof’ International Forum

Thank you for inviting me to this event. I love the title: “Countries Under One Roof” is more than a forum - it is a bridge. Sounds like the UN. I will share 3 points with you today.

1. This is a special moment. Armenia is making meaningful progress on the peace agenda. And peace creates opportunity. The recent steps toward lasting peace are not just political achievements-they are economic turning points. Peace unlocks trust, opens borders, and lays the foundation for sustainable development. It invites investment, innovation, and inclusive growth. The country is also preparing to lead global environmental diplomacy as host of COP17 biodiversity next year. Today, Armenia stands ready to engage with the world - not only as a partner in business, but as a partner in building a better future. Armenia is developing a completely new, powerful, and forward looking business brand!

2. That future must be green. The climate and biodiversity crisis demands bold action. The country has committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and is aligning its national strategies with global climate goals. The updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement will guide Armenia’s engagement at COP30 in Brazil. The new Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, to be unveiled in the coming days, will strengthen our stewardship of nature.

Armenia is also opening up to sustainable finance. The Central Bank’s Sustainable Finance Roadmap is helping the financial sector adopt responsible practices and develop green finance products. And with the enactment of the Green Taxonomy law, we now have clear criteria for green investments - ensuring that capital flows to projects that truly benefit the environment and preventing the risk of “sustainability-washing.”

These efforts will culminate in a historic moment: Armenia will host COP17 on Biodiversity in 2026. Hosting COP17 places Armenia in the international spotlight. It enhances the country’s reputation as a proactive and responsible member of the global community and positions the country as a regional hub for environmental diplomacy and innovation. This is not just a conference - it is a call to action. A chance for businesses, governments, and civil society to reimagine our relationship with nature and commit to a future that is regenerative, resilient, and inclusive. It gives Armenia a unique chance to showcase its rich natural and cultural heritage, catalyze partnerships, and attract technical and financial resources to address its pressing ecological challenges and accelerate domestic biodiversity agenda.  It also presents an opportunity to highlight the solutions specific to the Caucasus region. And by the way, the influx of thousands of visitors next year will stimulate the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and service industries.

Your participation to COP is encouraged! 

3. Inclusion must be at the heart of economic development. Armenia’s potential is not confined to its urban centers-it lives in its rural regions, in the talents of refugees rebuilding their lives, and in the creativity of people with disabilities. Gender equality must also be central to our efforts - empowering women and girls is not only a matter of justice, but a driver of innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth. We also celebrate the dynamism of Armenia’s youth, whose ingenuity has fueled a growing startup ecosystem - from fintech to agritech - that is gaining international recognition. Inclusive growth is not charity - it is smart economics. We invite you to invest in these communities, to build partnerships that uplift, and to make inclusion your business strategy.

In closing, let me say this: Armenia is open. Open to ideas, open to partnerships, open to transformation. Let this forum be the beginning of new ventures, new friendships, and a shared commitment to peace, sustainability, and inclusion.

Thank you.