The UN Armenia Resident Coordinator Francoise Jacob’s speech at the Convergence Initiative Armenia Workshop

Good morning. It is a pleasure to open this national workshop on the Convergence Initiative.

Today we bring food systems, climate and environmental action under one roof - aligning our food systems pathway with Armenia’s NDCs, NAPs and NBSAP with biodiversity goals for coherent, finance ready implementation. I will share 5 points with you.

First, as global attention to the climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution - shows signs of fatigue - and gets relegated far behind more traditional geopolitics, Armenia cannot afford to lose focus. Armenia’s food systems are under growing pressure. Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and the increasing cost of healthy diets all point to a simple truth: sustainable food systems are a national priority. And linked to this, measure of self reliance in food production is not optional - it is strategic risk management. Strengthening domestic production, restoring ecosystems, and safeguarding biodiversity are environmental imperatives and they are fundamental to Armenia’s stability and development.

Second, if Armenia is to meet its climate ambitions, action must extend far beyond the energy sector. Agriculture is already one of the country’s highest emitting sectors, but it is also one of the most vulnerable and one of the most strategic. Food systems extend well beyond the farm: they include transport, processing, nutrition, ecosystems, markets, and consumer behavior (incl through Education). Connecting these dots is where real transformation happens. This is exactly what the Convergence Initiative invites us to do: to align food systems pathways with climate commitments such as NDCs, NAPs, biodiversity strategies, and national food security plans.

Third, Armenia faces rapidly intensifying competition for natural resources - particularly water. Water is the backbone of agriculture, yet it is pulled in many directions: industrial growth, construction, urban consumption, and drinking water needs. We must manage water as a strategic asset - balancing agricultural needs with drinking water and industrial development through smarter allocation and efficiency. 

Fourth, food systems transformation is also a social agenda. Rural communities - especially smallholders, women, and marginalized groups - must see real, tangible improvements in their livelihoods. Decent work, fair income, access to markets, and skills development are part of the transformation we are seeking. When rural families thrive, the entire food system becomes more resilient.

Fifth, Armenia has an opportunity to harness new technologies - from climate smart agriculture to digital solutions and innovative finance. But technology must serve people, nature, and long term resilience, not replace them. Innovation should solve real problems - better water use, healthier soils, resilient value chains - through practical pilots we can scale.

Before I conclude, let me offer two reflections that are essential for the success of this Convergence Initiative:

Capacities in Armenia - across institutions, experts, and communities - are stretched. We must be careful not to create new, parallel processes that add complexity or administrative burden. Instead, the goal is to connect existing strategies, strengthen existing coordination structures, and build coherence. Convergence is not about doing more, it is about doing better together.

Finally, Armenia stands at an important moment in its history. There is a real possibility of opening a new chapter - one defined by peace, prosperity, and a forward looking development model. A model that places resilience, sustainability, and human well being at its core. Transforming food systems into harmony with climate and environmental action can become one of the pillars of that new chapter. And COP 17 will be a great opportunity to accelerate action and feature some great examples from Armenia. The UN will walk this pathway with you within our cooperation framework and Agenda 2030.

To conclude, Convergence is about doing better together. Let’s connect plans, align finance, and deliver results for farmers, families and the future. Let’s leave today with a clear blueprint, a lighter coordination mechanism, and a practical way to track what matters - so partners can fund and implement with confidence. Thank you