On 28 October, within the framework of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia Robert Abisoghomonyan participated in and delivered remarks at an event entitled “Nature and Peace: The Role of Nature in Preventing Conflicts and Strengthening Social Cohesion in Post-Conflict Settings”.

Deputy Minister Robert Abisoghomonyan underscored the importance of biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources in strengthening peace, promoting sustainable development and enhancing societal resilience. Environmental degradation, climate change and increasing pressure on natural resources, he noted, can exacerbate existing challenges and tensions, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

Addressing developments in the South Caucasus, the Deputy Minister emphasized that, following more than three decades of conflict, the region now has a historic opportunity to consolidate the established peace and lay new foundations for relations between neighbouring countries. Robert Abisoghomonyan emphasized that the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan creates new opportunities for sustainable development and mutually beneficial cooperation, while noting that building mutual trust requires sustained and consistent efforts.

The Deputy Minister also referred to the four initiatives advanced by the Armenian Presidency within the framework of COP17, highlighting their contribution to strengthening international cooperation and expanding practical and technical support for biodiversity conservation.