As part of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), Deputy Minister of Labor and Welfare Lusine Kocharyan participated today in a panel discussion entitled “High-Level Dialogue on a Just Transition for People and Biodiversity in Armenia.”

The discussion also featured Françoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia, Tim Lardner, Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS); Ellen Manaseryan, President of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia, Nare Sargsyan, Vice President of the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia, Irina Ghaplanyan, Senior Advisor at the World Bank and representatives of various state bodies and organizations.

The dialogue addressed issues related to ensuring economic development, employment, social justice, and biodiversity conservation, as well as developing inclusive policies that promote synergies between environmental and socio-economic objectives.

In her remarks, Deputy Minister Kocharyan emphasized that the green transition entails not only environmental and technological changes but also transformations in the labor market and social policy. In this context, she highlighted the importance of ongoing efforts to implement effective employment policies, develop vocational education, and provide continuous training for workers.

The Deputy Minister also noted that a just transition must ensure decent and safe working conditions, social protection, and equal opportunities for all. She underscored the importance of social partnership as a key prerequisite for balancing the interests of workers and employers.