As part of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), Deputy Minister of Labor and Welfare Roza Babayan today participated in a panel discussion entitled “Rights-Based Action for Nature Conservation: Environmental Human Rights Defenders on the Front Lines.”

Laura Milne, Director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) Armenia Office; Sara Oberg Hjoper, Deputy Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Armenia; representatives of non-governmental organizations and other officials also attended the discussion.

In her remarks, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of protecting women's rights and ensuring gender equality in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. She highlighted women's role in environmental protection, the sustainable management of natural resources, and strengthening community resilience.

According to Roza Babayan, the Republic of Armenia's Gender Policy Implementation Strategy for 2025–2028 also aims to create an enabling environment for the realization of equal rights and opportunities for women and men across all areas of public life.

“In particular, one of the six priorities outlined in the Strategy focuses on ensuring gender equality in the field of climate change, underscoring the need for equal participation and opportunities in addressing environmental challenges,” the Deputy Minister noted.