What is to be done to reduce negative impact on the environment while carrying out development programs in urban development and other spheres? Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland have significant experience in this sphere and are ready to share it with Armenian specialists. On the initiative of “Yakobian” centre of American University of Armenia and the Embassy of Sweden to the RA, a seminar entitled “Northern Solutions for Sustainable Cities” was organized.

According to the director of “Yakobian “ centre Alen Amirkhanyan, the aim of the event is the localization of the international experience and working out of individual environmental policy.
The Ambassadors of Sweden and Finland to Armenia, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the Resident Representative of UNDP in Armenia were present at the event.
The First Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Hrachya Sargsyan noted in his greeting speech that one of the problems of the capital is the number of vehicles. He also noted that installation of the new transport network will make it possible to reduce the emissions.
“Making Yerevan comfortable and ecologically sustainable is highly important for us. We plan to have appropriate equipment for checking the level of air pollution. We also plan to draw up the map of landscaping. Besides, we have “Green city” action plan”, said Hrachya Sargsyan and expressed gratitude for the organization of the event.
“Willingness of the city authorities of Yerevan is inspiring and the strategic vision will bring its positive result. It’s impossible to have a green city in one day, bud 5 years is a realistic time for it. Involvement and participation of townspeople are highly important in this issue as well”, said the UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Dmitry Maryasin.
“I attach high importance to ecological and social sustainability and modernization of the sector in Armenia, particularly, in Yerevan. With this aim we plan to work out a strategy which will let us get closer to the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN”, said the head of the State Committee for Urban Development of Armenia.
The international experts also visited the City Hall of Yerevan. During the meeting with the First Deputy Mayor they also discussed the problems and ways of their solution. The parties made an agreement to keep in touch and to discuss new joint programs.
The guests had a trip round Yerevan, familiarized themselves with the initiatives of the city authorities aimed at restoration of ecological and green zones in the centre of the capital.