Statement by the Delegation of Armenia Ms. Sofya Margaryan, Counsellor UNGA 79 Third Committee Agenda item 26 “Social Development”

Madam Chair,

We would like to congratulate you and other members of the Bureau and to wish you much success in steering the work of the Committee.

Social development remains a cornerstone of sustainable progress towards equitable growth, prosperity and resilience. By addressing social disparities and upholding the principles of equality and justice, social development fosters well-being, inclusion and human rights.

Armenia is committed to embracing social development through state-led efforts and policies that prioritize the advancement of human capital.This includes the rollout of universal health coverage, designed to ensure that accessible and affordable healthcare services are available across the entire country. Armenia is actively transitioning to a system of universal inclusive education, which seeks to provide quality education for all children, regardless of their circumstances. To combat early marriages and promote the well-being of young individuals, earlier this year, legislative changes were enacted that set the legal age for marriage as 18, with no exceptions. Recognizing the importance of safety and protection for all citizens, the recently enacted a new Criminal Code includes stronger safeguards against violence and discrimination.

Efforts are underway towards establishing more community-based services and alternative care options for individuals with special needs, particularly through the practice of deinstitutionalization, to support more independent and fulfilling lives. To better assist people with disabilities, social protection measures are being strengthened, including through the ongoing expanison of the caregiver services. A key area of focus is the ongoing implementation of a functionality-based disability assessment system, which aligns with international standards and ensures the equal participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of public life.

The mass forced displacement of 120,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh has underscored the urgent need to expand public services in Armenia. In response to the multidimensional challenges faced by the forcibly displaced population, Armenia had to moblize efforts to enhance social security, healthcare, housing and education. In collaboration with international partners, Armenia has been working to enhance the psychosocial resilience of the affected individuals and families of refugees.

Recognizing the immediate impact of environmental challenges on populations, Armenia has been working diligently to integrate climate resilience and sustainability into national policies, particularly within the agricultural sector. This integration is essential to address the vulnerabilities posed by climate change and ensure the well-being of our communities.

In equipping the youth to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, Armenia underscores the critical importance of digital literacy, science, technology, and innovation. Our efforts are particularly focused on ensuring equal opportunities for boys and girls in STEM fields, fostering an environment where all children and young people can explore and realize their innovative potential. In this regard, the protection of personal data, especially for children and youth, is paramount. In recent years, Armenia has launched awareness campaigns, including the one titled "What Does the Internet Know About Me?", aimed at educating children, parents, and educators about safeguarding personal information in a global digital landscape.

Madam Chair,

Addressing the challenges of aging is central to the social development efforts, as recognized in Armenia's Demography Strategy for 2024-2040. This new strategic framework is designed to focus on family welfare, health promotion, active aging, and migration management, fostering an environment in which the older generation can actively participate in socio-economic life. By prioritizing these pillars, the Strategy intends to create opportunities for learning and engagement that enhance the principle of intergenerational solidarity.

In conclusion, Armenia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to social development as a fundamental pathway to achieving inclusive progress and sustainable growth.