Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN, at the UNGA80 2nd Committee General Debate

Mr. Chair,

I would like to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau and to wish you all the success in steering the discussions of the Second Committee.

Five years into the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, this year's theme is both a sobering reminder and a rallying call. Nearly 810 million people remain trapped in extreme poverty, global hunger is rising again, and debt servicing in developing countries reached an unprecedented $1.4 trillion in 2024. At the same time, climate impacts are intensifying and biodiversity loss continues at an alarming pace. These realities underscore the urgency of decisive action and collective solutions rooted in solidarity, equity and renewed multilateralism.

Armenia remains firmly committed to the 2030 Agenda by advancing policies that invest in human capital, ensure inclusive education and universal health coverage, build resilient social protection systems, accelerate green and digital transformation, strengthen democratic governance, and promote gender equality and empowerment of women, in alignment with the SDGs. Digital transformation is also at the centre of national priorities, with efforts focused on expanding digital services, enhancing connectivity and supporting innovation for inclusive and sustainable growth.

As both a landlocked developing and a middle-income country, Armenia has consistently underscored the importance of strengthened international cooperation to support countries in special situations. In this regard, the Awaza Programme of Action provides a critical framework for guiding international support, while the full implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, along with the elaboration of the Work Programme on Transit for Landlocked Developing Countries, remains essential to lowering trade costs and advancing the effective participation of LLDCs in international trade.

We are confident that the full opening of transport communications in our region and with neighboring countries will unlock new opportunities for economic growth, dialogue and people-to-people contacts, thereby contributing to broader stability and prosperity. The implementation of the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative, together with its integral "TRIPP connectivity project", will play a central role in advancing these objectives. We thank the partner countries that have already welcomed this vision and look forward to further support in making it a reality.

Special attention should be given to the development prospects of middle-income countries, which remain constrained by persistent vulnerabilities and systemic gaps in the development cooperation architecture. Addressing these challenges requires fairer access to financing beyond GDP per capita, a stronger UN development system that moves from policy advice to practical support, and an international cooperation framework that reflects the multidimensional vulnerabilities of MICs. In this regard, the elaboration of a Strategic Plan of Action for MICs is of particular importance, and Armenia is committed to advancing this process in an inclusive and constructive manner.

The financing gap remains a significant barrier for most countries in achieving sustainable development. Building on the outcome of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, it is essential to accelerate reforms of the international financial architecture to expand affordable and long-term financing, address debt vulnerabilities, and strengthen inclusive international tax cooperation. We believe that the commitments made in FfD4 provide a comprehensive framework, but their impact will depend on timely and coherent implementation at the national, regional and global levels.

The distinctive mountainous terrain and ecosystems of Armenia place climate action among our national and international priorities. As the incoming Presidency of Biodiversity COP17, Armenia advocates integrating climate resilience and environmental protection across all policy frameworks, while recognizing that the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification underscore the value of fostering complementarity among the Rio Conventions and encouraging constructive exchanges between their Conferences of the Parties.

Looking ahead to COP17 in 2026, Armenia's Presidency will place the Global Review of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the centre-making it inclusive, transparent and action-oriented-so that it guides timely course corrections and strengthens synergies with climate action before 2030. We will also prioritize closing the biodiversity financing gap by mobilizing new and predictable resources and ensuring direct access for developing countries, Indigenous Peoples and local communities. In parallel, we will advance the operationalization of the new arrangements under Article 8(j) so that the knowledge and rights of Indigenous Peoples meaningfully shape decision-making. Armenia stands ready to work with all partners to make COP17 a milestone in turning ambition into implementation.

Mr. Chair,

As we approach the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, there is a need for reinvigorated multilateral system that is more effective, inclusive and capable of meeting the challenges of our time. In this context, the Secretary-General's UN80 initiative should aim to strengthen coherence across the UN Development System and the wider agenda, enabling accelerated action that complements, rather than substitutes, our national and collective efforts. They must also safeguard the provision of vital development assistance, which remains indispensable for countries in special situations and for ensuring that no one is left behind.

Armenia remains committed to engaging constructively, in the spirit of solidarity and equity, to advance solutions that deliver meaningful progress for present and future generations.

I thank you.