Within the framework of the Yerevan Dialogue, Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan met with Ivana Živković, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
During the meeting, the parties discussed the preparatory work for the COP17, agenda priorities, as well as Armenia’s vision and objectives within the framework of its presidency.
The Minister presented Armenia’s three main priorities as the country presiding over COP17:

• ensuring the first comprehensive review of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, with an emphasis on accountability and measurable progress; 
• expanding biodiversity financing with the aim of mobilizing USD 30 billion annually by 2030; 
• strengthening synergy and complementarity among multilateral environmental processes. 

During the meeting, the Minister also highlighted the role of United Nations Development Programme in biodiversity conservation, implementation of environmental policies, and the deepening of sectoral cooperation. The parties discussed opportunities for implementing joint initiatives and programmes in the lead-up to COP17, including in the areas of biodiversity financing, nature-based solutions and community-based programmes.
They also referred to the joint programmes already being implemented with UNDP, which, according to the Minister, are effective and important in advancing Armenia’s environmental and sustainable development agenda.
The Minister reaffirmed Armenia’s readiness to continue close cooperation with UNDP to make COP17 a results-oriented and action-oriented conference.