UNFPA co-hosted with Permanent Mission of Armenia and the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the UN a “Thought Leadership Dialogue”

On November 22, Ambassador Mher Margaryan participated in the Global Thought Leadership Dialogue on the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism under the UN Secretary-General's UNiTE to End Violence against Women Campaign. The event was organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and co-hosted by the Permanent Missions of Armenia and Colombia.

In his remarks, the Permanent Representative emphasized that addressing and countering discrimination and abuse is never easy, as it requires profound transformation and unwavering commitment. "In Armenia, this process involves efforts on multiple dimensions, including critical legislative reforms alongside initiatives to raise awareness, shift societal perceptions, and provide targeted training for responders to ensure more comprehensive and all-inclusive approach," Mr. Margaryan stated.

Ambassador Margaryan highlighted Armenia's long-standing partnership with UNFPA, which has been instrumental in advancing efforts to combat domestic and gender-based violence. "Countering gender-based violence is a vital component of broader commitment to advancing gender equality. Armenia's efforts in this regard have been grounded in an approach that prioritizes comprehensive and gender-sensitive policymaking across various sectors. Through integrated, multidisciplinary efforts, we seek to more effectively address the disproportionate vulnerabilities faced by women and girls to ensure that their rights are better safeguarded and their opportunities for empowerment fully realized," he added.

During the event, opening remarks were also delivered by Ms. Leonor Zalabata Torres, Permanent Representative of Colombia, Mr. Courtenay Rattray, UN Secretary-General Chef de Cabinet and Ms. Diene Keita, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director.