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On February 22, the RA NA President Alen Simonyan took part in the Modern Parliament for a Modern Armenia (MAP) Project Board Meeting.

In his welcoming speech the Head of Parliament highlighted the work with the international partners in improving democratic institutes. In this context Alen Simonyan singled out the readiness of the Government of Sweden to convey the best experience of parliamentary democracy and localisiing it, the initiative of the UN development programmes.

“During the last three years the activity of the Modern Parliament for a Modern Armenia Project has been fruitful in transformation of parliaments of the seventh and eighth convocations of the National Assembly, the quality of the legislative initiatives, the digital solutions, the involvement of the youth and in other issues. The Project also promoted the strengthening of the international interactions, the inter-parliamentary relations of the National Assembly,” the Head of Parliament noted. According to Alen Simonyan the exchanges of parliaments of Sweden and Austria, the inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and other international platforms are considered to be as lasting value for the parliamentarians and the Staff.

“The work done by the Project in raising the public awareness on parliamentary democracy brought forth also new beginning and new approaches due to elaboration of strategic concept and the joint work with the NA Staff,” Alen Simonyan underscored.

In the series of the jointly implemented important actions, the RA NA President also distinguished the digitalization agenda of the National Assembly and concept of gender equality and social inclusion. “We cooperate with the Modern Parliament for a Modern Armenia Project team for development of capabilities, promoting the women’s participation in decision making, and serving it as an exemplary model in the entire government system,” the Head of the legislative body noted.

Documenting that considerable had been done, Alen Simonyan expressed his gratitude to Sweden for the opportunity of support and to the UNDP for effectively implementing that opportunity in the National Assembly and expressed hope though the Project is in the completing phase, but it will have its logical continuation.

According to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to the Republic of Armenia Patrik Svensson, the Government of Sweden is ready to support the democratic agenda of Armenia within the framework of different projects. To his assessment, The Project contributes to the improvement of the democratic governance system in Armenia, the legislative control and representation. In the context of the implemented actions within the framework of the Project the Ambassador spoke, particularly, about the visit to Parliament of Sweden, the effective collaboration with the RA NA Standing Committees and the Summer School of the National Assembly succeeded initiative.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili mentioned that there had been numerous challenges during the implementation of the Project, but thanks to joint work great achievements had been registered. In terms of the rise of transparency and efficiency of the NA activities the rapporteur presented the steps being taken on getting technically equipment for the National Assembly. Introducing the results of the public opinion assessment, Natia Natsvlishvili stated that they serve as evidence for transparency of parliament.

The RA NA deputy, the Coordinator of the MAP Project appointed by the RA NA President Hripsime Grigoryan underscored the stability, the transparency and inclusiveness of the Project. The MP highlighted the fact that within the framework of the Project there is cooperation with the opposition colleagues. Hripsime Grigoryan also talked about the engagement of the youth, stating that it once more proves that the Project is lasting and is aimed at the future.

The Project Coordinator Ruzanna Hayrapetyan spoke about the goals of the Project, the registered results and the further steps, presenting the actions and measures implemented in the development of the professional capacities and skills of Parliament and the Staff.

The members of the RA NA Armenia Faction Artur Khachatryan and Armenuhi Kyureghyan, the members of the NA Civil Contract Faction, the Chair of the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs Gevorg Papoyan and the Chair of the Standing Committee on Health Care Narek Zeynalyan also emphasized the efficiency of the Project and expressed hope that it would be continuous. They pointed out the numerous measures of the Project, which had been aimed at the improvement of the RA NA activities and the development of the employees’ capabilities.

At the end of the meeting the work plan for 2023 was approved.

The participants of the meeting noted that they are ready to develop the close cooperation, they expressed hope that the effective Project will be continuous.

The UN Development Programme Modern Parliament for a Modern Armenia Project is implementing in cooperation with the RA National Assembly. The Project is implemented by the financial assistance of the Swedish Government.