Government of Armenia, UNHCR and Partners Launch New EU Co-Funded Preparedness Project
Government of Armenia, UNHCR and Partners Launch New EU Co-Funded Preparedness Project
Participants at the Project Inception and Results Briefing at UN House in Yerevan on 20 July 2026.
YEREVAN, Armenia, 20 July 2026: The Government of the Republic of Armenia, with support from the European Union, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and partners, is strengthening national and local preparedness for a range of natural, technological and humanitarian emergencies.
A new 24-month Preparedness Action, running from June 2026 to May 2028, will support national coordination, municipal preparedness, public warning and early-action capacities, as well as community-level readiness. The €1 million action is co-funded by European Union Humanitarian Aid and will support 12 municipalities in Syunik and Vayots Dzor.
Implemented by UNHCR in close cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Armenia, the initiative brings together the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Armenian Red Cross Society, HEKS/EPER Armenia and People in Need. Through this partnership, UNHCR and partners will support and complement existing national and local preparedness systems and institutional arrangements.
The new project builds on results achieved between 2024 and 2026 through cooperation between the Government, UNHCR and partners. These include updated municipal disaster risk-management plans, strengthened public-warning capacities, pre-positioned emergency supplies, public-awareness materials, community preparedness teams, training and simulation exercises, and new evidence and digital tools to support risk-informed planning and decision-making.
The project will continue to promote an integrated, all-hazards and whole-of-society approach, supporting national authorities, municipalities, responders, volunteers and communities to anticipate risks, coordinate preparedness measures and respond effectively during emergencies.
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Ms.Natalya Sahakyan, Head of Strategic Planning, Policy Development and Monitoring Department, Ministry of Internal Affairs, highlighted the importance of preparedness actions and their practical implementation and impact on the ground.
UNHCR Representative in Armenia, Monica Sandri, expressed her appreciation for the long-standing strategic partnership, strong collaboration, and shared commitment to strengthening preparedness and community resilience in Armenia.
Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Armenia, Mr. Frank Hess, highlighted EU’s continued commitment to enhancing preparedness and commended the Armenian Government for prioritising preparedness and resilience actions nationwide.
UNHCR External Engagement Officer, Kiri Atri, presented the strategic directions of the new project, highlighting preparedness at local, national and regional levels, integration of technology, information and communication systems in preparedness, and stronger partnership and collaboration.
Representatives of partner organizations, diplomatic missions and international institutions exchange views during the Armenia Project Inception and Results Briefing.
Programme Officer of EU Humanitarian Aid, Volodymyr Kuzko, noted that the results achieved between 2024 and 2026 were made possible through the leadership of the Government of Armenia, active engagement and contributions of state institutions, local authorities, and volunteers, as well as the expertise and dedication of UNHCR and its project partners.
Participants at the Project Inception and Results Briefing at UN House in Yerevan on 20 July 2026.