Armenia took a major step toward strengthening its social protection system today during an event organized by UNDP under the “Building a Resilient Social Protection System in Armenia” project funded by the European Union and implemented in cooperation with UNICEF and WFP.

The event convened government officials, international partners, experts, and community representatives to present and consolidate several innovative reform agendas shaping the future of Armenia’s social protection landscape.

The event opened with remarks from Mr. Arsen Torosyan, RA Minister of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA); Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia; and Mr. Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Armenia.

“For three decades, UNDP has been contributing to the sustainable development of Armenia, such as the establishment of an accessible and equitable social protection system. The event today, organized within the framework of a project funded by the European Union, is yet another testimony to the importance of reforms aimed at ensuring the coherence of integrated social services, advancement of affordable and social housing, and the enhancement of digital capabilities of public sector actors in the social protection area. These efforts contribute to strengthening Armenia's social protection system, making it more inclusive and resilient for vulnerable groups,” noted Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia.

A central highlight of the event was the launch of a pilot model addressing Armenia’s social and affordable housing needs. Mrs. Irina Yolyan, Deputy Mayor of the Goris Community, and Mr. Tigran Petrosyan, Project Coordinator, presented an innovative approach that transforms unused attics of existing buildings into social apartments, emphasizing its potential for replication across communities throughout Armenia.

The event also introduced the new digital platform for MoLSA unveiled by Deputy Minister Mr. Araik Yesayan. Developed through UNDP–MoLSA collaboration, the platform aims to strengthen strategic governance, people management, and performance oversight, enhancing efficiency and improving social protection service delivery across the Ministry.

The workshop further presented the key findings of the Functional Review of the Unified Social Service (USS). Tigran Jrbashyan from Ameria Advisory outlined existing challenges and proposed an institutional model designed to shift the USS toward more integrated, people-centered service delivery. The proposed vision recommends separating case management from benefits administration, strengthening performance management systems, adopting digital tools for HR and strategic planning, improving information system integration, and establishing structured channels for citizen feedback.

Participants also discussed the piloting framework for the new institutional model, which will be tested in two territorial centers of the USS in the Syunik region. The session featured contributions from Mr. Arsen Torosyan, along with representatives from UNDP and Ameria Advisory, highlighting the path forward for institutional strengthening and improved service delivery.