Today, a symbolic cornerstone was laid to mark the start of construction of Armenia’s first-ever Center of Independent Living — a major step toward advancing independent, dignified lives for persons with disabilities.

The event brought together  Narek Mkrtchyan, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia, Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative, Silvia Mestroni, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Armenia, Argishti Mekhakyan, Governor of Armavir region, and  key partners, including representatives of the Urban Development, Technical Standards and Fire Safety Inspectorate and organizations of persons with disabilities.

“This Center represents a vision: a vision where persons with disabilities are not merely supported, but empowered to live independently, to make choices about their own lives, and to contribute actively to their communities. Lasting change is not built overnight, it is built on strong foundations - on vision, on collaboration, and on the conviction that no one should be left behind. On behalf of UNDP, we reaffirm our commitment to building a future where independence is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all”, said Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia.

Once completed, the Center will provide access to essential services, such as advisory and informational services, independent living education, personal assistant services, housing adaptation consultations, translation services, and customized transportation. These offerings will empower individuals with disabilities to live independently within their communities.

This initiative is being realized under the Stronger Services for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development project, implemented jointly by UNDP  and UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. The project focuses on four key areas: disability policy reform, digitalization, assistive technologies, and independent living services.