On 20 May, H.E. Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković, Ambassador of Serbia to Armenia, and Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, visited the Ijevan community of Tavush region to witness firsthand how community-driven solutions are helping build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities through the “Resilience from the Start” project. The project is funded by the Government of Serbia and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia.

The visit started at the Ijevan Rescue Service, where a 5kW hybrid rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system and a 2kW mobile PV system were installed․ The visit was also attended by Mr. Narek Ghushchyan, Deputy Governor of Tavush region, and Mr. Hayk Saghatelyan, Head of Tavush Regional Rescue Department. Overall, the initiative is expected to benefit more than 30,000 people, including 80 refugees supported through direct household PV and solar water heating installations. In total, 26 locations across Berd, Ijevan, and Noyemberyan have now been equipped with 213 kW of solar panels and solar water heaters, including refugee houses, schools, and emergency response centers.

Later the same day, the high-level delegation, accompanied by Mr. Arthur Chagharyan, Head of Ijevan community, visited the Sculpture Park of Ijevan community, where a new gender-sensitive and inclusive multifunctional public space was officially inaugurated. The space includes an open-air amphitheater with an accessible stage, a community pavilion for educational and cultural initiatives, and an environmentally-friendly playground designed in line with safety and accessibility standards. 

Co-created with residents and local authorities through participatory design and validation processes, the initiative reflects community priorities and contributes to a more inclusive environment for over 10,000 women, 5,000 children and youth, and more than 500 refugees.

“The initiatives implemented under the “Resilience from the Start” project are helping communities become more sustainable, connected, and responsive to the needs of women, youth, refugees, and vulnerable groups. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Serbia for its continued partnership and commitment to supporting resilient and people-centered development across Armenia,” said Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia.