Yerevan, 20 November 2025 – Today, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili and the American University of Armenia (AUA) President Dr. Bruce Boghosian signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entering into a landmark partnership to transform municipal waste management in the communities of Tashir and Stepanavan, Lori region. The partnership was initiated through the joint efforts of the UNDP City Experiment Fund project financed by the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic and supporting systems transformation in Armenian communities and the AUA Waste Policy Armenia programme, funded by Sweden, which promotes evidence-based policy reform in the waste management sector.

This strategic alliance brings together UNDP’s global leadership in municipal innovation and community engagement with AUA’s renowned academic expertise in environmental governance. By joining forces, the two organizations will develop and implement cutting-edge solutions for waste collection, source separation, and community composting. 

Reflecting on the significance of the MoU, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili stated, “This MoU formalizes our shared commitment to sustainable, resilient and inclusive development. Together, we will deliver real impact for Armenian communities. This collaboration will leverage both organizations’ strengths to address pressing environmental challenges in the Lori region.” 

The partnership is dedicated to equipping municipal staff and local organizations with the skills and support they need, while also fostering collaboration among government, civil society, and the private sector. Through rigorous research and hands-on experimentation, UNDP and AUA aim to set new standards for sustainable waste management and share successful practices across Armenia. 

Both institutions also underscored their dedication to a lasting collaboration and intention to explore further avenues for joint initiatives that advance shared development goals.