Yerevan, 17 March 2026 — The Public Sector Innovation Forum III officially opened today at the G. Sundukyan National Academic Theatre in Yerevan, bringing together more than 1,000 participants from across the government, international organizations, the private sector, civil society, academia and the technology and expert communities. 

The Forum is organized by the UNDP Armenia’s SDG Innovation Lab and serves as a platform for advancing dialogue on the modernization and transformation of public governance systems. 

The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks by Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, H.E. Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of the Republic of Armenia; Tigran Avinyan, Mayor of Yerevan, H.E. Vassilis Maragos, Ambassador, Head of EU Delegation to Armenia. 

H.E. Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, delivered a strategic message. In his speech, he emphasized that public sector innovation is not merely a governance tool, but a national priority in building a strong and forward-looking state. He particularly highlighted the foundational role of education and innovative thinking, noting that leading with a clear vision requires shaping a knowledge-based public system that consistently looks to the future, remains open to new ideas, and continuously evolves in the interest of every citizen’s well-being. 

“In today’s world, the success of states largely depends on their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to change and to adopt new approaches. For this reason, it is essential to encourage creative thinking and initiative within public administration systems. Innovation in public governance is not only about the application of new technologies, but also about a shift in mindset. It implies a more open governance culture, closer collaboration between institutions, and a more responsive approach to citizens’ needs,” emphasized H.E. Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of the Republic of Armenia. 

Over the course of the two-day forum, discussions will explore key themes including mission-driven and agile governance, policy design and implementation, modernization of public services, social policy innovation, new financing mechanisms, and the application of artificial intelligence in public systems. 

“It is essential that public administration reforms are implemented at the national level, as they will impact everyone - institutions, communities, and every citizen alike. I am confident that this forum will serve as another important step in our broader and responsible journey toward public administration reform,” noted Tigran Avinyan, Mayor of Yerevan. 

By bringing together local and international expertise, the forum aims to facilitate substantive exchanges and practical insights on how public institutions can adapt to evolving societal needs and deliver more effective, citizen-centred services. 

“Across all areas of our cooperation with all Armenian ministries and agencies, the European Union places strong emphasis on institutional capacity building and innovation. We often think of the private sector when it comes to competitiveness and innovation, but I believe, as it is actually the subject of this forum, that innovation in the public sector is equally critical. We should leverage innovation to create a more responsive, efficient, and citizen-centric public sector,” noted H.E. Vassilis Maragos, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, emphasized the importance of building resilient and adaptive public institutions. “Innovation in the public sector is not merely about introducing new tools; it represents a culture of continuous improvement and a commitment to delivering better services for the society. UNDP highly values its partnership with Armenia in strengthening agile and human-centred public institutions that promote sustainable development and equal opportunities for all. The forum offers an important platform to exchange experiences and jointly shape the future of public governance,” noted Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia. 

A highlight of the forum was the Public Sector Innovation Awards ceremony, which recognized individuals and institutions whose initiatives contribute to fostering a culture of innovation within Armenia’s public sector. These awards aim to acknowledge achievements, promote the sharing of best practices, and inspire continued efforts to develop innovative solutions that generate public value. 

This year’s award recipients are: 

Innovation Driven by Digital Solutions 

• Anna Harutyunyan, Advisor on Digitalization Coordination, Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia 

• Arpine Sargsyan, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

   

  

Innovation Driven by Technological Solutions 

• Vahan Grigoryan, Head of Subsoil Control Department, Environmental and Subsoil Inspection Body of the Republic of Armenia 
• Hovhannes Martirosyan, Head of the Environmental and Subsoil Inspection Body of the Republic of Armenia 

Human-Centred Innovation 

• Raisa Avetyan, Head of the Distance Learning Organization Department at the National Centre for Educational Technologies, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia 
• Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia 

Governance Innovation 

• Araik Yesayan, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia 
• Arsen Torosyan, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia 
• Vahe Hovhannisyan, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Armenia 

The Public Sector Innovation Forum III provides an important opportunity to exchange knowledge, build new partnerships, and explore pathways for future collaboration in strengthening Armenia’s public sector. The forum reflects a shared commitment to advancing human-centred, agile, and forward-looking governance systems. 

Further information and the full agenda are available at: forum.sdglab.am