On 8 May, during her working visit to Lori region, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili visited several projects implemented by UNDP.

She visited the Ruminakan district in Stepanavan, where UNDP has supported energy-efficiency retrofits in 14 multi-apartment buildings. These upgrades not only contribute to climate action but also improve the quality of life for over 700 residents. As shared with the Resident Representative, residents are now paying less for heating and have greater thermal comfort. The retrofits were made possible through UNDP’s co-financing with support from the Green Climate Fund.

The Digital Learning and Youth Hub in Stepanavan, established in the framework of UNDP City Experiment Fund project, is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering local youth through access to modern education and technology. 

Established within the city's public library through UNDP facilitated partnerships, the hub offers a range of programs including access to digital library, career orientation sessions, coding workshops, and design classes, fostering skill development and creativity among teenagers. 

Another initative supported by the project is the Art residency program implemented in a partnership with Stepan Shahumyan house-museum, and SPFA Armenia. The initiative has enriched the local community by fostering cultural exchange, enhancing appreciation for contemporary art․

In the framework of the Japan-funded "Supporting Basic Infrastructure and Social Integration for Displaced Persons from Nagorno-Karabakh and Host Communities” project Gender Equality Portfolio component, a series of Restorative Circle Talks are being held to ensure safe and inclusive spaces for constructive dialogue aimed at addressing collective trauma, fostering inclusion, and strengthening social cohesion between refugees and host communities. Facilitated by the trained Women and Youth Advisory Councils members across 10 selected municipalities, these circles, based on a specially developed methodology, come up together, identify shared challenges, and co-design practical service solutions. UNDP Representative Natia Natsvlishvili joined one of the 120 planned Restorative Circle Talks in Tashir, highlighting the value of inclusive dialogue in shaping community-driven service solutions and fostering long-term resilience.