Metsamor, the esteemed Youth Capital of Armenia for 2023, played host to a vibrant celebration of International Youth Day. This lively day was characterized by a range of educational, cultural, and entertaining events, initiated based on a survey conducted among young individuals.
It has already been 24 years since the International Youth Day (IYD) is marked on 12 August based on the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly. The IYD theme for 2023 is “Green Skills for Youth”.
Today, the world is embarking on a green transition. The shift towards an environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly world is critical not only for responding to the global climate crisis but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year, to mark the IYD, several events were initiated by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of RA, Metsamor Municipality, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNHCR and UN Armenia, "The Body Shop", "Metsamor Youth Parliament" NGO, Family and Community NGO, Women in Climate and energy NGO, Munetic Cultural NGO that conducted in the "Youth Capital of Armenia - 2023" Metsamor community.
The festivities commenced with the spirited "Adventures’ Place" sports and entertainment competition, a collaborative effort by UNFPA, The Body Shop, Metsamor Municipality, and Metsamor Youth Parliament NGO, efficiently executed by Gayluk company.
The diversity of events continued as other partner organizations fueled engaging activities in Metsamor. These included a "Street Art" masterclass by Areg Balayan, a "Batik" masterclass, and an interactive "Green Skills" game, complemented by an illuminating information session for Armavir's youth, initiated by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport. During the event Pargev Poghosyan, a Metsamor youth representative, Artur Martirosyan, Deputy Minister of MoESCS, Edgar Hovhannisyan, the first deputy Head of Metsamor Community, and Nanna Skau, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., delivered their welcoming remarks.
Building upon successful past experiences, UNFPA, in partnership with Awesome Foundation Yerevan and UNICEF, awarded two visionary youths from Armavir region with 1000 USD each to bring their innovative ideas for youth and environmental betterment to life.
UNFPA presented an award to Gayane Nikoghosyan for her project "Towards a Fairy Tale," which envisions the establishment of a youth center in the Talvorik community. This center will provide a dedicated space for the community's young people to enjoy their leisure time, offering a range of diverse courses and events.
The informative "Information Day" paved the way for the "Youth Opportunities Fair," where ten partner organizations came together to present the current opportunities for the youth of Armavir region. This fair, organized by UNFPA in collaboration with the Youth Parliament of Metsamor․
Concluding the day's events, the Neo Van Band graced the audience with an enchanting performance of their songs. The concert was initiated by the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.
