International Youth Day was marked with an array of engaging events for the youth of Lori region.

Tsovinar Harutyunyan, the head of UNFPA CO, warmly welcomed the attendees and happily highlighted that celebrating International Youth Day in Lori region has evolved into a cherished tradition. This tradition originated with the NGO Center back in 2019. "This year's theme for International Youth Day is 'Green Skills and Green Jobs' for young people. It emphasizes our ability to interact with nature in a way that minimizes harm while making a significant contribution to nature's preservation, both in our personal and professional lives," remarked Tsovinar Harutyunyan.

The youth were also greeted by Ofelia Khachatryan, deputy director of "AKG more than a Pharmacy" LLC, and Arpine Hakobyan, president of "NGO Center" NGO.

The welcoming remarks were followed by an insightful panel discussion titled "Profession Knows No Gender." During this engaging session, speakers shared their success stories, insights into career advancement, discussions on gender discrimination, and the promising prospects of emerging "green" careers. Mari Hovsepyan, manager of The Body Shop brand, innovative agriculturist Vruyr Ayvazyan, Anush Sargsyan, administrative head of Debet village, Emma Petrosyan, founder-director of Bu Mountain Bike Park, and Suzanna Hovsepyan, a specialist in innovative agriculture, presented their valuable experiences to the young audience.

This enlightening conversation transferred into creative workshops, where participants had the opportunity to craft beeswax candles, explore various illustration styles, and even test their skills on the Pumptrack cycling course.

The events were organized by the joint efforts of the UNFPA, "The Body Shop" brand, "NGO Center" NGO and "Bu" mountain bike park within the framework of “Addressing Gender-Biased Sex Selection and Related Harmful Practices in the South Caucasus: Support for Regional, National and South-South Interventions" project. The project is funded by the European Union and the UNFPA.