Today, within the framework of the European Union funded “Local Empowerment of Actors for Development in Lori and Tavush regions” project, an official signing ceremony of a Statement of Intent took place at the UN House in Armenia with participation of Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia; Mr. Arsen Aghababyan, President of Gandzor Local Action Group (Gandzor LAG) Territorial Development NGO and Head of the Noyemberyan Community; and Ms. Maria Petrosyan, Director of the Koghb Foundation for the Development of Education, Culture and Sports.

The document lays the foundation for the implementation of a project to establish a modern, state-of-the-art, multifunctional sports complex in the Koghb settlement of the Noyemberyan community, Tavush region.

The event was attended by Ms. Mary Galstyan, Member of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, Deputy Chair of the NA Standing Committee on European Integration; Ms. Anna Ivanyan, Head of the Department of Territorial Administration of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure; Mr. Arman Barseghyan Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Koghb Foundation; Mayor of Noyemberyan and President of Gandzor LAG NGO Mr. Arsen Aghababyan, along with other high-level guests and attendees.

In her speech, Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, stated: “Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts to promote community-led development and enhance local capacities in the Tavush region through the Gandzor LAG. Through this initiative, an underused sports school in Koghb will be transformed into a sustainable, state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center that encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Special programs will be developed for vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and socially disadvantaged individuals. Importantly, the complex will benefit not only residents of Koghb, Noyemberyan, and Berdavan, but also children attending the nearby TUMO center.”

MP Ms. Mary Galstyan confirmed that Armenia is witnessing the successful localization of the LEADER approach through the active engagement of Local Action Groups and the effective implementation of targeted community development programs, which she personally observed during a recent visit.

In his remarks, Mr. Arman Barseghyan emphasized the importance of partnership-based cooperation and the cultural transformation it brings, highlighting its positive impact on community growth and development.