Artur Aleksanyan, Olympic champion and multiple world and European champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, has been reappointed as UNICEF National Ambassador in Armenia for another two years. The continuation of the partnership was officially announced today at an event entitled “Acting Together to Protect Children and Nature”, held in the Green Zone of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).
The reappointment ceremony was followed by a panel discussion on the interconnectedness of sport, biodiversity and education, as well as the importance of ensuring a healthy, safe and sustainable environment for children and young people.
The discussion brought together Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan, UNICEF Representative in Armenia Ghassan Khalil, and Artur Aleksanyan.
Minister Zhanna Andreasyan highlighted the role of education in equipping children with environmental knowledge, a sense of responsibility and practical skills. She noted that modern education systems should provide diverse and flexible learning opportunities, combining structured learning with project-based, research-based and play-based approaches.
“It is essential that children and young people acquire the knowledge and skills needed to understand environmental challenges and recognize the direct impact of biodiversity conservation on our lives,” Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized.
Addressing the importance of green spaces in schools, the Minister noted that educational institutions should have well-maintained outdoor areas, gardens and sports grounds where children can not only relax and engage in physical activity, but also learn and develop a direct connection with nature.
She stressed that the program to build 300 schools is already helping shape a new vision of the educational environment, in which green spaces and outdoor learning opportunities play an important role. According to the Minister, schools should also serve as community hubs, fostering interaction among children, families and other community members.
In his remarks, Olympic champion Artur Aleksanyan emphasized the close links between sport, education and environmental protection, highlighting the importance of providing children with a healthy and safe environment and involving them in decision-making processes.
“If we want children to grow up strong, healthy and confident, we must provide them not only with opportunities to participate in sports, but also with quality education and a clean, safe environment,” Aleksanyan said. He also highlighted the importance of engaging children and young people in addressing climate challenges.
UNICEF Representative in Armenia Ghassan Khalil highlighted the role of National Ambassadors in promoting children's rights and inspiring young people. He also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport for its continued cooperation.
The discussion also addressed climate education, raising environmental awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles through sport.