Statement by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan in response to the presentation by the Secretary General on Annual Progress Report on the 2004 OSCE Gender Action Plan at the 1577th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council

17 September, 2026

Mr. Chair,

The delegation of Armenia thanks Secretary General H.E. Feridun H. Sinirlioglu for presenting the 2025 Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality.

We welcome the report’s emphasis on translating commitments into practical results, particularly in women’s political participation, the Women, Peace and Security agenda and efforts to address new forms of gender-based violence.

Armenia continues to advance gender equality through legislative and policy reforms. Today, women hold 36 per cent of seats in the National Assembly. Armenia has risen from 81st to 45th place among 186 countries in the 2025 Women in Politics index. Women also account for 44 per cent of Armenia’s diplomatic staff, and their representation in senior public positions continues to grow. Progress is equally visible in education and professional life. Women constitute around 40 per cent of Armenia’s IT sector and nearly 52 per cent of its scientific community.

At the same time, we recognize that further efforts are needed to address the remaining gaps. Armenia’s Gender Policy Strategy for 2025-2028 establishes measurable priorities in governance, education, employment and health while also introducing gender-sensitive climate resilience as a national priority. As Armenia prepares to host COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in October, we will continue to promote the meaningful participation of women and girls in environmental decision-making.

We highly value our continued cooperation with international partners in this field. In particular, we welcome ODIHR’s National Assessment of Gender Equality in Political Life in Armenia.

Armenia also remains firmly committed to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Our Third National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 for 2025-2027 seeks to strengthen women’s role in decision-making, address gender-based violence and support recovery with particular attention to border communities. We are also pleased to be among the participating States that have made voluntary action pledges under the OSCE-wide Roadmap on Women, Peace and Security. We view this initiative as an important instrument for turning commitments into measurable action.

Armenia looks forward to continued cooperation with the OSCE and participating States in advancing the implementation of the Gender Action Plan and ensuring that our shared commitments are reflected in meaningful outcomes.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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