MSG discussion on the formation of working groups

On March 23, 2026, a meeting of representatives of the EITI Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) constituencies was held at the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, chaired by Asatur Vardanyan, Deputy Minister and EITI MSG member. The meeting was convened to discuss and consolidate the proposals received regarding the establishment of working groups for the implementation of activities under the Armenia EITI 2025–2026 Work Plan.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the MSG Extractive Constituency: Vardan Jhanyan, Deputy General Director of “Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine” CJSC; Armen Stepanyan, Director of Sustainable Development; Anna Saghabalyan and Taron Navasardyan, Deputy Directors of Sustainable Development; Nerses Karamanukyan, Director of “AGAPE” LLC; and Aram Osikyan, General Director of “ASSAT M” LLC.

The Civil Society Constituency was represented by Artur Grigoryan, President of the “Environmental Law” NGO; Hripsime Kocharyan, President of the “Successful Woman” NGO; Roza Julhakyan, PhD in Chemical Sciences; and Viktorya Burnazyan, Vice President of “EcoLur” Informational NGO.

The meeting was also attended by Hasmik Manukyan, Head of the EITI Secretariat and National Coordinator; Lilith Begjanyan, Expert at the EITI Secretariat; Yeprem Karapetyan, Head of the Department for Anti-Corruption Policy Development and Monitoring at the Ministry of Justice; and Seda Hakobyan, Head of the Policy Development Division at the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.

During the meeting, representatives of the constituencies presented the rationale behind their proposals concerning the working groups, addressing the scope of their work, structure and working arrangements. Asatur Vardanyan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, noted that the objective of the constituencies should be to establish the most optimal and effective working group, regardless of the number of groups to be formed.

Hasmik Manukyan, EITI National Coordinator, provided clarifications based on previous experience with working groups and drew parallels between the functioning of such groups and the committees of the EITI Board. She emphasised that the working group itself may determine the scope of its activities, the frequency of its meetings and its working methods.

The exchange of views and discussion of the proposals took place in a constructive and working atmosphere. As a result, it was decided to establish one working group for the time being. Its primary objective will be to address the gaps identified in Armenia’s Validation reports and annual reports. At its discretion, the working group may also develop and submit to the MSG recommendations on broader institutional and legal issues.