Addressing EITI Objectives at Armenia’s Mining Armenia Forum 2026

On 16–17 October, the Mining Armenia Forum 2026, under the theme “From Resources to Opportunities”, was held in Tsaghkadzor. The forum focused on Armenia’s mineral and geological potential, investment attractiveness, challenges facing the sector, and opportunities for sustainable development. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the forum and delivered a speech [1].

Notably, the forum’s agenda included issues directly related to the objectives of the EITI Standard and its further development. In particular, the thematic panel discussions addressed the following topics:

1. “Mining, Nature and Broader Sustainability Challenges Before COP17 — From Biodiversity Commitments to Measurable Results.”

2. “Digitization as a Risk Management Tool — From Managing Processes to ESG Performance.”

Particular attention was also drawn to the panel discussion held on 17 October entitled “Social Value: Who Benefits? — Sharing Value Fairly,” which featured Hasmik Manukyan, Head of the EITI National Secretariat of Armenia, as one of its speakers.

The panel addressed such issues as investments in communities, benefit-sharing, expectations beyond philanthropy, the creation of sustainable value at the local level, conflict resolution, and open dialogue.

In her remarks, Armenia’s EITI National Coordinator highlighted the role of EITI in addressing the issues under discussion, the importance of dialogue in tackling existing challenges, and the need to strengthen the capacities of communities and local self-government bodies to ensure sustainable and long-term outcomes. She also addressed the potential role of mining companies in supporting these efforts.

[1] https://www.primeminister.am/hy/press-release/item/2026/10/17/Nikol-Pashinyan-Speech/