On August 15, 2024, the 4th Multi-stakeholder Round Table of the "STRIVE for a better future: communities and civil society resilience in Armenia" project was held in Gavar community of Gegharkunik marz.

The 4th Round Table was organized with the support of Gavar municipality by our partner "BLEJAN" environmental, social, business support NGO, which is responsible for the implementation of the "STRIVE" program in Gegharkunik and Kotayk marzes. Representatives of the Gegharkunik regional administration, Gavar, Martuni, Sevan municipal administrations, CSOs, mass media, representatives of Gavar State University, youth, forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh were invited to the event.

It is noteworthy that this time, the Round Table was preceded by an exclusive photo exhibition of explored caves held in the same hall. The exhibition was organized within the framework of the "Revival and mapping of caves in Gavar" project, one of the subgrant projects of the "Civic Innovation Journeys" component of the "STRIVE" program. Lala Mkrtchyan, the project coordinator, introduced the details and results of this interesting and unique project that is nearing completion.

After that, Lianna Asoyan, the president of “BLEJAN” NGO had the opening speech of the Round Table, and gave floor to Arpine Baghdoyan, director of Near East Foundation Armenia and the program director of "STRIVE" program, who presented the program, as well as the purpose of the Round Table. 

The purpose of the round table was to discuss and identify a jointly implemented program or action, which will tangibly contribute to the growth of cooperation between CSOs and other sectors. Like the previous ones, the joint program or action of this Round Table also will be aimed at solving the needs of forcibly displaced people from Nagorno Karabakh.

The participants discussed and tried to formulate the needs and problems identified while working in emergency situations according to sectors. They emphasized the urgent need to develop a legislative package and come up with a recommendation as an effective way to solve the problems of Artsakh Armenians. They noted that there are a number of gaps in the current legislative framework, which prevent families in a particularly vulnerable situation from taking advantage of various supports.

Then, during a group work organized by Aram Harutyunyan, the specialist for Innovation, Scale, and Impact of “STRIVE”, the participants identified the three priority problems and developed proposals for solution ideas. During the group discussions, primary importance was given to the issue of employment. It turned out that none of the participating Artsakh citizens had a job and therefore no possibility of finding a means of livelihood. 

As a result, each of the three working groups presented two projects. The participants also discussed the prospects of joint operations. One of the participating NGOs offered the support of their organization to carry out the accounting process related to the joint operation free of charge.

It should be noted that in April and May Round Tables with the same content were held in Syunik, Aragatsotn and Lori. During this year, it is planned to hold such Round Tables also in Shirak and Tavush.
It should be noted, that “STRIVE” program is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by NEF-Belgium (NEF) and four local partners: “Agate” Rights Defense Center for Women with Disabilities NGO, “Blejan” Ecological, Social, Business Support NGO, ''WINNET Goris'' Development Foundation and “YCCD” Youth Cooperation Center of Dilijan NGO.

19 August 2024, Monday | 183