1 / 6

On May 13 the National Assembly hosted the members of the European Youth Parliament for Water (EYPW). In the NA Session Hall under the sounds of the RA state hymn the opening ceremony of the 11^th European Youth Parliament for Water was held.

The Head of the Armenian Programme of the European Youth Parliament for Water Hasmik Harutyunyan presented the agenda of the 11^th Parliament and the moderators. Welcoming this initiative with the biography of already more than a dozen years, she deemed the parliament as the best platform for raising the water problems and for cooperating.

The RA NA President Hovik Abrahamyan addressed a welcoming word to the youth representing 15 countries:

“Dear young people,

Distinguished colleagues,

Dear guests,

I welcome you on the occasion of the 11^th European Youth Parliament for Water in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. This convention is dedicated to the very important and topical theme – the governance of water resources. In this regard I recalled that about a year ago here I hosted the Secretary General of the International Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) European Water Solidarity Thierry Umbehr, who thoroughly presenting the activity of the organisation, said that in 2000 he had initiated the establishment of the Youth Parliament on water problems, where the young people, representing 25 countries of Europe would make studies dedicated to water problems, submitting their conclusions to the national parliaments, governments and subordinate bodies. I am glad that the session of the 11^th Parliament is held in Armenia.

I gladly inform you that it has already been the 3^rd year that in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia the Youth Parliament functions, which also debates different problems, make decisions and present its positions to the attention of the committees of the National Assembly. I believe that effective cooperation can be developed between your organisation and the Youth Parliament of the Republic of Armenia with respect to thematic and legislative activities, and, of course, exchange of experience.

Dear youth,

Today the effective governance of water is one of the most important problems in the world. Sufficient water resources are available in Armenia, and though by now they are not completely used, nevertheless, there is an evident progress in the direction of the improvement of the governance system. During the meeting with me the Secretary General of the Organisation Mr Umbehr highly evaluated the water governance system, noting that it would be interesting to present that exemplary experience to the European countries. I think that you will also take part in that with your mission, especially, that you will have an opportunity to get acquainted with the water governance mechanisms invested in our country during the days being in Armenia.

There is a popular saying: water is life. This expression was not born accidentally, but it witnesses that in all times water had been of vital and decisive importance for all the peoples and nations. The fact, that there have even been wars for water, more vividly confirms and stresses the importance of the abovementioned. This means that water is also a policy, which can certainly play a crucial role in the geo-political developments.

Dear friends,

The youth is the motivating force of the society and the future, and its participation is very important in the search of the solutions for the world sounding problems. I am sure that during the discussions in Armenia interesting ideas and thoughts can be born. Your active work and hospitable and warm atmosphere of our ancient, but also young country will positively influence on it.

I once again welcome you and wish you effective and fruitful work.”

The Head of the State Committee for Water Management Andranik Andreasyan read the message by the RA President Serzh Sargsyan.

In their welcoming word the President of the 10^th European Youth Parliament for Water Maria Yermilova and the President of the Youth parliament Karapet Kogarov underlined the vital importance of water. The speakers stressed the necessity of the vital governance of the water and awareness about it, expressing conviction that the pledge of the success would be the unity of the efforts.

NA deputies, representatives of the state bodies and international organisations, other guests were invited to the opening ceremony.

The member of the European Water Solidarity Organisation, Special Adviser of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe Antonella Cagnolati, the General Director of Armenian Water and Sewerage CJSC and the Manager of the SAUR Treaty Patrick Lorin, the Chairman of the “Arto Pickard” Water Agency Jan Shipman and the Head of the State Committee for Water Economy Andranik Andreasyan welcomed the youth parliamentarians. The specialists with the experience of governance in the water system and those concerned about the sphere highly evaluated the role of the youth, deeming their initiative and inspiration good preconditions for making reforms, advancing new ideas and finding solutions in the system. Expressing conviction that in future the youth would succeed to reach good governance, Antonella Cagnolati deemed it manifestation of democracy. At the same time she observed the water and the democracy at the same plane, saying that both need daily effort and care. The Vice President of the European Youth Parliament for Water Marin Spetic also addressed a welcoming word to his colleagues and in the name of everybody thanked the President of the RA National Assembly for the support and hospitality.

Then the swearing-in of parliamentarians followed, and 100 delegates from 15 countries in their mother tongue promised not to spare efforts in solving the problems of the water in the 11^th Parliament.

During this one week in the capital, as well as in visiting marzes and Sevan the young people will hold thematic discussions, workshops, will have seminars, elect presidency and prepare declaration. Cultural agenda is also included in the one-week programme.

At the end of the opening ceremony the young parliamentarians summed up their impressions and also gave information about the things to be done at the press conference.

On May 18 the closing ceremony of the works of the 11^th Parliament will also be held at the NA Session Hall.