The UNICEF Armenia office has officially reappointed Greco-Roman wrestler and Olympic champion Arthur Alexanyan as a UNICEF National Ambassador for another two years, reaffirming the joint commitment to protecting children's rights and ensuring their well-being in Armenia.
On October 30 in Yerevan, within the framework of COP17, a panel discussion titled "Acting Together for the Protection of Children and Nature" was held, dedicated to the interconnection of sport, biodiversity, and education. During the event, UNICEF Armenia Representative Ghassan Khalil and Arthur Alexanyan officially signed the document extending the cooperation.
"Today is the final day of the COP17 negotiations. Over the past two weeks, countries have discussed a number of important decisions that will affect our future and that of our children. I am glad that the voice of Armenian youth has also been heard in these discussions," said Alexanyan, adding that his athletic journey taught him a simple truth: results do not come in a day, they require purpose, discipline, and daily work. "The same applies to education, health, and environmental protection. If we want children to grow up strong, healthy, and confident, we must provide them not only with opportunities to engage in sports, but also with quality education and a clean, safe environment," he noted.
Ghassan Khalil, addressing the role of national ambassadors, emphasized that they inspire because they have demonstrated great resilience, success, and discipline in their lives. He recalled that this year marks the 80th anniversary of UNICEF's founding; the organization was established on December 11, 1946. Khalil also noted that from the perspective of climate and biodiversity, education is key, because children need to know the problems and solutions, and that UNICEF has launched a number of initiatives, including the Youth Council on Climate Change and Climate Education.
Alexanyan's reappointment as a UNICEF ambassador is not merely a ceremonial step. In Armenia, interest in sport and a healthy lifestyle largely depends on the extent to which famous athletes are ready to speak about it not only in terms of medals but also at the level of everyday habits. Discussing the connection between sport, education, and environmental protection within the framework of COP17 shows that children's well-being is viewed as a whole, rather than as a sum of separate sectors.
Over the next two years, it is worth following what specific programs will implement this commitment, particularly in the direction of outdoor and environmental education in schools. For now, only the general direction is clear, and how it will manifest in the everyday school environment remains to be seen.
