Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence of the Republic of Armenia Gevorg Mantashyan participated in the “AI4COP: Sovereignty-Aligned AI for Biodiversity Diplomacy” workshop held within the framework of COP17, delivering opening remarks and taking part in a panel discussion.

Gevorg Mantashyan welcomed the participants and thanked the organizers and expert speakers for bringing together stakeholders around this important initiative and fostering professional dialogue. He emphasized the importance of such discussions for the development of artificial intelligence, its responsible application, and the development of technological solutions aligned with national priorities.

During the panel discussion, the Deputy Minister addressed Armenia’s initiatives, ongoing programs, and development prospects in the field of artificial intelligence, highlighting the importance of AI infrastructure development, energy supply, data accessibility, and cybersecurity.

The Deputy Minister also presented programs aimed at developing Armenia’s AI ecosystem, referring to the AI Virtual Institute initiative and the “AI Factory Gardens” concept, as well as the opportunities offered by cloud services and the application of cutting-edge technologies.

He emphasized that fully realizing the potential of artificial intelligence requires developing the necessary infrastructure, ensuring access to open data, strengthening cybersecurity, and addressing the challenges accompanying the sector’s development. In this context, he highlighted the importance of creating conditions that enable AI tools to be used effectively and responsibly for the benefit of both the public and private sectors.

Addressing the digitalization of public services, the Deputy Minister outlined opportunities for applying artificial intelligence to improve service quality, accelerate processes, and enhance infrastructure accessibility and affordability.

The discussion also focused on the relationship between artificial intelligence and technological sovereignty, as well as the development of strategic solutions aligned with national interests. Gevorg Mantashyan emphasized the importance of technological approaches that enable countries to benefit from the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence while maintaining control over their own priorities, data, and decision-making.