On October 9, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence of the Republic of Armenia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The Memorandum was signed by Davit Tadevosyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence of the Republic of Armenia, and Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia.

Welcoming the attendees, Minister Davit Tadevosyan highlighted the importance of the Memorandum, noting that effective cooperation had already been established between the parties. In this context, the Minister singled out the “Mass Training” program, launched at the Ministry’s initiative in 2023 and continued this year for the first time in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, as an example of successful cooperation.

“The program’s main objective is to provide large-scale education, particularly in communities where the development of digital skills is of critical importance. The program aims to develop knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and general digital literacy.

“The cornerstone of our cooperation is the ‘NEST: National Ecosystem for Skills and Technology’ initiative, under which the comprehensive measures being implemented demonstrate an integrated approach to achieving our overarching goal,” the Minister noted.

Natia Natsvlishvili emphasized the importance of cooperation between UNDP and the Ministry, highlighting their shared conviction that digital technologies and artificial intelligence will play a decisive role in Armenia’s development over the coming decades.

“Together with the Ministry, we have set an ambitious yet realistic goal: to support the development of the technology sector and AI governance, strengthen digital and AI literacy among all segments of society, promote innovation and technology transfer, support digital entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for citizens throughout Armenia to participate confidently in the digital economy,” Natia Natsvlishvili noted, emphasizing that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is not the end of the process, but the beginning of a long-term partnership.

The Memorandum provides for cooperation between the parties in developing, discussing, and potentially implementing the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the Concept of the National Policy on AI Literacy, and other strategic documents, with the aim of promoting the responsible, effective, and safe use of AI.

The parties also plan to cooperate in developing and implementing policies and practical programs that promote the adoption of digital and AI technologies, technology transfer, the development of innovation ecosystems, and digital entrepreneurship.

The cooperation framework also envisages supporting the involvement of public authorities in the development and implementation of policies in the digital and AI sectors.

As an important first step in this cooperation, the “Artificial Intelligence: Armenia 2026” (“AI Days 2026”) event is scheduled to take place this November to promote the widespread, responsible, and effective use of AI in Armenia.