In the period of June 5 and 7, within the EU funded “EU4Climate” project, implemented by UNDP in Armenia, the online sessions of “Alaverdi towards Clean Energy Transition” awareness campaign” were held for Alaverdi community youth, to mark the World Environment Day.

The campaign was aimed at raising awareness of around 50 youth (aged 15-25) on climate change, global and local efforts on reducing man made impact on the atmosphere, particularly on how we produce and use energy and on the advancement of renewable energy.

During 1-hour online sessions the expert-speakers spoke with youth on the fundamentals of climate change, energy sector, in particular to energy efficiency, the main sources of GHG emissions, the concept of ecological cities, in particular to retrofits of energy efficient buildings and street lighting, innovative solutions in renewable energy and “Smart” house system modelling.

Based on the knowledge on renewable energy, energy consumption, energy efficiency and related topics, as well information sources and guidance received, the youth will generate ideas – initiatives and actions towards climate change mitigation in their communities.

On June 23, at Green Camp in Alaverdi, they will compete with their ideas in “My Green Alaverdi” idea competition, presenting their ideas and bringing their own solutions for greener and sustainable development of their communities.

On the same day, before the summary of the idea competition, a panel-discussion will be held for the youth with the guest speakers, who will deliver presentations on the EU and other donor-funded climate initiatives in Armenia, the ongoing projects and key community-level actions implemented in Alaverdi. The questions of the youth will be addressed by the panelists.

After the presentations of the ideas by the youth participants, the Jury will select the finalist teams, who will be awarded and all the participants will be recognized as well.

The awareness campaign and Idea competition has been jointly organized with the Sida-funded “Strengthened Community Resilience through Energy Efficiency and Low Emission Development” implemented by UNDP, and in collaboration with “Center for Community Mobilization and Support” NGO.