On March 5, 2026, Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, and H.E. Eva Sundquist, Ambassador of Sweden to Armenia, visited Alaverdi consolidated community to review achievements under the UNDP “Strengthened Community Resilience through Energy Efficiency and Low Emission Development” project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).   Head of Alaverdi community David Ghumashyan accompanied the high-level guests during the visit.

The visit began at the reconstructed Alaverdi Children’s and Teenage Creativity Center, restored in 2024.  Once in a dilapidated condition, the Center has since hosted more than 32 events and theatre performances. It also serves as a children’s creative hub and chess club for 20 children. Sida funding supported the integration of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in the Center.

At the Alaverdi State Vocational College, the delegation reviewed the three-year educational program in “Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies,” launched in September 2024. With Sida’s contribution, the Project supported curriculum development, provision of laboratory equipment and tuition assistance for vulnerable students. The program is already delivering results, with graduates employed in solar installation companies and 33 students currently gaining paid internship through industry partnerships.

In Odzun, the head of UNDP and Ambassador met one of the 50 vulnerable families supported through installation of 2 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. They generate approximately 140,000 kWh annually, reducing emissions by 58.8 tCO₂ and providing annual savings of around USD 10,800 across beneficiary households (approximately USD 216 per family).

The visit concluded at the 500 kW Mghart solar PV plant, a community-owned facility supported by the Project. Since starting operations in December 2025, the plant has generated over 139,313 kWh, with projected annual production of 970 MWh (corresponding to around USD 52,000), contributing to municipal energy independence and sustainable community development.

The Project has also facilitated 2 full and 34 partial retrofits of residential buildings. 8 public buildings were also retrofitted. Solar PV systems have also been installed in public facilities, including kindergartens, and health centers. LED lamps were installed in streetlights. The activities resulted in increased energy efficiency, and lower greenhouse gas emissions at the community level. The first Alaverdi community Social Development Program was as well facilitated in the frame of the Project.

The “Strengthened Community Resilience through Energy Efficiency and Low Emission Development project is funded by Sida and, implemented by UNDP in Armenia in partnership with the Alaverdi Municipality, in coordination with the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.