On July 17, 2025, a meeting of the working group for the Alaverdi Community Social Development Program was held at the community hall․ It was organized under the UNDP “Strengthening Community Resilience through Energy Efficiency and Low-Emission Development” project, funded by the Government of Sweden (Sida) in cooperation and co-financing with the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Alaverdi Municipality.

In accordance with the Republic of Armenia’s new Law on Social Assistance, adopted in 2024, all communities аre now required to develop a Community Social Program. Alaverdi community plans to finalize its program in 2026.

During the meeting UNDP Project Coordinator Arega Martirosyan introduced project expert Astghik Minasyan, who will support the development of a community social program aimed at improving access to energy efficiency and renewable energy, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Ms. Minasyan emphasized that social assistance should begin with a needs assessment, based on data collection, interviews, and focus group discussions. The working group, composed of local officials, social workers, and representatives of community institutions, will conduct interviews with key stakeholders to inform the plan. She also noted that the additional responsibilities placed on community social workers will be delegated services and therefore accompanied by additional pay.

The Working Group, established by order of the Community Head, is tasked with conducting interviews with ten key officials and specialists using pre-developed questionnaires — including the Head of the Alaverdi Community, community social workers, the Head of the Education, Culture, Sports, Youth and Social Support Department, the Head of the Community Development Programs and Tourism Department, the administrative heads of four large settlements, the Director of the Tumanyan Territorial Center of the Unified Social Service and one case manager, the Director of the “Alaverdi Medical Center” CJSC, the Director of the “Mission Armenia” NGO, and the Coordinator of the “Navak” Community Center for Family and Child Development.

The working group will operate over the next two months to build a community database and draft directions for the social development program, which will later be submitted to the Alaverdi Council of Elders for approval.