Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport meets with CoE Secretary General
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Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan met with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset in Strasbourg.
The parties discussed cooperation between Armenia and the Council of Europe, as well as ways to develop collaboration in the fields of education, science, culture, and human rights, the ministry said in a press release.
Zhanna Andreasyan stated that Armenia is ready to actively participate in the development and implementation of the new Armenia–Council of Europe Action Plan, particularly in the fields of education, science, and culture. She emphasized that this cooperation will contribute to strengthening European values and promoting the development of democracy.
Minister Andreasyan particularly emphasized the role of education in shaping a democratic culture, highlighting the need to strengthen civic and human rights education. In this context, the Minister proposed expanding cooperation with the Council of Europe by developing joint programs in Armenia aimed at promoting media literacy, tolerance, and the teaching of democratic culture.
Presenting the ongoing educational reforms in Armenia, the Minister noted that large-scale and systemic changes are being implemented in the sector. A new state standard for general education has been developed and introduced, aligning with European educational values and approaches. She also outlined the reforms underway in the fields of higher education and science, spoke about the process of adopting a new law, and presented the “Academic City” strategic initiative.
Addressing the deepening of cooperation in the field of culture, Zhanna Andreasyan noted that Armenia is ready to take a more active part in the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes and Heritage Education programs, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting peace and dialogue through it.
She also informed that the Government aims to develop cultural and creative industries, viewing cultural heritage as a driving force for socio-economic development. Andreasyan announced that on November 26–28, 2025, Yerevan will host the international conference “Cultural Crossroads: Yerevan”, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
Zhanna Andreasyan also highlighted the importance of the Council of Europe Secretary General’s initiative — the New Democratic Pact. She emphasized that the initiative is both timely and significant, and that the Government of Armenia fully supports it.
The parties discussed issues related to the protection of human rights, ensuring a safe educational environment, and cooperation in the field of youth policy, emphasizing the importance of improving mechanisms for preventing violence and discrimination.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Andreasyan expressed her gratitude to Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset for his attention to Armenia and his readiness to cooperate. She expressed confidence that this meeting will open a new chapter in the practical cooperation between Armenia and the Council of Europe, serving the well-being of Armenia’s communities, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and citizens.