Women in Climate Awards COP17 Special Edition to be held in Yerevan

The Women in Climate Awards COP17 Special Edition ceremony will take place on October 23 in the Green Zone of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), located at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex.

Armenpress spoke with Nune Sakanyan, founder and director of the Women in Climate and Energy (WiCE) NGO, about the initiative.

Armenpress: What meaningful connection is there between women and climate change?

Nune Sakanyan: When international climate policy was being developed, the connection between climate change and women was not recognized. However, statistics later showed that climate change affects men and women differently, because women generally have lower incomes, their opportunities are much more limited, and their access to information is restricted. They are considered a more vulnerable group, and climate change affects women more severely. They are less able to respond appropriately to changes and adapt quickly.

Armenpress: So climate change has a greater impact on women than on men?

Nune Sakanyan: Women are a vulnerable group, but they are also leaders. They implement various programs to overcome this vulnerability. The goal of our awards is to bring recognition to women who are working and driving significant change, bringing positive changes not only to their local communities but also beyond them.

Armenpress: Are there many such women in Armenia? How many applications have you received for the awards?

Nune Sakanyan: The awards have also helped us map these initiatives. We first held the awards in 2022. To our surprise, we received around 170 applications and had 100 nominees. In 2024, we received even more applications. For the 2026 awards, held as part of COP17, we received 130 applications.

This year, we linked the awards to COP17 so that we could present our solutions to the world, give women an opportunity to speak about their programs, initiatives and solutions, and honor their work.

Armenpress: What kinds of programs do the women you recognize implement?

Nune Sakanyan: We have seven categories: “Climate Change Mitigation and Biodiversity Conservation,” “Climate Change Adaptation and Ecosystem Resilience,” “Community Action and Policy,” “Climate and Biodiversity Education for All,” “Communication on Climate and Biodiversity Challenges and Solutions,” “Youth in Climate and Environmental Action,” and “Climate and Environmental Finance and Innovation Solutions.”

We have 11 confirmed jury members. Each application was evaluated by four independent experts.

Armenpress: Were more applications submitted from Yerevan or from Armenia’s regions?

Nune Sakanyan: Twenty-two applications came from Yerevan, and the rest came from the regions. One of this year's innovations is the “Special Recognition” award, which recognizes men who support women's professional development and encourage their new initiatives and activities.

Armenpress: Will the project continue in the future?

Nune Sakanyan: Yes. We hold the awards every two years. The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia is one of our valued partners. More organizations join this initiative every year.

Armenpress: An “Art for Sustainable Development” exhibition will also be held as part of the awards. What will visitors see there?

Nune Sakanyan: Inspired by nature and recognizing the social component and the role of women, artists have joined this initiative. Relevant artworks will be displayed at the exhibition, which will run from October 22 to 24. It is very encouraging that part of the proceeds from the sale of these works will also go toward implementing programs led by women.