Armenia actively contributes to global efforts to combat hate speech, racial and ethnic discrimination, and xenophobia, Deputy Foreign Minister Robert Abisoghomonyan stated during a high-level meeting of the Group of Friends of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, held as part of its 11th Global Forum in Riyadh.

He emphasized the importance of preventing conflicts, rebuilding trust between communities, and protecting the dignity and identity of all groups. These efforts, he noted, must be rooted in a culture of peace and the rejection of violence, based on tolerance and mutual understanding.

Abisoghomonyan outlined Armenia’s involvement in several international initiatives, including:

• UNESCO’s Revive the Spirit of Mosul, aimed at restoring Iraq’s cultural heritage
• International Blue Shield programs in Lebanon
• Cooperation with the State of Palestine for the protection of its endangered heritage

He also highlighted Armenia’s unanimously adopted resolution during the 16th meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the 1954 Hague Convention. This resolution promotes cultural heritage protection using innovative and emerging technologies.

Youth empowerment and fostering social inclusiveness remain Armenian priorities, Abisoghomonyan noted, adding that Armenia will host the 10th Francophonie Games in 2027.

He further reaffirmed Armenia’s dedication to prevention-based international agendas, referencing the UN General Assembly’s unanimous adoption of Armenia’s resolution establishing the “Decade of Remembrance and Dignity for the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and the Prevention of This Crime,” to be marked annually on September 5.

Addressing regional developments, the deputy minister confirmed Armenia’s continued engagement in peace processes. In this context, he stressed the importance of implementing the August 8 agreements reached in Washington, which aim to secure peace and a cooperative environment in the South Caucasus.

The Armenian government’s Crossroads of Peace initiative and its central component, the Track of Trust, were also highlighted as key tools to promote peace and interpersonal connections in the region.

On August 8, at the White House, Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a joint declaration following trilateral talks. A preliminary peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan was also initialed in the presence of top leaders.