Queen of Belgium visits YSU to discuss sustainable development issues with students

Queen Mathilde of Belgium is currently in Armenia on a working visit as an advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This visit aims to promote the global sustainable development agenda, with a particular focus on education, social inclusion, environmental protection, and public health. During her visit, she is also meeting with young people and representatives of educational institutions.

As part of her official program, Her Majesty Queen Mathilde visited Yerevan State University, where she met with students from the Faculties of Sociology, Law, International Relations, Geography and Geology, Economics and Management, and Biology. During the meeting, students shared their ideas on potential ways of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.

During the meeting, Queen Mathilde placed special emphasis on the importance of education, stating, "We are in the oldest university in Armenia—the ideal place to reaffirm the importance of education and to remember that education is a fundamental right of every child. But unfortunately, it is still not guaranteed in today's world. Education not only brings the delight of learning and contributes to the development of our personality, but it is also the shortest path to a bright professional future. It is one of the most effective tools to combat poverty and marginalization. That is why the United Nations has made education one of the priority goals of sustainable development to be achieved by 2030." 

Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, Zhanna Andreasyan, underscored the significance of Queen Mathilde’s visit to YSU, noting that as an advocate for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Her Majesty plays a vital role on the global agenda by promoting the values of education, social solidarity, and sustainable development. 

"These values fully align with Armenia’s national priorities—particularly in the fields of education and youth empowerment. The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports is strongly committed to achieving the SDGs, which are reflected in our strategic policy documents and sectoral programs. Our efforts are especially focused on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, fostering innovation and research, promoting cultural diversity, and encouraging youth participation—all of which are essential components of sustainable development," said Zhanna Andreasyan, stressing that the Queen’s visit will strengthen the cooperation and open new opportunities for the implementation of SDGs."  

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan highlighted that YSU, as the alma mater and major higher education institution in Armenia, addresses various important issues as part of its mission. Among these priorities, particular emphasis is placed on ensuring quality education, promoting research and innovation, and delivering service to society.

"YSU’s research agenda is fully aligned with the areas related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university has consistently played an active and proactive role in advancing the implementation of these goals. As the largest academic and research center in Armenia, YSU fully recognizes its responsibility and commitment to promoting the principles and values of sustainable development, particularly through education and scientific research. The academic staff members and the university’s research centers are actively involved in numerous projects conducted at both the national and international levels. Their studies focus on renewable energy, climate change, biodiversity protection, green economy, social justice, and other pressing issues," he said, adding that through the Center for Sustainable Development, operating within the Faculty of Geography and Geology, YSU actively contributes to the implementation of the SDGs.

Hovhannes Hovhannisyan emphasized that the center conducts research on environmental monitoring, sustainable land use, and disaster risk reduction in Armenia. Besides, the center aims to support the Government of Armenia in implementing the SDGs at both national and international levels, while also ensuring public participation.

At the conclusion of the meeting held in YSU, Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan presented Her Majesty Queen Mathilde with a commemorative coin issued in honor of YSU’s 100th anniversary, on behalf of the university’s students, faculty, and staff.

Following the meeting in YSU Academic Council Session Hall, a more informal discussion took place in the rector’s office, where Queen Mathilde engaged in a dialogue with a small group of students. This session offered an opportunity for students to share their ideas and perspectives, as well as to present their own initiatives aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.