PRESS RELEASE
United Nations Development Programme / Armenia
14 Petros Adamyan St., Yerevan 0010
Contact: Mr. Hovhannes Sarajyan, Communications Associate
Tel: +37410 566 073
E-mail: [email protected]<mailto:hovhannes.sa [email protected]>
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UNDP Launched Seven Documentary Films on Regional Needs in Armenia
Yerevan, 30 October 2009 – Today Mr. Dirk Boberg, UNDP Deputy Resident
Representative in Armenia (UNDP DRR), Maestro Aram Gharabekian,
Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the National Chamber
Orchestra of Armenia, and Mr. Ara Galoyan, Program Director of
"Shoghakat" TV Company, as final part of the UNDP project "Music and
Public Outreach in Regions: Highlighting the Needs of Regions through
Cultural Lens," launched seven documentary films related to poverty,
unemployment, environment, natural disaster reduction, gender, and
human rights issues in the regions of Armenia.
The goal of the project was to visualize regional disparities and to
raise public awareness on the needs of regions, using culture and,
particularly, music as an effective tool for outreach and
communication.
Addressing the participants of the event Mr. Dirk Boberg, UNDP DRR
said, "The aim of the project was twofold. First, it was meant to
support the revival of cultural life in the regions of Armenia and
break the cultural isolation. Secondly, UNDP’s intention was to raise
public awareness on existing regional disparities in Armenia and the
needs of the various regions while using cultural events as a vehicle
for that purpose."
The project lasted from October 2008 throughout May 2009 during which
UNDP, together with National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, organized
seven concerts and public awareness campaigns in six regions of
Armenia – Ararat, Syunik, Kotayk, Gegharkunik, Shirak and Tavush.
"Shoghakat" TV Company, the UNDP project partner on the public
outreach component, produced six documentaries on each region and one
summary film on the project components and the main development
challenges in the regions of Armenia. The documentaries will be aired
on one of the main countrywide TV channels to draw public’s attention
to the regional needs.
"It is anticipated that these films will broaden the public awareness
throughout Armenia on development challenges in the country and will
ensure that the commitments by decision-makers at all levels to
address regional problems remain as priorities on the public and
political agenda, even during the crisis times," added the UNDP DRR.
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UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and
connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help
people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries,
working with them on their own solutions to global and national
development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on
the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners. UNDP in Armenia was
established in 1993 and supports the Government of Armenia to reach
its own development priorities and the Millennium Development Goals by
2015.