Within the framework of the “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project, a multi-stakeholder facilitating meetings were held on October 9 in Goris and October 10 in Sisian, bringing together key actors of the agricultural value chain and refugee beneficiaries of the project to foster dialogue, collaboration, and sustainable local partnerships.
Participants included milk collectors, slaughterhouse representatives, veterinarians-inseminators, as well as forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh who have received support through SEIRA Project or are interested in engaging in agricultural activities. This format created a space for open dialogue, mutual understanding, and the strengthening of practical collaboration.
Vahe Hovhannisyan, SEIRA Project Manager, highlighted the strategic importance of these meetings, highlighting three core objectives:
• to identify and overcome barriers to cooperation,
• to establish long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships,
• and to promote the development of agricultural potential through targeted project support.
These platforms serve as spaces of trust and joint progress –
- fostering economic and social cohesion,
- promoting the full inclusion of refugees in the local economy,
- and positioning agriculture as a driving force for sustainable community development.
SEIRA continues to transform challenges into opportunities – contributing to the creation of strong, resilient, and inclusive communities.
“Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by the Strategic Development Agency NGO and the UN World Food Programme.