''Financial and economic impact of COVID-19 on the communities'' online-conference was held initiated by Union of Communities of Armenia. The participants such as experts, the representatives of  local self-government bodies discussed what impact COVID-19 has on their activities.

The president of Union of Communities of Armenia Emin Yeritsyan informed that the aim of the discussion is to find out what challenges the communities have to face because of  COVID-19 and what kind of impact will it make on community budgets, what new needs will arise.

The representatives of the communities presented what is the situation in their communities. They stated that negative impacts of  COVID-19 outbreak are already seen.

The participants spoke about the importance of evaluating and analysing the situation and the impact on community budjets, on community service delivery and on community projects.

The experts suggested to reconsider community development projects, priorities and to evaluate the risks.

During the discussion the representatives of the communities also got information about latest coronavirus grant funding opportunities and how to apply.

They got information about UNCDF Guidance Note for immediate responses to the COVID19 recommended for local governments.

This note is about immediate responses to the COVID19 recommended for local governments. It is advisory and generic and can be adapted to individual circumstances. It is focused on responses that can be implemented in days and weeks, rather than months and years.

At the end of the meeting it was decided to continue the works on analysing arised problems and on forming activity plans for immediate responses.