On May 26-28, representatives of Gavar, Ijevan, Tashir, Goris and Parakar communities, Signatories the European Commission (EC) Covenant of Mayors Initiative, participated in the Covenant of Mayors East “City to city’’ experience exchange program organized by the Covenant of Mayors East project. During the exchange program the representatives of Gavar, Goris, Parakar, Tashir, Ijevan communities visited Novogrudok, Brest cities.

The main purpose of the study visit is to strengthen the potential of cities in the development, implementation and monitoring of sustainable energy development, climate protection strategies,  exploring the experience of leading cities in Eastern Partnership region.

The Union of Communities of Armenia is a partner organization of the "Covenant of Mayors -East" project.

The participants of the study visit were selected taking into account the degree of participation of the cities in the process of developing Sustainable energy (and climate) action plans, as well as the participation in various events organized by the Covenant. They also took into account how motivated cities are to acquire new practical knowledge.

During the compilation of the training program, attention was paid to what topics the participants considered a priority. In particular, the use of renewable energy sources for the production of electricity and thermal energy, modern street lighting control and monitoring systems, modern traffic optimization technologies, the use of efficient management of household solid waste, etc.

The representatives of the Covenant of Mayors member communities in Belarus were accompanied by Irina Horodiska, Project Development Coordinator, and national experts in Belarus and in Armenia Ivan Shedrenok and Artem Kharazyan.

The city administration of Novogrudok and Brest cities hosted the members of the delegation from Armenia. During the meetings, reference was made to climate risk assessment, prevention and adaptation, as well as energy management issues.