On June 18 the webinar called “Organizing EU Sustainable Energy Days at the local level, by the example of Armenia" was held in the framework of EC “Covenant of Mayors” project.

The webinar was attended by the the representatives of signatory communities such as Akhtala, Alaverdi, Tashir, Vanadzor, Gavar, Martuni, Vardenis, Sevan, Ijevan, Sisian, Paraqar, Ejmiatsin, Masis, Hrazdan, Tsakhkadzor, Ashtarak, Aparan, Jermuk, Vayk, Yerevan, Gyumri, Artik.

During the webinar the organizational issues about EU Sustainable Energy Week-2021(EUSEW2021), which will be held in October were discussed. EUSEW2021 will be held in October 25-29. The aim of the webinar was to remind the SINGs about the new dates of the EUSEW and encourage SIGNs to held SEDs in October.

In her welcoming speech, Araks Mikayelyan, Deputy Executive Director of the Union of Communities of Armenia, stated that the participation of communities in the EU Sustainable Energy Days has been growing year by year. She noted that the general experience of holding events proves that these events not only serve to raise community awareness on these topics, but also to the development of community life in general, the integration of young, active professionals into the community life.

Artem Kharazyan, National Expert of the Covenant of Mayors - East program in Armenia, noted that awareness-raising is one of the main activities of the Covenant of Mayors as a major initiative. It is one of the commitments made by communities to join the Covenant. Tatevik Harutyunyan, CoM East Communication expert in Armenia, made a presentation about organisation of EUSEW2021 at local level, introducing to new dates of the EUSEW, presenting the results of the sustainable energy days held in previous years and ideas for sustainable energy organization.

During the question and answers, the representatives of the Covenant member states made some suggestions. The representatives of the communities expressed their satisfaction that in 2021 the EU Sustainable Energy Week will be held on October 25-29, unlike in previous years, when it was held in May-June. They stated that all educational institutions are open in October, so it will be easier to work with them. They noted that it would be desirable to provide guidance to communities on what emphasis should be placed while organizing energy days. Suggestions have been made about the format of the events. Many communities already have event lists. They also suggested to keep online format in some events.