Third Annual Municipal Forum to Advance Decentralisation Reforms in Armenia
One week ago, SALAR International brought together key voices from across Armenia and beyond for the third Annual Municipal Forum, held under the theme “Speaking with One Voice on Decentralisation Reforms.”
Ambassador of Sweden to Armenia, Eva Sundquist
Organised within the framework of the “Support to Decentralisation and Local Self-Government Reforms in Armenia” (DeaLoG) project, implemented by SALAR International, in cooperation with the Union of Communities of Armenia, the forum convened representatives from around 70 municipalities, as well as state institutions, international partners, and civil society organizations. Participants from Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia, along with representatives of NALAS, also joined the discussions, contributing to a broader regional exchange.
Turning reform into real impact
A central message throughout the forum was clear: decentralisation must deliver tangible results for citizens.
Yerevan Mayor and Chairman of the Board of the Union of Communities, Tigran Avinyan, emphasized that reforms should go beyond legal and administrative changes. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that decentralisation leads to improved public services, more effective governance, and greater accountability. At the same time, he stressed that increased municipal responsibilities must be matched with adequate financial and institutional capacity.
Tigran Avinyan, Mayor of Yerevan
Strong municipalities, stronger state
Speakers consistently underlined the link between empowered local governments and national development.
Ambassador of Sweden to Armenia, Eva Sundquist, noted that strong and transparent municipalities are essential for building resilient communities and supporting sustainable development. Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Arnak Avetisyan, described decentralisation as a partnership-driven process, emphasizing that stronger municipalities contribute directly to a stronger state.
Ryan Knox, Managing Director of SALAR International, highlighted that local governments should function as independent democratic actors, capable of responding effectively to the needs of their communities.
Dialogue, exchange, and next steps
The forum featured panel discussions on fiscal decentralisation, territorial-administrative reforms, and strategic communication. With more than 35 municipal leaders and around 80 participants in total, the event fostered meaningful dialogue and practical exchange.
Participants were also introduced to the Decentralization Portal, developed within the DeaLoG project, as a tool to support ongoing reforms.
Over the years, the Municipal Forum has established itself as a key platform for discussing Armenia’s decentralisation agenda—bringing stakeholders together to address challenges, share experiences, and drive progress in strengthening local self-government.