The Tufenkian Foundation is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Food Programme (WFP), marking the beginning of an impactful collaboration aimed at revitalizing villages in Syunik, starting with the village of Svarants. This partnership addresses key challenges such as depopulation, deteriorating infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities in the region.
The Memorandum was signed by Nanna Skau, WFP Representative and Country Director and Greg Bedian, Tufenkian Foundation Director of Operations. The signing ceremony was held at the WFP offices in Yerevan, in the presence of colleagues and staff members.
“Through partnerships like the one we’re establishing today with the Tufenkian Foundation, we can help ease the many challenges facing Armenian border communities,” said WFP Representative and Country Director Nanna Skau. “The Tufenkian Foundation identified these needs and invited WFP to join in transforming lives and bringing hope. We are honored to be part of this effort.”
“We are proud to be working together with the World Food Programme on this important initiative,” stated Bedian. “WFP brings a wealth of expertise and experience that will be essential to revitalizing Syunik’s villages, making them more prosperous and resilient.”
Through this joint initiative, the Tufenkian Foundation and WFP will implement a series of projects designed to foster sustainable development and improve the livelihoods of rural communities in Syunik.
A key focus will be on agricultural development to modernize irrigation systems, introduce higher-value crops and more productive seed varieties, and upgrading agricultural equipment. Alongside this, economic development will be supported by diversifying opportunities beyond traditional farming and improving market access for agricultural products.
The partnership will also promote climate-sensitive programming through the installation of renewable energy sources. Proceeds generated will be directed towards enhancing food security in these communities, ensuring long-term sustainability and benefits for rural families in Syunik.
This collaboration is a significant step toward sustainable growth and development for Syunik’s rural communities, creating new pathways for prosperity and resilience. Both organizations are committed to working together to build a brighter future for rural Armenia.
About World Food Programme:
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
About the Tufenkian Foundation:
Founded in 1999, the Tufenkian Foundation is dedicated to addressing the most pressing challenges facing the people of Armenia and Artsakh. The Foundation’s work spans a wide range of areas, including housing, education, health, rural development, and social justice. For more information, visit www.tufenkian.org
