The coalition of CSOs for Sustainable and Transparent Energy Development in Armenia, formed within the framework of the \u201cCSOs for Sustainable and Transparent Energy Development\u201d (EU4STED) Program implemented in the scope of the EU-funded \u201cCommitment to Constructive Dialogue\u201d project, held its third session on March 14.<\/p>\n
The meeting was held in the \u201cTown Hall\u201d format, having the aim to highlight energy issues.\u00a0The members of the coalition, the head of staff of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the corresponding representative of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development, the Chairman of the Armenian Business Coalition, as well as representatives of other interested organizations and associations and field experts attended the meeting.<\/p>\n
The objectives of the CSO coalition, which joins more than two dozen CSOs, include: developing and promoting public policy in sustainable energy and climate change, developing mechanisms and capacities for monitoring and improving the energy efficiency initiatives of local governments and highlighting the importance of addressing these issues in community processes, transparency and increased involvement of female professionals.<\/p>\n
At the third meeting of the coalition, Ms Astghine Pasoyan, Director of \u201cEnergy Saving Fund\u201d NGO, presented the planned actions of the Energy Sector Program of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and proposed amendments, legislative and policy issues in the field, as well as the activities carried out by the coalition of CSOs for Sustainable and Transparent Energy Development in Armenia.<\/p>\n
Astghine Pasoyan mentioned that the coalition had held discussions with the government and relevant departments, signed a memorandum with “Armenpress” State News Agency, which became the official partner and ensured the coverage of Coalition\u2019s activities.<\/p>\n
During the session of the \u201cEnergy Saving Fund\u201d, Ms Tamara Babayan, Coordinator of Sustainable Energy programs, presented the Draft Guidelines on Application of Energy Efficiency Requirements for Goods, Services and Work acquired under the RA Law on State Procurement. As Tamara Babayan mentioned, the majority of state purchasers do not know much of the details from that system; therefore, the “Energy Efficient Procurement Guideline” has been developed, which will explain the nuisances of the process to individuals involved in public procurement process.<\/p>\n
The participants of the meeting also discussed energy efficiency requirements for goods, services and work acquired within the framework of the RA Law “On Public Procurement”, as well as the development of energy sector measures of the RA Government program and the issues on the development of coalition\u2019s capacities.<\/p>\n
The issues raised by the participating organisations as well as the suggestions were included in the package of proposals to be submitted later to the RA Government.<\/p>\n
Further, the ceremony of joining of new CSO to the Coalition Declaration was held. After the ceremony 2nd sub-grant project for capacity development of coalition of CSOs for Sustainable and Transparent Energy Development in Armenia was presented to the participants.\u00a0CSO representatives exchanged views and presented their proposals on the development of coalition\u2019s capacity as well as related to the internal documents of the coalition.<\/p>\n