The COP17 Conference, the 17th meeting of the parties to the UN Convention on Biodiversity, will be held in Yerevan from October 18 to 30, 2026.

This is one of the most important international environmental events, with representatives from over 180 countries, organizations, scientists, and businesspeople participating.

This large-scale event strengthens Armenia’s role on the global environmental agenda. However, its economic, political, and infrastructural consequences require serious preparation.

What benefits can COP17 bring to Armenia

Economic activation

* Growth in tourism, increased occupancy in hotels and food services
* Demand for services such as translation, security, logistics, and technical support
* New connections for investments, joint projects, and new markets

Strengthening international standing

* Armenia will serve as a platform for global discussions
* Opportunity to present environmental initiatives
* Start of multilateral cooperation in financing, technology, and scientific exchange

Promotion of green policy

* The event acts as a catalyst to prioritize environmental protection in state policies
* Attraction of eco-investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and water resource management
* Encouragement of business greening through certification, incentives, and responsible practices

Potential challenges

Structural overload

The influx of expected participants may put serious pressure on Yerevan’s transport, hotel infrastructure, and public services. If infrastructure improvements are not made in advance, malfunctions, overload, and dissatisfaction are possible.

Short-term budget pressure

Organizing a large-scale event will require huge expenses in security, organization, technical support, and media. If the government misallocates resources or fails to attract international assistance, this can increase budget strain.

Coordination issues

Poor coordination between local businesses, government agencies, and international organizations may lead to missed opportunities and organizational failures. Without clear role distribution by the state, many opportunities will be lost.

Risk of greenwashing

Some businesses might attempt to use the event for mere PR purposes without real ecological responsibility or investment. This can damage the business environment’s reputation in the eyes of international partners.

What steps should the government take

* Develop a national COP strategy with clear goals: not only to organize the event but also link it to long-term economic and environmental interests.
* Prepare infrastructure—from the airport to public transport, hotels, and conference venues. Begin renovations and investments now.
* Actively involve the private sector—hotels, tourism services, technical suppliers, eco-producers. Create a unified platform where local companies can offer their services for COP17.
* Secure international funding by involving the UN, World Bank, EU, and other donors for both the event and long-term environmental programs.
* Develop a PR strategy with foreign media partners to leverage the event for enhancing the country’s international reputation.

What should Armenian businesspeople do to benefit from the opportunities

* Be active in the event’s organizational chain.
 Translation services, technical support, IT companies, transportation, marketing agencies, and hotels could see a profitable period. It is necessary to register in advance, contact organizers, and present services.
* Demonstrate an eco-responsible approach.
 Ideological alignment is key here—businesses offering sustainable, renewable, and ecologically responsible solutions will have an advantage.

* Build connections with investors.

The conference is an excellent opportunity to establish new connections, present projects, and initiate dialogue with foreign partners. It is necessary to prepare English packages, proposals, and collaboration models.

Avoid superficial activities

A common mistake many make is organizing ineffective, PR-focused events under the guise of a conference. This can harm reputation. The best approach is to create substantive value, not just visibility.

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COP17 is a unique opportunity for Armenia—from the perspectives of the economy, international standing, and environmental protection. However, to fully benefit, the following are necessary:

* Systematic preparation by the government,
* Active involvement of the private sector,
* Long-term thinking.

A well-organized conference can become a turning point on Armenia’s path to green transformation, international partnership, and investment attractiveness. But if preparatory, coordination, and quality issues are ignored, financial, organizational, and reputational problems may arise.

*The article was also prepared using data from AI․