/Armradio.am/ Today Mr. Dirk Boberg, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Armenia (UNDP DRR), Maestro Aram Gharabekian, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, and Mr. Ara Galoyan, Program Director of “Shoghakat” TV Company, as final part of the UNDP project “Music and Public Outreach in Regions: Highlighting the Needs of Regions through Cultural Lens,” launched seven documentary films related to poverty, unemployment, environment, natural disaster reduction, gender, and human rights issues in the regions of Armenia.

The goal of the project was to visualize regional disparities and to raise public awareness on the needs of regions, using culture and, particularly, music as an effective tool for outreach and communication.

Addressing the participants of the event Mr. Dirk Boberg, UNDP DRR said, “The aim of the project was twofold. First, it was meant to support the revival of cultural life in the regions of Armenia and break the cultural isolation. Secondly, UNDP’s intention was to raise public awareness on existing regional disparities in Armenia and the needs of the various regions while using cultural events as a vehicle for that purpose.”

The project lasted from October 2008 throughout May 2009 during which UNDP, together with National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, organized seven concerts and public awareness campaigns in six regions of Armenia – Ararat, Syunik, Kotayk, Gegharkunik, Shirak and Tavush.

“It is anticipated that these films will broaden the public awareness throughout Armenia on development challenges in the country and will ensure that the commitments by decision-makers at all levels to address regional problems remain as priorities on the public and political agenda, even during the crisis times,” added the UNDP DRR.

 

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