ACEC members
The Armenian Circular Economy Coalition (ACEC)
The Armenian Circular Economy Coalition (ACEC) brings together a diverse group of 15 individuals representing various sectors and expertise. Meeting quarterly, they discuss working plans and actions over the next two years and participate in training sessions, study trips, and more. By joining their resources, the coalition aims to produce sustainable change in Armenia, leading towards the ultimate goal of long-term circularity.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee provides guidance, sets strategic priorities, and ensures that goals are met, steering the CirculUP! project towards its objectives.
Role:
The steering committee is a multidisciplinary group of experts and stakeholders tasked with guiding and overseeing the successful implementation of initiatives aimed at fostering a circular economy in Armenia. The committee acts as the central governing body for the ACEC, ensuring the coalition’s goals progress according to its objectives while adapting to the evolving economic and environmental landscape.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Shape the vision and goals of the coalition to align with national and international sustainability efforts and best practices and oversee the work of the 3 working groups.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Build partnerships with civil society, businesses, and government entities regarding circular economy practices, opportunities and policies.
- Policy Advocacy: Support the development of circular economy policies.
- Capacity Building: Enhance awareness and expertise on circular practices.
Ekaterina Airapetian
Steering Committee
Ekaterina Airapetian, a partnerships and fundraising management professional, is dedicated to driving growth and development in Armenia. With a rich background in forging strategic partnerships and fundraising campaigns, Ekaterina plays a pivotal role in advancing the goals of the CirculUP! project through the Steering Committee.
Mkhitar Avetisyan
Steering Committee
Mkhitar Avetisyan, Chairman of “ISSD” NGO, is dedicated to promoting sustainable development through innovative projects. With a focus on waste management, agriculture, and circular economy initiatives, Mkhitar contributes valuable insights to the Steering Committee. His commitment to driving positive change aligns perfectly with the goals of the CirculUP! project.
Tigran Jrbashyan
Steering Committee
Dr. Tigran Jrbashyan, an esteemed economist specializing in institutional economics, offers a wealth of experience in strategic advisory services. With expertise spanning various sectors, including economic development and public finance management, Tigran provides valuable insights to the Steering Committee. His leadership and strategic vision are instrumental in guiding the project towards success.
Silva Mesropyan
Steering Committee
Silva Mesropyan, a certified management consultant, directs the Armenian Institute of Management Consulting, specializing in business development and project management. With expertise in market research, strategic planning, and startup development, Silva is dedicated to driving policy changes and fostering circular economy practices in Armenia through her role in the Policy Working Group.
Ani Mkrtchyan
Steering Committee
Ani Mkrtchyan, with a background in business and NGOs, is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and project coordination. As the director of “MAquaponics” LLC and co-founder of several sustainable initiatives, Ani brings valuable insights to the Steering Committee. Her dedication to driving positive change aligns perfectly with the goals of the CirculUP! Project.
Technical Assistance Working Group
The Technical Assistance Working Group collaborates with the business sector, SMEs, and startups, aiding them in transitioning towards a more circular model. They also facilitate potential partnerships to further circular initiatives in Armenia.
Role:
This group provides the necessary technical knowledge and support to the coalition and to businesses, municipalities, and other stakeholders to help them understand and embrace the transition towards circular economy practices. It offers hands-on assistance to implement circular economy solutions.
Responsibilities:
- When needed and called upon, the TA working group will organize training sessions, capacity-building workshops, and technical seminars to equip local enterprises and policymakers with the skills needed for circular economy transitions.
- Offer consultancy services to municipalities on improving waste management systems, recycling infrastructure, and resource recovery processes.
- Support the development of pilot projects and innovative circular solutions across various sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and energy.
Examples of possible focus areas:
Implementing circular supply chains and business models, and sustainable production and consumption practices, enhancing material efficiency and waste recovery systems, encouraging circular design in product development to promote repair, reuse, and recycling.
Raisa Aghabekyan
Technical Assistance Working Group
Raisa Aghabekyan, Programs Manager at Impact Hub Syunik, is dedicated to supporting changemakers in her community. With a passion for empowering individuals and fostering growth, Raisa plays a crucial role in driving positive change through the Technical Assistance Working Group of the CirculUP! Project.
Margarit Baburyan
Technical Assistance Working Group
Margarit Baburyan, a certified management consultant with extensive experience in business consulting, is dedicated to promoting research and innovation in circular entrepreneurship. As the Deputy Director of SmartLine consulting agency, Margarit leverages her expertise to empower clients and drive growth in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Vardkes Davtyan
Technical Assistance Working Group
Vardkes Davtyan, President of “Lukashin Agricultural Assistance” consumer cooperative, boasts decades of experience in agriculture and cooperative management. With a solid academic background in economics and a portfolio of publications and exhibitions in the agricultural sector, Vardkes brings valuable insights to the Technical Assistance Working Group of the CirculUP! project.
Hayrabed Ekmekdjian
Technical Assistance Working Group
Hayrabed Ekmekdjian, a successful entrepreneur and social activist, brings a diverse skill set to the Technical Assistance Working Group. With experience in HR management, education, and social work, Hayrabed is committed to driving sustainable development initiatives in Armenia. His dedication to fostering positive change is evident in his various roles and contributions.
Anasheh Haghverdian
Technical Assistance Working Group
Anasheh Haghverdian, with a diverse background spanning education, operations management, and program development, is a dedicated advocate for positive change. As the Fellowships Manager at Impact Hub Yerevan, she has facilitated transformative experiences for participants, guiding them towards sustainable practices. With a commitment to fostering a circular mindset, Anasheh plays a pivotal role in advancing the goals of the Technical Assistance Working Group.
Ruben Sarukhanyan
Technical Assistance Working Group
Ruben Sarukhanyan, an expert in economics and international relations, brings a wealth of experience in EU assistance coordination and legislative reforms. With a focus on promoting good governance and sustainable development, Ruben plays a crucial role in driving positive change through the Technical Assistance Working Group of the CirculUP! project.
Policy Working Group
Members of the Policy Working Group work closely with relevant state and government agencies to draft and implement policies and incentives that foster a more favorable atmosphere for circularity in Armenia. Their efforts aim to create a supportive regulatory framework conducive to circular economy practices.
Role:
This group is dedicated to supporting the shaping of a legislative and regulatory environment that supports the transition to a circular economy in Armenia. It works closely with national and local governments to integrate circular principles into policies and long-term development plans.
Responsibilities:
- Engaging in dialogue with policymakers to promote regulatory changes that favor circular practices.
- Advocating for policies that encourage resource efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable production.
- Supporting the alignment of Armenia’s circular economy efforts with global standards and best practices.
- Engage and coordinate policy related activities with other similar programs and projects in Armenia
Examples of possible focus areas:
Incentives for businesses adopting circular practices, waste management regulations, sustainable procurement policies within the public sector, tax and subsidy reforms favoring eco-innovations.
Harutyun Alpetyan
Policy Working Group
Harutyun Alpetyan, a waste governance expert and lecturer at the American University of Armenia, is passionate about accelerating the transition to a circular economy. With a focus on sustainable waste management planning and green policies, Harutyun brings valuable expertise to the Policy Working Group. Through his research and advocacy efforts, he aims to drive policy change and promote circular practices in Armenia.
Lilit Apujanyan
Policy Working Group
Lilit Apujanyan brings over 15 years of expertise in SME sector development, with a focus on local economic development and startup support. With a proven track record of managing innovative projects in collaboration with international organizations, including EU, USAID, and UNDP, Lilit specializes in value chain development and private sector competitiveness. As a certified RECP-Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production Expert, she is committed to strengthening policies and practices to promote circular economy in Armenia.
Mkhitar Avetisyan
Steering Committee
Mkhitar Avetisyan, Chairman of “ISSD” NGO, is dedicated to promoting sustainable development through innovative projects. With a focus on waste management, agriculture, and circular economy initiatives, Mkhitar contributes valuable insights to the Steering Committee. His commitment to driving positive change aligns perfectly with the goals of the CirculUP! project.
Tigran Jrbashyan
Steering Committee
Dr. Tigran Jrbashyan, an esteemed economist specializing in institutional economics, offers a wealth of experience in strategic advisory services. With expertise spanning various sectors, including economic development and public finance management, Tigran provides valuable insights to the Steering Committee. His leadership and strategic vision are instrumental in guiding the project towards success.
Silva Mesropyan
Steering Committee
Silva Mesropyan, a certified management consultant, directs the Armenian Institute of Management Consulting, specializing in business development and project management. With expertise in market research, strategic planning, and startup development, Silva is dedicated to driving policy changes and fostering circular economy practices in Armenia through her role in the Policy Working Group.
Communications Working Group
The Communications Working Group is tasked with raising awareness about the circular economy among the general public and society. Through strategic communication efforts, they aim to inspire individuals to make more circular decisions in their daily lives.
Role:
This group’s main role is to promote CE concepts among a broad range of stakeholders (from the general public to business leaders and policymakers, to civil society) regarding the benefits and opportunities of a circular economy.
Responsibilities:
- Develop action plans to increase public awareness on circular economy concepts such as resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the importance of recycling.
- Establish media relations and engage with local press outlets to disseminate information about key initiatives, successes, and policy changes related to the circular economy.
- Contribute to public events to engage stakeholders and foster a community-wide understanding of circular practices.
- Disseminate educational materials, reports, and case studies to showcase the benefits of circular economy projects and successful transitions.
- Engage a broad range of stakeholders – with special focus on the youth – in circular economy discussions, awareness raising activities, and in particular through digital platforms and social media.
- Support communication campaigns targeting government and policy makers.
Examples of possible focus areas:
Public outreach to create behavioral change in consumption patterns, collaboration with educational institutions to integrate circular economy education into curriculums, promoting success stories from Armenian businesses and communities implementing circular practices, coordinating messaging with international organizations to maintain consistent global narratives
Olympia Geghamyan
Communications Working Group
Olympia Geghamyan, an Associate Professor of Environmental Law and Head of the Center for Environmental Law at Yerevan State University, brings over 15 years of expertise in academia, public policy, and consultancy. Specializing in environmental law, human rights, and waste management, Olympia plays a key role in shaping communications strategies for the CirculUP! project.
Bella Vasilyan
Communications Working Group
Bella Vasilyan, a seasoned professional with over 5 years of experience in project and operations management, brings a wealth of expertise to the Communications Working Group. As the Senior Program Manager at TUMO and co-manager of the Tech Incubation program, Bella is committed to fostering collaboration and driving sustainable practices in Armenia.
Ekaterina Airapetian
Steering Committee
Ekaterina Airapetian, a partnerships and fundraising management professional, is dedicated to driving growth and development in Armenia. With a rich background in forging strategic partnerships and fundraising campaigns, Ekaterina plays a pivotal role in advancing the goals of the CirculUP! project through the Steering Committee.
Ani Mkrtchyan
Steering Committee
Ani Mkrtchyan, with a background in business and NGOs, is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and project coordination. As the director of “MAquaponics” LLC and co-founder of several sustainable initiatives, Ani brings valuable insights to the Steering Committee. Her dedication to driving positive change aligns perfectly with the goals of the CirculUP! Project.