UN Secretary-General António Guterres has visited the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies in Yerevan ahead of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). Accompanied by Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, Guterres toured the center, learning about its educational programs, innovative technological capabilities and infrastructure. During the visit, the UN chief met with young people attending TUMO and spoke with them about their interests and educational experiences. The students highlighted TUMO’s unique learning methodology, which combines self-learning with hands-on workshops to help young people develop modern digital and creative skills. “TUMO is a place where people are united by creativity and innovation. Here, young people explore their potential and discover their talents. And we are very happy that TUMO is now accessible in a number of countries, serving different communities and young people,” Minister Andreasyan said. She thanked Guterres for his visit, noting that his presence was an encouragement to the young people. The minister also emphasized that the skills acquired at TUMO could make a significant contribution to addressing biodiversity challenges, which are being discussed during COP17. TUMO Executive Director Marie Lou Papazian presented the center’s development strategy, including the expansion of its educational network across Armenia’s regions and border communities through TUMO centers and TUMO Boxes. The discussions also focused on young people’s participation in non-formal education, international cooperation programs and the expansion of the TUMO network worldwide. Armenia is hosting COP17, bringing together representatives of governments, international organizations and other stakeholders to discuss global biodiversity conservation and the implementation of international commitments to protect nature.