The closing ceremony of the "Kapan - CIS Youth Capital 2026" program took place in Syunik.

ArmInfo. The official closing ceremony of the "Youth Capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States 2026" program was held in Kapan, Syunik Province. The event took place in the grand hall of the Kapan Community Center, according to the press service of the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (MECS).

In her welcoming speech, Kristina Tataryan, Deputy Head of the MECS, noted that 2026 was an important and significant year for Kapan, during which the city held the honorary title of Youth Capital of the CIS. According to her, the Kapan program brought together youth from Armenia and CIS member states, creating opportunities for communication, exchanging experiences and ideas, establishing new connections, and developing cooperation.

"Kapan - Youth Capital of the CIS 2026" Program The program demonstrated once again that youth policy is not only about educational or recreational events. It also involves youth participation, volunteerism, involvement in public life, responsibility, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The program provided young people from the CIS countries and various regions of Armenia with the opportunity to better understand the historical and cultural heritage of Syunik. At the same time, the program became an important platform for young people to make new acquaintances, exchange experiences and ideas, and acquire new knowledge and develop skills. Ultimately, the real results of such programs are not only the events held, but also the connections, ideas, and forms of cooperation that continue to develop after the program's completion," she noted, expressing confidence that the connections formed during the program, the experiences gained, and the ideas gained will continue to develop after its completion.

Tataryan thanked the Kapan municipality for its active participation in the program's implementation, hospitality, and the creation of an open and active environment for young people.

Young representatives of the Youth Affairs Council of the CIS member states, representatives of youth centers operating in Armenia, and guests of Kapan attended the event.

A video about the "Kapan - CIS Youth Capital 2026" program was shown during the event. As part of the official event, a concert by the vocal and instrumental group "Project Alikhanyan" was also held at the Kapan Community Center. They performed original versions of famous Armenian and foreign hits.

As a reminder, Kapan was recognized as the CIS Youth Capital 2026 by the decision of the Council of CIS Heads of Government on June 8, 2023. The official launch events took place in Kapan from July 23-25, 2026. A number of cultural and youth initiatives were implemented as part of the program, including the official opening, certificate presentation, and stamp cancellation. The program launch was accompanied by a grand celebratory concert featuring the Pop Symphony Orchestra of the Public Radio of Armenia.

This was followed by a meeting of the Youth Affairs Council of the CIS member states and the CIS International Youth Forum, with the participation of CIS delegations and representatives of youth organizations. Throughout the year, the program also held various youth camps, trainings, round tables and other events aimed at presenting the capabilities of the city of Kapan.