Aghasi Harutyunyan takes over the role of FAO Representative in Tajikistan

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has appointed Aghasi Harutyunyan as FAO Representative in Tajikistan, effective 2 March 2026.

As FAO Representative, he will lead the planning and delivery of FAO programmes and projects in Tajikistan, working closely with national counterparts and development partners to advance sustainable agrifood systems, strengthen rural livelihoods and enhance food security and nutrition objectives in the country.

A national of Armenia, Harutyunyan brings more than 15 years of progressively responsible experience within FAO. Since joining the Organization in 2009, he has contributed to the design, management and implementation of FAO programmes and partnerships across Europe and Central Asia.

As a field programme specialist at the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in Budapest, Hungary, from 2011 to 2016, he supported the development and oversight of projects in the Western Balkans, the Caucasus and Central Asia, contributing to the implementation and expansion of FAO’s operational portfolio, including in Tajikistan.

From 2016 to 2024, Harutyunyan worked as a liaison officer at the FAO Liaison Office with the Russian Federation, where he helped establish and strengthen partnerships with government institutions, academia, civil society and the private sector and promoted cooperation with international organizations and regional bodies such as the Eurasian Economic Commission.

Since July 2024, Harutyunyan has been serving as FAO Representative ad interim in Tajikistan, leading the FAO Country Office in Dushanbe and overseeing the implementation of the Organization’s country programme. During this period, cooperation between FAO and Tajikistan has continued to deepen. In 2025, Tajikistan welcomed the first official visit of the FAO Director-General, marking an important milestone. Tajikistan also participated for the first time in the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, presenting priority investment opportunities in the agrifood sector. In addition, traditional agricultural practices from the Almosi Valley received international recognition under FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme.

“Tajikistan has a rich agricultural heritage and tremendous potential to further strengthen resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems,” Harutyunyan said. “FAO is committed to supporting the government and people of Tajikistan in unlocking this potential through innovation, stronger partnerships and investment in rural communities so that agriculture continues to drive food security, economic opportunity and environmental sustainability. 2026 marks a milestone in our collaboration with Tajikistan, as the country will host the Thirty-fifth Session of the Regional Conference for Europe in May.”

Harutyunyan holds a doctorate (Candidate of Historical Sciences) in international relations and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in international relations (Yerevan State University, Armenia). He also earned a postgraduate management certificate (St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), and a Master of Arts in international relations and European studies (Central European University).

Aghasi Harutyunyan succeeds Oleg Guchgeldiyev as FAO Representative in Tajikistan.