December 7 in 1988 stands as a tragic event recorded in history in the form of the earthquake of Spitak. Even nearly four decades later, Spitak Earthquake remains a symbol of immeasurable pain, hope and tragedy for the people of Armenia. The earthquake highlighted not only human losses and material destruction but also underscored that every disaster carries unforeseen and far-reaching results on local, national and international levels. This devastating disaster exposed systemic challenges and deficiencies within structural, governance and social systems. Reflecting on the aftermath of Spitak Earthquake and the lessons learned emphasizes not only the importance of historical memory but also how we, as a society, prepare for potential future risks.

Today, 36 years later, as we look back, we realize that it was not just a disaster but also a powerful impetus for change and transformation. Spitak Earthquake revealed the unity, resilience and solidarity of our people in the face of adversity. This story as a valuable lesson reminded us of the strength and endurance could be our nation. Thirty-six years on, we honor the memory and express gratitude to all those heroic efforts contributed to the reconstruction of the country.

That catastrophic day exposed the vulnerabilities of our state, society and infrastructure, prompting a renewed recognition of the importance of disaster risk management. Spitak Earthquake became a driving force for transforming our approaches, reforming governance systems, and laying the foundations for resilience and sustainability.

It had a significant impact on the formation of the rescue system in the Republic of Armenia, driving the creation of specialized forces, public awareness initiatives and international cooperation. The harsh lessons of vulnerability and mistakes were transformed into areas of development, despite the years required for full recovery, became the guiding principles of our actions both in reducing vulnerability and in the fields of disaster risk management and public awareness. Today, we understand that earthquakes cannot be prevented, but their impact can certainly be predicted and mitigated through safe construction, maintaining seismic safety and developing rapid response systems for emergencies.

Spitak Earthquake also clearly demonstrated that the preparedness of state and professional systems alone was not enough. In times of disaster, the knowledge and awareness of citizens are equally crucial. Every second during an earthquake is decisive. In the face of seismic danger, correct behavior and awareness of disaster preparedness can make a significant difference. Therefore, we must invest all efforts to ensure that every citizen of Armenia knows how to act in emergency situations, how to protect their own life, and how to assist those around them.

Today, as we honor the memory of the victims of the earthquake, we also pay tribute to those whose efforts and sacrifices saved countless lives from rescuers and doctors to volunteers and citizens. Their dedication should serve as a source of inspiration for our future endeavors.

Spitak Earthquake reminded us that only through collective effort and solidarity can we overcome any challenge. The memory of our lost ones will be best preserved if we continue striving to build a safer and more secure Armenia, where disasters are no longer tragedies but become tests of resilience.