On October 19, the Freedom of information center of Armenia (FOICA) organized a panel discussion in the format of “open talk” under the title “Women in the Beneficial Ownership Transparency reform” with the participation of women implementing Beneficial Ownership (BO) reform.

The women working in the state and public spheres, who have a great contribution to the implementation of the process of reforming the business BO in Armenia, acted as speakers at the discussion. Attendees had the opportunity to get acquainted with the informal history of the promotion of the BO process and to personally ask the speakers their questions.

The guests of the panel discussion were Mrs. Shushan Doydoyan: President of the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia, Mrs. Christine Grigoryan: Human rights defender of the Republic of Armenia, Mrs. Tatevik Mkrtchyan: Head of State Register agency of legal entities of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia, Mrs. Nyasha Vera: Opening Extractives, Communications Officer, Mrs. Lilya Afrikyan:The OGP point of contact at the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Lusine Tovmasyan: Head of EITI Secretariat in Armenia at Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Ani Varderesyan: BO Expert.

In 2018, at the proposal of FOICA and partner structures, the RA government included a special commitment in the 4th action plan of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) (2018-2020), assuming the obligation to ensure the publicity of the real owners of all branches of business through the creation of a public open register.

The real beneficiaries are the real people who stand at the end of the company’s ownership chain. The real beneficiary of the organization is the individual who owns the shares (share) of the company or the individual who controls the organization by other means. The BO transparency process is an important tool in the fight against money laundering and tax evasion. It also helps to reveal the hidden benefits and business interests of politicians, government officials and people involved in public administration.

All legal entities registered in Armenia until 2023. On March 1, they will have already submitted their declaration. More detailed information about the transparency of BO can be found in the “Transparency of Beneficiaries” developed by FOICA. information cards for journalists” and “Transparency and declaration of beneficial owners. Q&A”.

The event was carried out by the Freedom of information center of Armenia with the support of Open Ownership and EITI.

Women in the beneficial ownership transparency reform. An open discussion with women implemented BO reform: live