As part of welcoming new voices to the FOC’s Steering Committee, we spoke with its newest members, Armenia and Moldova. We heard from Zoya Stepanyan, Head of the International Human Rights Cooperation Division, Human Rights and Humanitarian Issues Department (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia), and Corina Moroi, Counselor at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the United Nations, to learn more about what motivated them to take on this role and how they see their countries’ contributions shaping the Coalition’s work towards the goals of the 2026 Programme of Action.
Insights from Armenia:
What role do you see the FOC playing in the current global digital governance landscape?
Rapidly expanding digital space has profound impact on individuals, societies and states, the way they interact and build their policies across security, development and justice domains. Multi-stakeholder partnerships like Freedom Online Coalition, provide informal collaboration platform for diverse, yet like-minded states for conceptual work and practical policy making. Today, the overarching commitment to ensure that obligations and responsibilities around fundamental rights and freedoms are equally applicable offline, is as relevant as ever especially against the background of challenges that multilateral systems face. For smaller states, the FOC is also an excellent sharing and learning space with fellow member states as well as with wider community of stakeholders.
How can the Steering Committee help strengthen collaboration among Member States and with external stakeholders?
The activities of the Steering Committee are largely focused on assisting Chair and facilitating the implementation of Program of Action as a main guiding document that reflects collective goals. Among many ways that the Steering Committee members can foster collaborations is by taking a leadership for thematic areas where their resources, priorities and expertize may contribute the most to the elaboration of common positions. Another equally important task is ensuring synergy across local, regional and global fora as today the issues of digital rights and internet freedom are being echoed across every multilateral hall and discussion.
How does participation in the FOC align with your country’s broader digital policy objectives?
Armenia has joined the Freedom Online Coalition in the end of 2024 when negotiation on major multilateral digital frameworks were in full swing. I am proud to note that Armenia’s positions were firmly anchored on conviction that regulations, norms and political commitments must sustain strong human rights scrutiny.
Locally, digitalization is one of the major priorities for the Government of Armenia. Among other policy directions, we strive to develop more resilient cybersecurity infrastructure in a predictable regulatory environment to facilitate innovation and economic growth. Armenia is also rapidly advancing AI education and deployment across sectors. We strongly believe in transparent and ethical AI principles aligned with human rights standards. Our country is enhancing democratic resilience to confront hybrid threats, including disinformation.
For internet freedom – Armenia ranks highest in the region. We have maintained open and free internet even in the times of enormous security and humanitarian challenges.
What was the motivation behind joining the Steering Committee?
Our first year of engagement with the Coalition was very dynamic. The obvious synergy between the major goals of the FOC and Armenia’s priorities has translated into successful joint initiatives with the Coalition as well as with individual member states. We have also benefited from Foundational Learning Program and exchanges offered by the FOC.
Membership in the Steering Committee has been a logical next step, that enables active involvement and better understanding of daily work and rich multi-stakeholder architecture of the Coalition. It also allows for more meaningful contribution to activities of the FOC and closer coordination.
How does Armenia hope to support the implementation of the 2026 POA?
The Program of Action for 2026 encapsulates multi-dimensional activities, most pressing challenges and overall common understanding on the rights based approach to digital field. As I have briefly described, it resonates strongly with Armenia’s positions and principled stances that we have been pursuing for years. We stand ready to foster closer diplomatic coordination and dialogues to this end.
I will bring just two concrete examples linked to PoA where we will be building on the positive experience of the last year. To mainstream the issue of digital technologies and the rights of women and girls, Armenia is planning to put forward an initiative in the UN Human Rights Council focusing on implementation and cooperation efforts (Goal 1 and Goal 3 of the PoA).
As a host country and a convener of several major diplomatic forums Armenia is delighted to feature Freedom Online Coalition events during Yerevan Dialogue in May 2026. This year the FOC will be marking its 15th anniversary. For Armenia and for the whole FOC family this will a celebration of an exiting journey, meaningful footprint and strong determination to advance the causes of digital rights.
Insights from Moldova:
1. Why do you believe international cooperation on digital rights is particularly important at this moment?
International cooperation on digital rights is critical at a time when global decisions on digital governance, artificial intelligence, and internet architecture will shape the future of our societies. Shared challenges such as disinformation, surveillance, and internet restrictions require coordinated, cross-regional responses to ensure that human rights remain at the core of digital development.
2. Is there a message you would like to share with other Coalition members or partners as you begin this role?
The Republic of Moldova looks forward to deepening cooperation within the Coalition to advance a free, open, and secure internet grounded in human rights. We encourage continued multistakeholder engagement and solidarity to address common challenges and ensure inclusive, rights-respecting digital transformation globally.
3. How does participation in the FOC align with your country’s broader digital policy objectives?
Participation in the FOC aligns closely with Moldova’s commitment to democratic governance, digital transformation, and strengthening cybersecurity while safeguarding fundamental rights. It supports our efforts to promote inclusive digital development, including advancing secure and rights-respecting digital public infrastructure and bridging digital divides.
4. What was the motivation behind joining the Steering Committee?
The Republic of Moldova’s motivation to join the Steering Committee stems from its commitment to play a more active role in shaping international digital policy discussions and advancing the Coalition’s strategic priorities. We aim to contribute to strengthening cross-regional dialogue and ensuring that human rights remain central in global digital governance processes.
5. How does Moldova hope to support the implementation of the 2026 POA?
Moldova will support the implementation of the 2026 Programme of Action by contributing to the discussions on the initiatives that promote human rights-based digital governance, advance digital inclusion, and strengthen cross-regional engagement. We are particularly committed to sharing national experiences, promote the importance of capacity-building efforts, and fostering dialogue on challenges such as disinformation, cybersecurity, and inclusive digital public infrastructure.
Ms. Zoya Stepanyan is a career diplomat and the Head of International Human Rights Cooperation Division of the Human Rights and Humanitarian Issues Department, MFA of Armenia. With over 20 years of experience in Armenian Foreign Ministry, Ms. Stepanyan has served in the Permanent Missions of Armenia to the UN in New York and Geneva. Prior to her postings, Ms. Stepanyan’s work was concentrated on Armenia’s relations with the European Union.
Corina Moroi is a Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the United Nations, where she covers international security issues, including those on the agenda of the First Committee and the Security Council. She is actively engaged in advancing discussions on the responsible use of information and communication technologies, as well as the protection of human rights in the digital space, including within the framework of the Freedom Online Coalition.
