United Nations Moldova achievements in 2023 and key focus for 2024

The year 2023 was marked by the launch of the new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 as well as Moldova being given the candidate status for the EU accession.

Through a coordinate approach the UN Moldova assisted the country in reaching its national development objectives, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and pursuing the aspiration of becoming a European Union country in the context of multiple crises generated by the war. 

“The UN remains a strong and reliable partner to the Government of Moldova. In 2023, the UNCT supported the launch of several ambitious social reforms, including Moldova's social assistance system reform, labour market reforms, and early childcare reform, aimed at improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations. At the heart of all our efforts, always, are the people of Moldova, particularly women, children and youth, persons with disabilities, refugees, migrants, old people, and others.” mentioned Simon Springett, Resident Coordinator of UN in Moldova.

With assistance from the United Nations, significant primary and secondary legislation has been enacted across various sectors including healthcare, education, social protection, migration, human trafficking, disability, and elder people. About 32,000 vulnerable persons including children and adolescents, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and refugees accessed various healthcare services and programs. Extensive awareness campaigns regarding immunization have reached over 120,000 persons nationwide while hundreds of healthcare professionals and workers have improved their capacities and knowledge.

At the same time, over 111,000 children including refugees were ensured access to education through formal and non-formal initiatives. Digital skills of over 33,000 children and 329 teachers were enhanced through the establishment of 70 EduTech Labs. 

The UN supported active ageing initiatives in 10 rayons, piloting the University of the 3rd Age at Moldova State University. 

A total of 164,800 vulnerable persons received cash assistance though the government vulnerability fund, to be able to cope with the impacts of the crises. 

A Governmental Agency was established with the support of the United Nations to oversee relevant legislation and policies on gender-based violence. 

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In 2023, the United Nations ramped up its support in the field of participatory governance and social cohesion. Half of the district-level local public authorities developed and budgeted annual youth action plans using their own resources. 

Over 120.000 men and women gained a better understanding of electoral processes through mentoring programs, awareness campaigns, and voter education initiatives. Despite progress made, women continue to be targets of gendered political violence. 

The National Bureau of Statistics has improved its data capabilities, including through digitalization. Technical assistance provided by the United Nations resulted in improved data quality for vulnerable and marginalized groups. Specifically, NBS analysed child poverty, informing the major social assistance reform "Restart" in 2023. 

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Significant support was provided to Moldova through policy guidance, advocacy, and technical expertise to foster inclusive and sustainable economic development of the country. One of the major results achieved in this area was the ratification of the ILO Convention 190 on violence and sexual harassment in the workplace, underscoring Moldova's commitment to fostering safe and equitable work environments. 

On the other hand, about 7,000 businesspersons (including 3,676 Moldovan women and 2,363 refugee women) accessed employment and business opportunities. About 280 new businesses were created, resulting in over 500 new job opportunities.

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Jointly we have made considerable progress on environmental governance, sustainable natural resource utilization, energy resilience, and green development. In 2023, Moldova implemented legislative reforms and policies to address climate change, with substantial support from UN Country Team. 

The energy management information system expanded to over 5,300 public buildings (up from 17 in 2022), enhancing consumer control, efficiency, and access to real-time consumption data. At the same time, almost 75% of Moldovan households have been supported with on-bill compensations from the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund. A number of 30 localities adopted green solutions in waste management, afforestation, and landscaping, benefiting over 263,000 people. 

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Last year, the United Nations contributed to the National SDG Progress Report, instrumental in shaping global discussions during the 2023 SDG Summit. Despite numerous challenges, Moldova's global ranking for progress towards SDGs improved from 48th in 2021 to 25th in 2023.

Seven interns from underrepresented groups have completed the UN Diversity Internship Program in 2023 reaffirming UN Moldova commitment to inclusivity. 

The successful implementation of the UN programmes in Moldova and the delivery of support to people would have not been possible without our valued partners: government counterparts, civil society organizations, private sector, academia, media, and the international community.

In 2023, the United Nations in Moldova spent $122 million on programmes and projects that span across all Sustainable Development Goals, with the largest share of expenditures being directed towards: SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good health and well-being and), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

In 2024, the Unites Nations in Moldova will continue implementing the Cooperation Framework 2023-2027, prioritizing the advancement of the SDGs and accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Moldova. We will contribute to the country's EU integration process by identifying and mobilizing the optimal resources within the UN to aid the government in necessary reforms and implementing recommendations.

Note:

The Annual Country Results Report 2023 of the United Nations in Moldova doesn’t include the support (protection services and humanitarian assistance) provided by the United Nations agencies, funds, and programs and partners to over 100,000 refugees, and 22,000 Moldovan’s hosting refugees.