United Nations in Moldova

In September 2015, the Republic of Moldova, alongside with 192 Member States of the United Nations committed to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future having at its heart the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The National Development Strategy "European Moldova 2030" (NDS) as well as the Government Action Plan ”Building a European Moldova” describe the short, medium and long-term strategic development vision of the country synchronizing the priorities, objectives, indicators and targets of international commitments taken by the Republic of Moldova, including the ones set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to the national context. The Sustainable Development Goals are being monitored and evaluated by the United Nations Country Team through the Country Results Reports developed in coordination with the Government. As of 2022, the Government has committed to monitor and report annually on the level of achievement of the SDGs in the country which allows the state to make necessary interventions to adjust and/or accelerate the pace of SDGs implementation.

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Publication

31 December 2024

Diaspora engagement in climate action: Opportunities and challenges in the Republic of Moldova

The report aims to analyse existing migration and climate change frameworks, along with the Moldovan diaspora's challenges, barriers, and pathways for engagement. It uses a mixed-methods approach, combining desk research and 15 semi-structured key informant interviews conducted in March-April 2024, to address policy frameworks, financial mechanisms, diaspora perceptions, and engagement barriers and opportunities, ensuring methodological coherence and reliable findings.

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31 December 2024

“Nothing is impossible”

“We should not allow disabilities to limit us,” said Jalba, a spry and chatty 29-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects her body movements and muscle coordination.“I like living by myself in my apartment and being responsible for my own life. I pay my bills, go to the movies when it pleases me, and I don’t have to give explanations to anybody. My only challenges are overcoming barriers so that I can enjoy my human rights.”Jalba recently completed an internship program conducted by UN Moldova, under the leadership of UN Human Rights Moldova. Set up in 2016, the UN Diversity Internship supports the inclusion of people belonging to marginalized groups who often face discrimination.Working with mentors, the interns gain practical experience and acquire professional skills, useful for future employment in the labour market, including at the UN. The initiative is also meant to be a learning opportunity for the UN.“The internship helped me personally and professionally,” said Jalba, who has a master’s degree in foreign languages and literature and works as a translator for an NGO in Chisinau. “I learned how to cope with my emotions and to better focus on the things I want to do.”Jalba takes a lot of pride in her work as a translator, which she does from home.“I type and I also use a voice system,” Jalba explained. “I am very accurate. I check everything, every word, every comma. I can sometimes be very particular. I don’t trust AI,” she added, bursting into laughter.InclusionMoldova, a small European country, ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010. The ratification led to important legislative changes, including the 2012 Law on Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and other reforms.However, the fight for inclusion is far from over. In Moldova and elsewhere around the world, too many barriers continue to limit the participation of persons with disabilities in public and social life, denying them their rights, including access to education, health care, jobs, voting, and cultural and sporting activities, rights groups say.Persons with disabilities are among the poorest in Moldova, official data show. Their employment rate is half that of the general population. Women with disabilities, particularly from rural areas, face high risks of violence, poverty, and social exclusion.Under its mandate, UN Human Rights works with partners, civil society, persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, and the government to further advance the implementation of the Convention and promote the inclusion and participation in society of persons with disabilities.This work includes advocacy, training and providing guidance and technical advice to develop policies following human rights-based approaches to disability.“Persons with disabilities have the right to lead dignified and independent lives, on an equal basis with others,” said UN Human Rights officer Xenia Siminciuc, who was Diana’s mentor during the internship.The two women have become close friends. More recently, Siminciuc helped Jalba draft a CV and improve her job interview skills, and Jalba is now employed by People's Advocate Office/Ombuds Office.“We need to change our approach and see persons with disabilities as participants and contributors in the social, economic, cultural, civic and political life of our society and have access to the necessary support to exercise their human rights." Xenia Siminciuc, UN Human Rights Officer.Vasile Cusca, State Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, said Moldova’s government is committed to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, including adequate social protection, adapting educational institutions and improving professional training.“Moldova has made a lot of progress, but there are still areas where we need to continue working,” he said. Since adopting the Law on Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Moldova has developed a National Program on Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and a National Deinstitutionalization Program, he said.The State Secretary said the Ministry has a good working relationship with UN Human Rights, and with the international human rights mechanisms. He said that despite limited funding, the government is engaging with partners to develop reforms and programs focused on advancing disability rights.“The participation of persons with disabilities is a crucial element of inclusion. Not only for legislative reforms and revision of frameworks but very importantly to combat stereotypes and negative beliefs in society.”Changing mentalitiesFor Ludmila Adamciuc it is all about changing mentalities. Adamciuc is the mother of Beatrice, a seven-year-old girl with Down syndrome.After giving birth to her daughter, Adamciuc decided to become an activist for disability rights. With the support of UN Human Rights, she founded Prietena Mea (which means My Friend in Romanian), an NGO in Chisinau that raises awareness about the importance of acceptance of disabilities and empowers parents of children with disabilities.“We live in a society with a lot of stigma and low acceptance of children with disabilities,” Adamciuc said.“We hear cases of children with disabilities who are not accepted at educational institutions under the pretext that they have no qualified staff, but these can be examples of discrimination. This is why it is important to change mentalities, but also to enhance the skills of professionals and provide access to necessary support services. We are talking about equality of rights of children with disabilities.”Bringing down barriersValeryi Shemyanskyi and Galina Fedotova, who are husband and wife, are also fighting to bring down barriers.Shemyanskyi, who was born with cerebral palsy, is the president of GLIN, a civil society organisation organization on the left bank of the Dniester/Nistru River that provides legal, medical and psychological counselling for disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities.The pair participated in a recent UN Human Rights capacity building program, where they learned about human rights, advocacy and other skills to promote change. Their organization is working with the de-facto authorities to amend regulatory framework on heath care and social benefits for persons with disabilities.Shemyanskyi, who is currently finishing his law studies in Tiraspol with the idea of becoming a prosecutor, said GLIN is also planning to open a legal and psychological center on the right bank of the Dniester/Nistru River.“Many persons with disabilities are unaware that they have the same human rights as everybody else,” said Fedotova, executive director of GLIN. “But we want to make a difference.”

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31 December 2024

A family from Slobozia Mare has returned home and opened an eco-tourist guesthouse, providing unique services in the south of the country

In Romania, they found work and settled. But it was the pandemic that trapped them in an apartment in Bucharest, and then, more than ever, they felt the need to return home to Slobozia Mare.The pandemic robbed them of their freedom and that motivated them to return home"We have a small child, for whom living in a block of flats during the pandemic was a nightmare. So, we moved back here in 2020, to her husband's home village," says Lorina Neagu. Their love for equestrianism and the desire to bring this noble sport back to the village led them to create a unique business in the south of the country. Now the place that for years used to be the village garbage dump has been transformed into a modern agritourism - "Potcoava Verde"."We used to have two horses with which we started to go for rides on the shores of Lake Beleu, then our friends started to come for rides too. They were so thrilled by the emotions they felt riding on horses, that we realized that it was a wonderful thing to offer that feeling of well-being to everyone who visited us," Lorina adds.Tourist activities that visitors can enjoy at the “Potcoava Verde”The Neagu family has developed a wide range of tourist activities in Prut meadow, an impressive area in the Lower Prut Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can go horse-riding or boating on Beleu Lake. They can also fish in the fresh waters. Lorina's husband, Artur Neagu, has been passionate about horse-riding since childhoodAccommodation in the heart of nature on Beleu lakeThe Neagu family business expanded two years ago. In 2022, when they received financial support worth €14,000 through the "EU4Moldova: Focal Regions" programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. With this money they managed to build two small houses on the territory of the agro-pension, which can accommodate up to eight people. They are equipped with all the necessary utilities for those who want to reconnect with nature.The “EU4Moldova: Focal regions” Programme (2019-2024) supports intelligent, inclusive and sustainable social-economic development in the regions of Cahul and Ungheni to ensure better standards of living to the citizens. The programme has a total budget of €23 million, is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

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31 December 2024

Dumitru Zaporojan has returned to Moldova to develop crafts

From his passion for processing sheep skins, Dumitru has created a business.He is known all over the country as the folk craftsman from the south, who transforms sheep fur into bundițe, a unique item of clothing."I was abroad for a certain period of my life, there I lived with someone who was in the business of processing hides. I asked the respective craftsman about his work; I told him that I was curious how this is done. He gave me to read about it and I cleaned a couple of hides. After that I decided to return to my native country, as I wanted to become an entrepreneur and develop this business," Dumitru Zaporojan recounts.After returning to the Republic of Moldova, Dumitru built a leather processing machine by himself with the money he earned abroad, with which he created his first works. He also makes slippers and carpets from leather sheep. "Everyone is looking for the southern fur, because it is the warmest, especially since I process it medicinally so that it has no odor," Dumitru says.Dumitru Zaporojan is the president of the livestock Cluster "Bacii Sudului", financially supported by the "EU4Moldova: Focal Regions" programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. The cluster received support worth EUR 100,000, with the help of which its members purchased several machines, including a mobile slaughterhouse, benefit from training and study visits. "I bought a granulator and a pelletizer to use wool, I said let's get a granulator to try to use wool as fertilizer. I saw that in the European Union they do this," explains Dumitru Zaporojan.The young entrepreneur wants to stay at home to expand his business. He wants to continue to promote the dying craft.

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02 January 2025

Anastasia Aslan, expecting her fourth child: 'A family-friendly workplace makes it easier to have more children, if that’s your choice

"It’s so comforting when you can go to work knowing that, just steps away in the same building, your child is in a safe, well-equipped space, supervised, and engaged in educational activities. I can personally confirm that a family-friendly workplace can help families have more children, if they want, while also allowing mothers to build their professional careers", shares Anastasia Aslan, Human Resources Manager at "Panilino," a champion bakery company in Moldova partnering with UNFPA in promoting family-friendly workplace policies.Anastasia has been working at "Panilino" since 2018. At 33 years old, she is a mother of three and is soon expecting her fourth child."I didn’t have brothers and sisters, and I always dreamed of having a larger family. The fact that my company has an in-house childcare center helped me achieve this dream. As a mother, I can return to work sooner, have an income, and still take care of my child," she explains.Like many countries in the region, Moldova faces a declining birth rate. While most couples express a desire to have 2-3 children, many end up with only one or two due to financial challenges and a lack of childcare services that would allow parents to balance their careers and family life.'Panilino' is one of the first companies in Moldova to implement family-friendly workplace policies. Since 2022, with support from UNFPA and the Government of Austria, the company has received a $5,000 USD grant to introduce initiatives that support families with young children. Among these initiatives, the company has created a dedicated play and rest area for employees' children, encouraging parents who wish to return early from childcare leave to do so with greater ease.Anastasia recalls how challenging it was to raise her children:“Until my 3rd child turned one, my mother, who had returned to the country, took care of him. Afterward, we started searching for a spot in public daycare centers but couldn’t find one. ‘No spots available’ was the response we heard every time. So, we decided to hire a nanny. Expenses rose significantly, and responsibilities became even greater since the nanny cared for the child only until noon, after which his older brother Vasile took over when he came home from school.”Anastasia enthusiastically remembers the moment UNFPA announced the project to set up a childcare facility at the workplace: "I couldn’t believe that such an old dream could come true. The company’s management immediately supported this initiative, and in a short time, we transformed the meeting room into a rest and play area. A childcare specialist was hired to care for the children during the day. That’s how Alexandru, who was almost three years old at the time, started attending daycare right at the company."Motivated by the success of this project and the benefits provided to parents at work, Anastasia and her husband decided to plan for a fourth child – a rare choice in Moldova: "After our fourth child is born, I want to return to work soon. The child will attend the company’s daycare. I inform all our employees who are on parental leave now about the available benefits, invite them to visit, and discuss work schedules adapted to their needs. Our goal is to support our female employees, as many of them want to return to work."Anastasia is even more determined to return to work soon, considering that the new Labor Code allows mothers to work during maternity and parental leave while keeping both their allowance and salary. Additionally, the Labor Code provides employees with flexible work arrangements, including the option to work remotely.Family-friendly workplace policies, such as in-house childcare and flexible work schedules, make it easier for couples to plan children and enable women to continue their careers without having to choose between motherhood and professional development. UNFPA supports the Government of Moldova in developing such policies, collaborating with national stakeholders to foster long-term demographic resilience and address challenges related to declining fertility, helping couples achieve their desired family size.

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11 December 2024

Changing social behaviours for the rights of Roma

The focus of their volunteer assignments—to work with Roma communities in the Republic of Moldova and promote their integration into UN programmes and initiatives. On Human Rights Day in particular, we acknowledge the importance and relevance of human rights in our everyday lives, and for societies to be more peaceful, equal and sustainable.Laure is a fully funded UN Volunteer from France who started her assignment in September 2023. She joined the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO) team as Vulnerable Groups Inclusion Associate and began working with groups identified as vulnerable in the evidence-based country document, which assesses the situation on the ground.Initially, Laure mapped joint programmes supporting Roma populations with a specific focus on women and girls as they faced additional challenges in access to education, healthcare and employment. Roma are one of the most discriminated against group in the Republic of Moldova and they face a lot of obstacles in access to public services. And this we know. But what we were trying to understand was what are the root causes of those obstacles that we know about?” Laure Anne Storne, fully funded UN Volunteer with UNRCO. Laure underlined the causes of discrimination and inequality as intersectional—resulting in a high-level of poverty among the Roma community, with many households facing limited access to safe water, sanitation and electricity. As Roma Inclusion Specialist with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Mihail focused particularly on the inclusion of Roma children through education and social behaviour change. He started his volunteer assignment in January 2024.Mihail raised awareness among organizations and institutions about the specific needs of Roma children and to prevent their bullying in schools. He also conducted health campaigns and training for teachers. People should keep in mind that children are more vulnerable than the others. The programmes should be designed differently. Roma children should be included in the existing programmes, and some positive measures should be taken to improve their situation.” Mihail Platinda, UN Volunteer with UNICEF. Laure and Mihail visited six districts where Roma people live to assess their situation and needs firsthand. “In some particular cases in different regions, the problems and challenges are different. By covering three regions like north, central and south, we can also track and see the differences between the challenges,” Mihail shared.“We realized that we needed to go to the field and be closer to the community, and understand their challenges at the local level. Seeing the Roma mediators’ dedication and all the work they do to support the families, enrollment in schools, and access to health care was very impressive.” Laure Anne Storne, fully funded UN Volunteer with UNRCO. Elena Sirbu is from the Roma community. She is also a Roma activist and collaborated with Laure and Mihail on primary research. “Targets of negative stereotypes and hate speech, and constrained by a patriarchal system, most of Roma fell into illiteracy. This left a deep mark on Roma in Moldova and deepened the vulnerability of Roma women.” Elena explained. A group of Roma women, including Elena, founded the Roma Women Platform 'ROMNI' aimed at supporting the rights of Roma women. ROMNI gives vocational training to the Roma women, organizes awareness-raising sessions for local government, and supports the role of the mediators in making decisions for Roma at the municipal level. This advances Sustainable Development Goal 5—gender equality, increasing Roma women’s representation at the local level, addressing gender-based violence and preserving the culture, heritage and language of Roma people. Elena Sirbu is also the Head of ROMNI. “The integration of Roma people cannot be pursued successfully without the involvement of Roma experts. ROMNI has developed strategies to improve the quality of life of Roma women, all with the help of partners and allies, and in the longer term, to support Roma women to become leaders at the local and national level, and to draft a new law on anti-Gypsyism so that ethnic discrimination can have penal consequences.”Through consultations with Roma people from small villages to cities, Laure and Mihail identified best practices and challenges. The data gathered from the field will help raise awareness, guide the following steps and shape more supportive programmes. “This is long-term change because we're talking about changing social behaviours as a whole and the attitude of people towards the Roma community,” Laure shared. Maha Damaj, the UNICEF Moldova Representative, highlighted the valuable and enduring partnerships they have formed with UN Volunteers. She emphasized how these collaborations have played a crucial role in enhancing the inclusivity and accessibility of the United Nations, as well as in advancing sustainable development goals. UN Volunteers are closer to the beneficiaries we need to reach. Development relies on volunteerism. They look at everything we’re doing and propose an action plan to refine our programmes and focus to reach all Roma children in a way that we would hope to make a difference.” Maha Damaj, Representative of UNICEF Moldova.***Source: UN Volunteers web page

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Press Release

16 January 2025

Moldova Advances Justice Reform with New European Standards-Compliant Penitentiary in Chisinau

The EUR 71.7 million project is funded by the government of Moldova, with part of the amount secured as a loan from the Council of Europe Development Bank. It will address overcrowding and poor conditions at Prison No. 13, the main pre-trial facility in the country, improving living conditions for detainees and working conditions for penitentiary staff. With a capacity of 1,050 inmates, the new facility will include state-of-the-art healthcare services, energy-efficient infrastructure, and enhanced security systems. It is set to be fully compliant with European and international human rights standards, ensuring that Moldova improves observance of human rights in its penitentiary system as it progresses toward European integration.“I am convinced that the partial outsourcing of the project management to UNOPS will accelerate the implementation of the project, ensure the quality and sustainability of the construction of the new penitentiary, contributing to the achievement of the Government of the Republic of Moldova’s objective of improving the conditions of detention and ensuring new standards of safety, security and discipline in accordance with international standards,” mentioned Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Moldova.UNOPS will assist the project implementation unit (PIU) at the Ministry of Justice of Moldova, which is responsible for the new facility’s construction. UNOPS experts will advise and support their government counterparts in procurement, the management of physical work, quality control, and risk management. With its rich background implementing projects around the globe, UNOPS will strengthen efficiency, transparency, and alignment with good governance principles.“UNOPS is an agency that takes pride in offering practical solutions that help advance its partners on the path of sustainable development,” remarked Tim Lardner, UNOPS Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. “We are happy to support Moldova in creating a penitentiary system that respects human dignity and aligns with global best practices. This project exemplifies our shared commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.” The new facility will serve as a model for future penitentiary facilities in Moldova, promoting modern detention standards that respect human rights and rehabilitative practices. The project demonstrates Moldova’s dedication to improving the treatment of detainees and ensuring the rule of law and is expected to be transformative for the country’s entire justice system.With the agreement signed, the project moves into its initial stages. After a review of the facility’s design is completed, tenders will be announced for the various types of construction work required. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early 2026.

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Press Release

31 December 2024

Students in nearly 150 schools across the country now have free access to sanitary pads directly in their institutions

This initiative is part of the "EduLIFE School" Program, implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research, the "Felicia" Foundation, the Youth Media Center, and the media platform Suntparinte.md.The program was piloted in 2023 in four general education institutions:"Mihail Sadoveanu" Theoretical High School, Hînceşti Municipality"Ion Creangă" Theoretical High School, Căușeni Town"Mitropolit Nestor Vornicescu" Theoretical High School, Lozova Village, Strășeni District"Ion Creangă" Gymnasium, Ermoclia Village, Ștefan Vodă DistrictWithin three months of installing the dispensers, the percentage of girls in the pilot schools who missed at least one class during their menstrual period dropped over fourfold, from 55.2% to 12.5%.Additionally, 56% of the girls surveyed said they feel safe at school. Nearly 39% of them also reported that boys no longer make jokes about menstruation and have become more respectful.School absenteeism during menstruation is a reality in our country, as confirmed by teachers and social workers. Due to low family incomes, many girls are forced to skip classes or use alternative products such as cotton, gauze, tissues, socks, bedsheets, or even sleeves from their younger siblings' clothing.In an online survey involving 558 female students, many respondents reported experiencing irregular and heavy menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, and, in the absence of enough sanitary pads, having to leave school early in the day. Moreover, menstruation now often begins much earlier (at 8–9 years old), making access to pads a necessity rather than a luxury.In the new school year, alongside equipping schools with dispensers and sanitary pads, nearly 700 teaching and non-teaching staff participated in online training sessions. These sessions focused on puberty development, menstrual health and hygiene, and effective communication about sensitive and "taboo" topics. Following the training, teachers, school psychologists, and medical staff educated students about the natural changes in their bodies and how to navigate certain situations.The list of educational institutions benefiting from the program can be found [HERE].Similar initiatives have been successfully implemented internationally in several countries. Scotland became the first country to provide free menstrual products to all women, girls, and individuals experiencing menstruation in schools, universities, and some public spaces.Additionally, many countries have reduced or eliminated taxes on menstrual products to make them accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation or social status.We hope to see these changes in Moldova as well so that no girl has to miss school or face bullying due to menstruation.

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Press Release

31 December 2024

80 households enjoy comfort and savings thanks to biomass heating systems installed with support from UNDP and the Government of Japan

The beneficiaries were selected from the "Energy Vulnerability" information system based on several criteria, such as owning the house they live in, being classified as energy vulnerable (as per the categories assigned for the 2023-2024 heating season), and being large families, including those with special needs. The selected households are proportionally distributed across all regions of the country and in most of them there are more than four dependent children. One condition for eligibility was that beneficiaries prepare the location for the boiler, such as constructing an annex to the house or designating a separate room from living spaces.In most beneficiary households, complete interior heating systems were installed, including pipes, radiators, fittings, and chimneys. Less than 10% of beneficiaries already had heating systems connected to stoves and only needed the boiler and chimney. This was the case for Natalia and Dumitru Diaconescu from Dănceni village, Ialoveni. The Diaconescu family has four children aged between 4 and 16, and the husband uses a wheelchair after an accident.About two years ago, when the Diaconescu family bought their home, they built a new stove and a heating system with radiators and floor heating. However, Natalia says the new boiler is incomparable. "Now, I don’t have to keep adding fuel constantly, the heat lasts much longer, and I can adjust it based on the outdoor temperature. It’s independent and easy to use - I load the boiler in the morning and can carry on with my day without worrying about the fire going out or the house getting cold. You can’t imagine what it’s like not having smoke indoors, and it’s safer too. I’m no longer as anxious about potential risks. I love it.""The new boilers have a high operational efficiency of up to 84%, compared to stoves, which have a maximum efficiency of 40%. This allows the boilers to use almost half the amount of solid biofuel to produce the same amount of heat as a stove. Additionally, by installing interior heating systems, heat is distributed evenly throughout the house, something hard to achieve with a stove that can heat one, maybe two rooms," explains Mihail Lupu, UNDP Moldova consultant.Energy security for the population improves with access to affordable energy. To ensure this, UNDP, with financial support from the Japanese Government, has supported solid biofuel producers and promoted biomass use to reduce energy costs and increase thermal comfort in both public institutions and households.As part of the same project - "Multidimensional response to emerging human security challenges" - 150 biomass boiler operators from public institutions were trained at the Center of Excellence in Construction and 12 solid biofuel producers were helped to improve the energy efficiency of their production. Additionally, the piata-biomasa.md platform, which connects producers, their offers, and biofuel consumers, was revitalized. Dozens of workshops were also organized in schools and summer camps to promote energy efficiency measures, especially the use of biomass as a heat source.Using biomass as biofuel plays an important role in diversifying the energy mix, promoting sustainable development, and mitigating negative environmental impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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Press Release

14 January 2025

FAO in collaboration with UNIDO conducted a value chain analysis for the table grape sector in the Republic of Moldova

Chisinau, December 23, 2024 – In a collaborative effort to modernize the table grape industry in the Republic of Moldova, around 40 participants attended a workshop to validate the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) for table grapes. The attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, other state institutions, table grape producers and their associations, exporters, retailers, the financial sector, international financial institutions, technical institutions, academia, and various development projects. The event focused on reviewing the findings of the assessment and establishing the foundation for a national table grape upgrading strategy and investment plan.This was the second workshop organized as part of a joint effort led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI) of the Republic of Moldova, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This falls under the global FAO initiative "One country, one priority product" (OCOP), which focuses on supporting the long-term, sustainable development of specialized agricultural products with significant export and economic development potential."This initiative is a testament to the commitment of the Ministry, FAO, and UNIDO in supporting the sustainable growth of the Republic of Moldova's table grape sector," said Andrian Digolean, State Secretary of MAFI, during the opening of the event. "By working together and implementing the recommendations of this analysis, we can ensure a thriving future for our grape producers and make Moldovan grapes a symbol of quality worldwide."The assessment was conducted during the summer in close collaboration with the Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA) – a joint global programme co-led by FAO and UNIDO. It included questionnaires and in-depth interviews with all stakeholders, assessing the current sustainability of the sector to promote the sustainable, green, and resilient development of the table grape value chain.This initiative is also in line with the upcoming UNIDO Programme for Country Partnership (PCP). The PCP will provide a transformative framework to further enhance Moldova’s industrial productivity, competitiveness, and integration into EU and global markets. The PCP will accelerate Moldova’s transition to a green economy, creating synergies with ongoing initiatives and laying a robust foundation for sustainable growth in sectors such as table grapes.“ASTA is committed to a systemic approach to food systems transformation. For Moldova, this means not only addressing sectoral challenges but also capitalizing on export opportunities and boosting competitiveness in table grape production," says Dona Scola, National Program Coordinator, UNIDO in the Republic of Moldova. "UNIDO’s role, in collaboration with FAO, is to champion innovation and capacity-building while paving the way for green investments that resonate with the Republic of Moldova’s national development goals and the global Sustainable Development Agenda.”Recommendations for Growth and Resilience:The assessment highlighted several strong points that demonstrate the sector's potential for sustainable growth. Since 2016, the Republic of Moldova's table grape exports have consistently exceeded imports, indicating a strong and growing market presence. To further capitalize on this strength, the VCA recommends diversifying production to include seedless grape varieties, which are increasingly favored in international markets.“This analysis was instrumental in identifying key challenges, such as the need for diversification of varieties, improvement of water management and modernization of post-harvest infrastructure, while highlighting the significant potential of the sector," says Giorgi Andguladze, international expert on agricultural value chains and agribusiness development, FAO. "Table grapes from the Republic of Moldova are renowned for their quality and already have a strong presence in certain export markets. By addressing these challenges and making strategic investments, the country can further enhance its competitiveness."This positive trend is further supported by the adoption of modern production practices. Nearly a third of the vineyards utilize modern Pergola or Gable systems, leading to higher yields and better-quality grapes. However, to ensure the long-term sustainability of these practices, the VCA emphasizes the urgent need for addressing irrigation-related challenges and adopting sustainable water management solutions, such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation.Table grapes from the Republic of Moldova have earned a reputation for their quality, commanding higher prices in Central and Western Europe. To maintain this premium positioning, the VCA underscores the importance of upgrading post-harvest infrastructure to minimize losses and ensure that the high quality of the grapes is preserved.Notably, two-thirds of the areas under intensive cultivation systems are managed by young producers, indicating a promising future for the sector. "Our partners have come up with recommendations to help us become sustainable," says Valeriu Cebotari, Association of Moldovan Grape Producers and Exporters (AMGPE) representative. "For our country, it is something very special and very important at this stage. I say it with joy and great pride that two-thirds of the areas under intensive systems like Gable and Pergola are planted by young producers. Let’s help them to improve, let’s motivate them. Let's help them to optimize their production and to become competitive." To further empower these young producers, the VCA recommends strengthening producer organizations and cooperatives, enabling them to access export markets and enhance their bargaining power.The industry in the Republic of Moldova is also actively adopting sustainable practices, with support from technical projects, leading to increased export volumes. To ensure continued success, the VCA highlights the importance of improving market access through certifications and branding. The adoption of Global GAP standards and the development of a distinctive national brand for Moldovan table grapes are key steps that will help position the Republic of Moldova as a preferred supplier.These recommendations will serve as the foundation for the development of a National Investment Plan to enhance the sector's growth, sustainability, and resilience. By implementing these strategic investments and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the Republic of Moldova is poised to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality table grapes.

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Press Release

31 December 2024

Study: Youth sector budgets on the rise - over 37 million MDL allocated by authorities in 2023

The study ''Assessment of Youth Sector Expenditures in Level II Local Public Authority Budgets vs. Youth Organization Budgets" conducted by the National Youth Council of Moldova (CNTM) analyzes these topics.This research is an annual exercise carried out under the program "The Joint Fund for Strengthening Youth Participation and Developing Youth Centers in the Republic of Moldova," implemented by UNFPA Moldova and supported by the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, the National Youth Agency, with funding from the Government of Switzerland.The study provides an overview of how local authorities perceive the needs of young people and address them through financial resource allocation. It also identifies best practices, gaps, and opportunities for improvement in managing youth budgets.The research results show that youth expenditures represent approximately 4.8% of total local budgets, registering a 0.7% increase compared to 2022. In 2023, the total budget allocated to youth activities at the LPA II level reached 37.279 million MDL, a significant increase from 26.744 million MDL in 2022 and 19.930 million MDL in 2021.However, 99% of the budget is allocated to two key subprograms out of six: maintaining youth centers and developing youth activities. This highlights a disproportionate distribution of resources concentrated on youth infrastructure at the expense of other essential development activities.The average expenditure per young person at the national level in 2023 was 59.97 MDL, up from 50.48 MDL in 2022 and 30.04 MDL in 2021. This positive trend reflects growing investments in the youth sector. However, the increase is also influenced by migration, which has reduced the number of young people in the country, amplifying the impact of the per-capita budget on those who remain.It is worth noting that some districts continue to steadily increase their youth budgets, contributing to the development of the local youth sector. In 2023, nine Level II administrative units spent more than the national average per young person, but only eight managed to allocate and execute youth budgets exceeding one million MDL. At the same time, three districts allocated 0 MDL for youth, and eight other districts allocated budgets below 100,000 MDL.For the first time in 2023, CNTM also conducted a comparative analysis of LPA II budgets versus youth NGOs' budgets. This research's 42 youth organizations' budgets amounted to 21.064 million MDL, compared to the 37.279 million MDL invested by Level II LPAs.It is essential to continue investments in the youth sector, improve fund management mechanisms, and ensure an equitable distribution of resources at the national and local levels. Local authorities must prioritize programs that address the real needs of young people, actively involve civil society organizations in the decision-making process, and increase transparency in fund utilization. Strengthening the capacities of LPAs and promoting ongoing dialogue with young people can contribute to a more strategic and sustainable approach to managing resources.

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