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

22 July 2026

School Readiness Assessment: Moldova 2026

The 2026 School Readiness Assessment is the first nationally representative study in Moldova to examine children’s development and learning at the end of preschool.The study was conducted by the Ministry of Education and Research in partnership with UNICEF, with financial support from the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Norway. The assessment covered 1,768 children from 120 early childhood education institutions across the country.It examined four key areas of school readiness: emergent literacy, emergent numeracy, social-emotional development and motor development. The study also looked at the quality of children’s learning environments in preschool and at home, including access to books, educational materials and activities that support their development.The findings show that 89 per cent of children are generally on track for the transition to primary school. However, when readiness is assessed across all four domains at the same time, the proportion falls to 66 per cent. Social-emotional development remains the area in which children face the greatest challenges.The assessment also highlights important differences between regions and groups of children. Lower outcomes were recorded in the Northern region, in rural areas and among children affected by parental migration. These disparities point to the need for support that is better tailored to the needs of children and their communities.The quality of the learning environment also plays an important role. Children who have access to books, educational materials and well-organized learning spaces, both in preschool and at home, are more likely to be ready for school.The study’s findings will help inform early childhood education policies, guide resources towards the children and regions with the greatest needs, and support the monitoring of progress over time.

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Publication

10 July 2026

Findings from the Demographic Futures Survey in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

The UNFPA Demographic Futures Survey (2025) polled people aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries and territories to explore how today’s young adults think about their lives, partnerships and reproductive futures. This report analyses responses from 13,513 respondents (7,790 women and 5,723 men) in 11 countries and territories in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Kosovo.¹ The survey examines three core themes: young adults’ life goals and perceptions of the future, partnership formation and expectations, and fertility aspirations and decisions about parenthood. The Eastern Europe and Central Asia region occupies a distinctive position in global demographic patterns, characterized by substantial internal variation. Fertility rates range from 1.0 birth per woman in Ukraine in 2024 to well above replacement level (over 2.1 births per woman) in higher-fertility countries and territories such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Today’s young adults in the region face an unprecedented combination of challenges: from migration flows and family formation decisions to protracted economic uncertainty affecting the material preconditions for adulthood, partnership and parenthood as well as the digital transformations altering how young adults socialize and meet partners.

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Story

07 August 2026

Beyond the guidelines: The support that makes a difference

Today, Emilia is five months old, and breastfeeding has become the experience Irina had hoped for: a time of closeness and connection with her daughter.The first few weeks, however, were a period of adjustment and learning. Irina was recovering from an emergency caesarean section, while she and Nicolai were gradually discovering the rhythm and needs of their newborn baby.On the mornings following nights with very little sleep, they reminded themselves that they did not need to find all the answers immediately. What mattered was staying together and beginning each new day as a team.„Perhaps that was what mattered most: for her to know that she was not alone when she reached the point of complete exhaustion”, Nicolai recalls.Their family’s experience shows that a healthy start does not depend solely on the mother’s determination and effort. The support of her partner and family, access to qualified counselling and the availability of health services that accompany mothers before and after childbirth all matter.These forms of support, which we know are effective and need to be strengthened, are at the heart of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme: “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthening what works.”When knowledge meets realityBefore becoming a mother, Irina Loghin was very familiar with the recommendations on breastfeeding and infant nutrition. As a UNICEF Health Officer whose responsibilities also include nutrition, she had organized training sessions and activities dedicated to the subject.Irina in the breastfeeding room in the town of Vulcănești, opened by UNICEF with financial support from the Government of Norway.After Emilia was born, however, she discovered the difference between knowing the recommendations and applying them at a time when the body, emotions and entire rhythm of life are undergoing major changes.„Probably the most important lesson I have learned since becoming a mother is that ‘knowing the path’ and ‘walking the path’ are two completely different things”, Irina says.The birth did not go as the family had planned. An emergency caesarean section was required, followed by a period of recovery. At the same time, the beginning of breastfeeding involved discomfort, practical difficulties and a great deal of patience.„After giving birth, I forgot all the guidelines, recommendations and breastfeeding positions that I thought I had mastered so well”, she says.For Irina, the first few weeks were a learning process. She chose to continue breastfeeding because she knew about its short- and long-term benefits for a child’s health and development, as well as its role in building the emotional connection between mother and child.Perseverance, however, did not mean overcoming every difficulty on her own. Irina sought specialized breastfeeding support, and the practical guidance, encouragement and patience she received helped her find the solutions that were right for her and Emilia.„All the information you have works like a voice in the background that needs to be there. However, when you find yourself in a difficult situation, simply opening a guide will not solve it. The support of specialists and family becomes essential.”It was also during this time that she discovered how different each baby’s rhythm can be. Although she knew the recommendation to breastfeed on demand, she had imagined that this would generally mean intervals of two or three hours.„I was very surprised to discover that ‘breastfeeding on demand’ can also mean every 20 minutes”, Irina says with a smile.Over time, things became easier. Irina and Emilia got to know each other better, found the positions and rhythm that suited them, and breastfeeding became a natural part of their lives.„Now, breastfeeding is happening the way I had imagined it would.”By the mother’s side, step by stepNicolai had also prepared for Emilia’s arrival. He had attended two breastfeeding training sessions with Irina and believed he knew what to expect. The first few weeks, however, showed him that theoretical information needs to be complemented by patience, presence and continuous involvement.Because Irina was recovering from surgery, Nicolai took on a large share of the responsibilities related to caring for their daughter. He brought Emilia to her mother, helped Irina find a comfortable position, changed nappies, dressed the baby and helped her fall asleep.„We joked that I had prepared to be the ‘project assistant’, but I ended up becoming the ‘project manager’”, Nicolai says.He gradually understood that a partner’s role is not limited to practical help. It also means paying attention to the mother’s well-being, encouraging her, listening and offering support without pressure or judgement.Looking back, Nicolai believes that preparing fathers-to-be can make an important difference.„People often say that you can never be fully prepared for this moment and that the solutions emerge along the way. I do not entirely agree.”Fathers need to learn not only which responsibilities they can take on, but also how family life changes during the first few weeks, how to recognize the moments when the mother needs help and how they can contribute to creating an environment that supports breastfeeding.„Mothers are not the only ones who need to be prepared for what comes next. Fathers also need programmes where they can speak openly about these experiences.”The support that makes a differenceIrina and Nicolai also had the support of their parents. They helped with household tasks and caring for the baby, giving the new parents time to rest and recover.Irina’s mother would sometimes stay with Emilia until late at night so that Irina and Nicolai could sleep for a few hours.„I truly consider myself fortunate in this respect. The physical and emotional support of the family is irreplaceable at that stage”, Irina says.From her professional perspective, Irina already understood the importance of an environment that supports breastfeeding. As a mother, she learned what this support looks like in everyday life: someone preparing a meal, taking care of household chores, bringing the baby to the breast, remembering the specialist’s recommendations or simply staying beside the mother when she needs encouragement.For Irina, a sustainable start in life is built through these forms of support.„For me, as a specialist, breastfeeding is an effective public health intervention, with demonstrated benefits for the child, the mother and the health system. It means giving every child the best possible chance to develop harmoniously from the very first days of life, while reducing inequalities and contributing to a healthier and more resilient society.”As a mother, she also gives breastfeeding a deeply personal meaning.„Breastfeeding is a responsibility and a connection with my daughter that can neither be explained nor replaced. It is much more than food.”What helps mothers continue breastfeedingIn the Republic of Moldova, 94 per cent of mothers initiate breastfeeding, yet only approximately 49 per cent of children under six months of age are exclusively breastfedThe difference between these two figures does not mean that mothers do not want to breastfeed. It points to the obstacles many of them encounter along the way: a lack of support during the first few weeks, contradictory information, difficulties with the baby’s attachment to the breast, the perception that breastmilk is insufficient, social pressure and limited access to qualified assistance.The marketing of breastmilk substitutes and misleading information shared online can also influence families’ decisions. In the Republic of Moldova, four in ten parents use the internet as a source of information in this area.„This statistic is an indicator of how the entire ecosystem surrounding a mother functions”, Irina explains. „If we want to increase the exclusive breastfeeding rate, it is not enough simply to tell mothers that breastfeeding is important.”Mothers need counselling before and after childbirth, well-trained professionals, continuous support in the community, the involvement of family members and policies that enable them to continue breastfeeding, including after returning to work.The Republic of Moldova already has a foundation on which to build: the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative, qualified health professionals, a legal framework and national recommendations aligned with UNICEF and World Health Organization standards.The challenge is to ensure that these mechanisms function consistently and that support for mothers does not end when they are discharged from the maternity hospital.„This year’s message is very appropriate. We do not necessarily need to look for new solutions, but rather to invest consistently in interventions that have already proved effective.”For Irina, communication about breastfeeding should inform and support mothers rather than create pressure or guilt.„Mothers do not need judgement. They need accurate information, qualified counselling and practical support to overcome the challenges they may encounter.”Some women experience medical difficulties, are unable to breastfeed or need alternatives. In such situations, they should receive the guidance necessary to ensure that their child is fed safely and appropriately, without stigma.„Every mother deserves to make informed choices and to feel supported, not judged.”A healthier start for vulnerable childrenFor premature babies and vulnerable newborns, access to breastmilk can be particularly important. In the Republic of Moldova, approximately 1,800 babies are born prematurely every year.Irina is professionally involved in developing an initiative that is very close to her heart: establishing the first Human Milk Bank in the Republic of Moldova.When a mother’s own milk is temporarily unavailable, donated breastmilk provided through a safe and regulated system can give the newborn nutrition adapted to their needs and help protect their health during a critical period.„A Human Milk Bank is not only about collecting and providing breastmilk. It is also about creating a culture that supports breastfeeding, recognizing the value of breastmilk and strengthening the services that support mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth.”The initiative reflects this year’s theme: strengthening solutions that can contribute to a healthier and more equitable start for every child.„Trust yourselves”Motherhood has changed the way Irina views her professional work. While she previously understood the importance of supporting mothers through studies, data and experience from health programmes, she now also understands it from the perspective of a mother who needed that support herself.„Motherhood has helped me view my work through an even more human lens”, she says. „I have gained a deeper understanding of how much every interaction with the right professional matters, every message delivered at the right time and every person who offers support to a mother, especially her husband and family.”Beyond recommendations, policies and statistics, there is a mother who is learning, adapting and trying to make the best possible decisions for her child. Behind a healthy start lies not only the mother’s individual effort, but an entire system of relationships, services and policies that must work together.Irina’s message to mothers on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week comes from her own experience: „Trust yourselves and do not hesitate to ask for support when you need it. Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it is not always a simple one. The right help, provided at the right time, can make an enormous difference.”For Irina, Nicolai and Emilia, the difference was made by the information they had, the specialized counselling they received, the family members who stayed by their side and their decision to go through this learning process together.Support can look different for every mother. Sometimes it begins with accessible health services and well-trained professionals. At other times, it begins at home, with a partner who takes on some of the responsibilities, a family that gives the mother time to rest or a person who simply says: „I am here. You do not have to go through this stage alone.”

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29 July 2026

Building a life in Moldova: the story of Kriistina

On a sunny afternoon in a quiet town just outside Chișinău, the sound of children at play fills a small house—laughter, the click of Lego pieces, the rhythm of games unfolding. It is here, in the Moldovan countryside, that Kriistina reflects on a journey that was never meant to last this long.“We came on March 8, 2022,” she recalls. “My husband told me, ‘Just two weeks, and we’ll go back.’ Those two weeks are still continuing.”When the full-scale war began, Kriistina fled Ukraine’s Odesa region with her four children. She left behind everything familiar: her home, a stable managerial job at McDonald’s, and a life that felt certain. Ahead of her lay uncertainty.“I couldn’t understand how to live,” she admits quietly. “Alone with children, in another country…”In those first weeks, survival was all that mattered. A family acquaintance in Moldova offered temporary shelter. When that arrangement came to an end, help arrived once again—this time from a local woman who would become “Grandma Sveta” to the children.“She gave us a place to stay for free. We only pay utilities”, Kriistina says. “We help her, and she helps us. Without her, I don’t think we could have stayed”.That act of solidarity became the foundation for something much greater: stability, routine, and, slowly, a sense of belonging. Bit by bit, life began to take shape. Her children enrolled in school and kindergarten.“Now we have acquaintances, friends,” she says. “We live a full life. At the beginning, we stayed only at home—we didn’t know anything, didn’t see anything. But now everything has changed.”Financial stability remains fragile, but thanks to the support by the European Union and other donors, Kriistina receives small cash assistance that is enough to cover most of the family’s essential needs, in particular utilities, medicines, and school-related expenses. Kriistina compliments this amount through remote work and occasional small jobs.The emotional weight of displacement, however, has never fully disappeared. She remembers the early months with a sad light on her eyes: “There were days when even cooking or cleaning felt impossible,” she says.Even now, there is a quiet tension that comes with living between two worlds: building a future in one country while carrying memories of the home you left behind.Yet amid the uncertainty, one thing remains clear to her: her children are safe.“There are no sirens here,” she says. “The children don’t have to hide in basements. For their psyche, staying here was the right decision—95% the right one.”Her children have adapted in their own ways. They have built friendships, discovered new routines, and created their own community—ordinary experiences that, in their own way, signal a return to normal life.“Life is happening,” Kriistina says. “Even if it’s different. For me, the happiest moments are when I see my children are happy,” she says. “When they feel good. When they can just be children.”For now, Moldova remains home.“At the moment, we plan to stay here because we don’t know when the war will end,” she explains. “We will build a future here. The children will finish school, maybe continue their studies here. I’m thinking about where I could work.”She pauses before adding: “But the thought of going back to Ukraine never leaves me.”As her children move between play and curiosity in the yard, calling out to her and to each other, Kriistina’s story comes into focus. It is a story of kindness, of strength and of rebuilding a life one day at a time.With the support of the European Union, Kristiina and her children, like many other Ukrainian refugee families, have found safety and stability far from home. Thanks to the contribution by the EU, UNHCR reached more than 20,000 vulnerable refugees in the Republic of Moldova with cash assistance. This money supports refugees in paying for their rent and household needs and other expenses, while reinvesting in the local economy. EU funding continues to contribute to UNHCR’s core objective of mitigating protection risks and meeting basic needs through cash assistance and protection counselling.

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01 July 2026

Finding stability away from home: Victoria’s journey

"It is peace. It is family gathered around the table, knowing that nothing is flying above your head," she says.When Victoria packed everything she could fit into her old car and left Ukraine with her two daughters, she believed they would only be away from home for a short time. Almost three years later, that hope remains."I still wake up every day waiting hoping that this will end and I can return home," says the 33-year-old Victoria from Odesa region.Victoria never imagined she would have to start her life somewhere else. But everything changed after the full-scale war in Ukraine. Like many Ukrainians forced to flee, Victoria tried to return home once, believing the situation had improved. She stayed for four months before another strike happened nearby."The explosions affect your emotional well-being, and they affect children too. When I am anxious, they become anxious. You cannot hide those feelings," she says.Looking for safety, Victoria settled in Ribnita, Left Bank of the Nistru River, with her two daughters, 14-year-old Kristina and 12-year-old Korina. The family adapted quickly. Familiar language, welcoming people, and access to Ukrainian-language school helped the girls continue their studies and rebuild a sense of routine. For Kristina and Korina, Moldova has become a place where they have found friends and safety."I really like it here, I have made many friends and I love my school," says Kristina. Her younger sister, Korina, agrees. "The people are very kind, and life feels peaceful here. I miss our home in Ukraine, but here I feel calm," she says.However, finding a place to live was not easy. After the apartment they were renting became unsuitable because of plumbing problems, Victoria urgently needed to find somewhere else to live. Through another Ukrainian refugee, she learned about a small house available for rent."When I first saw it, it needed a lot of work. But I cleaned it, organized everything, and slowly made it feel like home. Back in Ukraine, we also lived in a house, so this brings me comfort," she remembers with a smile.Today, the small but cozy house offers something the family has been missing – stability. That stability has been strengthened through rental assistance provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with generous funding from the European Union."The support has made a big difference," Victoria says. "The money that would have gone toward rent can now be spent on my daughters, on myself, and on our daily needs."With support from the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations through the project "Addressing Urgent Humanitarian Needs of the Vulnerable Refugees and Third-Country Nationals," implemented by IOM, 100 vulnerable families currently residing on the Left Bank, are receiving rental assistance that helps them access safe accommodation while reducing financial pressure.For Victoria, this support means more than a place to stay. It gives her and her daughters the chance to feel safe, continue building their daily lives, and hold on to the hope of returning home one day.

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28 June 2026

Between meetings and hugs: the story of a father supported by his employer to be present for his family

Instead, he walks quickly toward the place where the most important people in his life are waiting for him. Before he can fully open the door, David and Fabian run into his arms.,,Dad, look what we drew!"Two pairs of little hands hold out colorful drawings as the boys eagerly tell him everything they have done over the past few hours. Ștefan listens carefully, hugs them, and smiles. Then he reaches into his backpack and takes out a container of cherries and strawberries, lovingly prepared that morning by his wife. It is one of the snacks the boys look forward to every time they come to visit their dad at work.The moment lasts only a few minutes. Soon, Ștefan has to return to reports, meetings, and data analysis. Yet those few minutes reveal a great deal about the person he becomes when he closes his laptop and steps into the most important role of his life—that of a father.For the past 13 years, Ștefan Bîrsa has worked as a Data Analyst at Orange Moldova. At 36, however, he says that his most important role is not his professional one, but being a father. Together with his wife, a surgical nurse at the Cardiology Institute, he is raising their two sons—eight-year-old David and five-year-old Fabian.Whenever he speaks about his family, his voice becomes softer. Sometimes he pauses for a long moment, as if searching for the right words to describe something that is felt more deeply than it can be explained. His eyes well up with emotion whenever he talks about his children and how quickly the years go by.,,When you become a parent, your life changes completely. Suddenly, it's no longer just about you. Everything you do, every decision you make, is connected to that little person who has entered your life."He recalls with emotion the time when he became a father for the first time.,,No one teaches you how to be a parent. You learn every single day. You learn to be patient, to be present, and to understand that sometimes simply being there matters more than anything else."For Ștefan, fatherhood does not begin and end with the workday. It means being present, listening, offering support, and sharing family responsibilities.,,It is important for fathers to be involved. Even one or two hours a day can make a difference. It is not easy for a mother to carry all the responsibilities on her own. We are a team, and we need to support each other."Perhaps that is why his children are so attached to him. During our visit, the two boys follow his every step, look for him constantly, and light up with excitement each time he appears at the door. And Ștefan always finds a few moments to visit them, ask how they are doing, and admire their latest drawings and creations.,,I hope that years from now they will remember that I was there for them. That we spent time together and that I did my very best to guide them as they grew up," Ștefan says, taking a deep breath.Like many families in the Republic of Moldova, the Bîrsa family balances professional responsibilities with family life every day. Both parents have demanding careers, and school holidays, kindergarten closures, or unexpected situations can easily turn an ordinary day into a real challenge.At times like these, the family-friendly space at Orange—one of five champion companies in the Republic of Moldova that began introducing family-friendly workplace practices four years ago with the support of UNFPA and the Austrian Development Agency—becomes much more than an employee benefit. It provides a practical solution that enables parents to continue their professional responsibilities without compromising their children's safety and well-being.,,For us, it gives tremendous peace of mind, and we feel fortunate to have this kind of support from our company. We bring the boys here whenever we need to—sometimes once a week, sometimes even twice. We know they are safe, playing, drawing, and interacting with other children. And I can come and see them whenever I have a few free minutes. For a parent, knowing your children are nearby and in a safe environment means so much."Orange created this dedicated space for employees' children to provide young ones with a safe and stimulating environment while giving parents the flexibility they need to navigate the challenges of everyday life.The initiative was implemented with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the National Confederation of Employers of the Republic of Moldova (CNPM), with financial assistance from Sweden.,,Behind every career is a family life, and maintaining a healthy balance between the two is essential. At Orange, we want to ensure that people are never forced to choose between their professional responsibilities and their families. That is why we strive to create a workplace that offers support, flexibility, and the confidence that employees can be present for the moments that matter most to their loved ones. When people feel supported, they build genuine connections with their teams and the organization, and this naturally translates into stronger engagement and long-term performance," said Olga Surugiu, CEO of Orange Moldova.In recognition of these efforts, Orange Moldova received the ,,Family-Friendly Company" award at the Moldovan Business Gala, organized annually by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The distinction acknowledges the company's investment in the well-being of its employees and their families.Orange Moldova's experience demonstrates that family-friendly workplace policies are not merely a social benefit—they are also an investment in people and in a company's long-term success. When employees have access to flexible working arrangements, childcare support, and an understanding employer, they are more motivated, more engaged, and more loyal. At the same time, businesses benefit from stronger and more stable teams, lower staff turnover, and a greater ability to attract and retain talented professionals.The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) promotes family-friendly workplace policies because they help create more inclusive workplaces that respond to the realities of modern families. In the context of demographic challenges and labour shortages, such policies offer tangible benefits for both employees and businesses.By 2028, through the project ,,Increasing women's resilience and excellence through quality, inclusive and Family-Friendly employment opportunities," implemented with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) in partnership with UN Women, UNFPA aims to support at least 25 private companies across the country in introducing family-friendly services and workplace policies, including childcare solutions at the workplace. The objective is to enable more women to return to work after childbirth and to ensure that parents are no longer forced to choose between building a career and raising a family.Because a society that supports parents in raising their children while pursuing their professional aspirations is a society where families have greater opportunities and children can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.On National Father's Day, Ștefan has a simple message for fathers and parents across the country: ,,Spend time with your children. Every stage of childhood is special, and it passes by so quickly. It doesn't have to be hours at a time. A walk together, a game, or even a few minutes of your undivided attention can mean the world to them. Children do not primarily need material things. What they need most is your attention, your affection, and your hugs."

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22 June 2026

“I do not forget where I come from, but I build together with others”: How a young refugee from Ukraine contributes to the development of communities in Moldova

When Anna Kovalchuk arrived in the Republic of Moldova in 2022 after being forced to flee Ukraine due to the war, she did not know how long she would stay or what her future would look like. Four years later, she coordinates youth projects at the National Youth Council of Moldova and helps create opportunities for young people across the country.“At first, I was simply looking for a safe place. But very quickly, I realized that I did not want to just live here. I wanted to be part of the community, meet people, get involved, and contribute.”Her first step was participating in youth activities and initiatives, where she discovered the importance of community and human connections.“I saw an announcement about a youth camp bringing together young people from Ukraine and Moldova, and I decided to join. For a few days, you could put aside the worries waiting for you back home and focus on the present. You made friends, met new people, and started to feel that you belonged somewhere. Sometimes, simply attending an event is the most important step. For someone who has gone through a traumatic experience, entering a new space is not always easy. But that first step can change everything.”The experience inspired Anna to help other young people find the same sense of belonging and support that she had found in Moldova. Today, she coordinates youth initiatives through the National Youth Council of Moldova, promoting civic participation, education, and social inclusion.“I began to better understand the challenges refugees face, and I felt a strong desire to give back the support that I had received. It seemed important to me that young people arriving in a new country could see someone who had gone through similar experiences. When you speak with someone who has faced the same challenges, a different level of trust emerges. One of the initiatives I am most proud of is the summer camps that bring together refugee youth and young people from Moldova. The most emotional moment is always at the end. On the first day, participants are strangers. On the last day, many of them are in tears because they have built friendships and do not want to say goodbye.”Anna’s story reflects the experience of many young refugees who, once given the necessary support and opportunities, choose to actively engage in the communities that welcomed them. Between 2023 and 2026, more than 156,000 refugees accessed support through UNFPA programmes in the Republic of Moldova, including more than 30,000 young people. Through safe spaces, Youth Centres, and the EduLIFE programme, they gained access to learning opportunities, personal development, psychosocial support, and civic participation, becoming active contributors to the communities where they live.Anna believes refugees have an important role to play in the development of the communities around them.“Refugees are not only people receiving support. They bring experience, knowledge, ideas, and a desire to contribute. When they are given opportunities to participate, they become part of the solutions and part of the development of their communities.”After four years in Moldova, Anna says that belonging means much more than safety.“I do not forget where I come from, but at the same time, I build together with others and contribute to the development of the community I am part of today. I remain who I am. I keep my values, experiences, and roots. Belonging does not mean losing your identity. I have spent an important part of my life here. I am learning Romanian, working, and actively involved in the community. That is why Moldova has become more than the country that welcomed me when I needed help. It has become a place where I belong and where I can make a contribution.”Today, Anna is one of thousands of refugees who have not only rebuilt their lives in the Republic of Moldova, but who also actively contribute to society. On World Refugee Day 2026, we reaffirm that when we create space for refugees to belong, we are not only supporting them - we are building a more resilient, united, and prosperous Moldova for all.

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Press Release

11 August 2026

International Labour Organization supports the Municipality of Comrat in expanding childcare services for children up to three years of age

Signing of the Memorandum of UnderstandingThe official event held in Comrat marked a significant step towards supporting families through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Comrat and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The Memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation to support the development and expansion of childcare services for children under three years of age in the municipality. The Memorandum provides a foundation for a sustained partnership aimed at expanding access to quality childcare facilities in the Municipality.General Project OverviewNelea Rusu, ILO National Project Coordinator, presented the objectives of the project “Enhancing peace and economic prosperity through women's leadership and inclusion in the Republic of Moldova.” She highlighted the importance of formalizing care work, ensuring formal employment contracts for caregivers and decent working conditions for those providing care services, as well as the need for close cooperation with social partners to address gender gaps in the labour market.The gender imbalance in the distribution of household and care responsibilities remains significant:Employment rate: Among women aged 25–49 without children, the employment rate stands at 65.9%, while among women with children under six years of age, it drops to 37%.In 2023, more than 131,000 women were outside the labour market due to care responsibilities, compared with only 6,100 men. Overall, 22% of women were not working due to household and care responsibilities, compared with 1.2% of men.“The project seeks to address a structural barrier to women’s economic participation: the limited availability of accessible, affordable and quality childcare for young children. The ILO is working with national and local authorities to expand sustainable childcare services, while promoting decent work and adequate working conditions for childcare workers. By investing in care services, we are not only supporting families—we are creating the conditions for more women to enter, remain and progress in the labour market, while strengthening local economies and advancing gender equality.” she noted.Key findings from the assessment of childcare demand and supplyThe event also presented the findings of an assessment of childcare demand and supply conducted in the Municipality of Comrat. The assessment used a mixed-methods approach, combining official data with the direct perspectives and experiences of the local community. It included an online survey of parents, interviews and focus group discussions with parents and childcare service providers, complemented by administrative data and municipal statistics.Key FindingsThe municipality has a relatively stable demographic profile.The early childhood education system generally admits children from 1.5 to 2.5 years of age, leaving a gap in the availability of childcare services for younger children.Parents face difficulties in accessing flexible childcare arrangements, particularly services available on an hourly or part-time basis rather than exclusively on a full-day basis.The average cost of informal childcare arrangements is estimated at approximately MDL 3,000 per month, placing a significant financial burden on families in the absence of adequate subsidy mechanisms.Women represented 95% of all respondents, underscoring the fact that childcare responsibilities continue to be borne predominantly by mothersRoadmap and proposed modelsThe Roadmap for the Development of Childcare Services in Comrat, developed in response to the findings of the assessment, is structured around six key objectives:Accessibility – creating additional childcare places to meet the needs of families from different socio-economic backgrounds.Geographical coverage – ensuring that childcare services are available not only in the city centre, but also across residential areas and on the outskirts of the municipality.Quality – ensuring that services are age-appropriate and focused not only on the number of available places, but also on the quality of care provided.Inclusion – strengthening institutional capacity and specialized support for children with special needs.Parental support – aligning childcare service schedules with parents’ working hours and employment needs.An integrated childcare ecosystem – establishing common standards, monitoring mechanisms and effective linkages with other existing childcare models.Implementation will be guided by nine key principles, including the prioritization of areas and population groups with the most limited access to childcare services, in line with the principle of equity.To build trust within the community, the Roadmap proposes a set of practical measures, including an open municipal call for identifying and recommending childcare providers, certified training for service providers, regular but streamlined oversight, a public register of authorized childcare services, and a dedicated complaints and feedback mechanism. These measures would enable parents to clearly distinguish between registered and regulated services and informal or unauthorized arrangements.The assessment also confirmed the need for a robust and regularly updated municipal statistical database to support evidence-based planning and transparent monitoring of developments in childcare services over a period of at least three years.Group Discussion and Recommendations for Next StepsParticipants worked in thematic validation and co-creation groups, supported by facilitators, to develop recommendations on the local implementation of the suggested models, the conditions required for piloting and scaling up the services, as well as potential regulatory, resource and inter-institutional cooperation barriers.Based on the discussions, the key recommendations for the next stages of the project include:Pilot, under controlled conditions, three types of alternative childcare services — personalized services provided in close proximity to families, flexible community-based services, and services developed through partnerships — before considering their scale-up across the municipality.Familiarize local stakeholders with the existing regulatory framework, including authorization procedures, minimum standards and oversight mechanisms, in accordance with Law No. 367/2022.Establish a public register of authorized childcare providers and a dedicated complaints and feedback mechanism for parents.Explore subsidy mechanisms and public–private partnership models to reduce the cost of childcare services for families.Prioritize areas and population groups with the most limited access to childcare services, including vulnerable families.According to a study conducted by the International Labour Organization, the ILO estimates that investing in universal childcare and long-term care services in Moldova could generate more than 113,000 jobs by 2030, corresponding to more than 29,000 direct jobs in childcare, more than 69,000 direct jobs in long-term care and around 14,500 indirect jobs in non-care sectors. The outcomes of the Comrat workshop will be incorporated into the project’s final Roadmap, which will be implemented in partnership with the local authorities.The event was organized within the framework of the project “Enhancing peace and economic prosperity through women's leadership and inclusion in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with the Municipality of Comrat and the Comrat Municipal Council, with methodological support from Civitta and financial support from the Government of Switzerland.

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Press Release

05 August 2026

From the audience, on the stage of the forum theater, then in their own schools

During a physical education class, Patricia noticed how a new classmate was mocked for a few mispronounced words in Romanian. The boy had come from abroad, spoke English very well, and was learning Romanian, trying to adapt to the new class and the school community. For some colleagues, however, his efforts had become an occasion for irony."I told my colleague who was mocking him that he wouldn't like to be treated like this if he were in the same situation," says Patricia, a student at the Molești Theoretical High School. Instead of remaining a witness to what was happening, she chose to intervene and support her colleague.A forum theater performance had previously been presented in Patricia's school. Situations of bullying, discrimination, and exclusion were brought to the stage, and the students were invited to analyze them and propose solutions. Such discussions help children to recognize unfair behaviors more easily and to understand that witnesses can also contribute to changing a situation.In July, Patricia took the next step and participated in the training of trainers organized at the "Grigore Vieru" Gymnasium in Ialoveni. Together with students from other institutions, librarians, and teachers, she deepened the themes addressed in the show and practiced methods that she will later be able to apply in activities with her own colleagues."We come to school not only to learn, but also to make friends and feel accepted," says Patricia. "During the training, I learned that when I notice a student who is bullied or excluded from a group, it is important to intervene and support him. “I felt empowered and happy that I was able to speak out without fear of being judged."For Alexandru, a seventh-grade student at “Ion Pelivan” Theoretical High School and a member of the Student Council, the topics discussed during the training have a personal significance.“When I was younger, I was also victim of bullying. Some children older than me would pick on me. That’s why, during the workshop, I recognized myself in some of the situations described by the trainers or participants from other schools,” he says.Alexandru plans to talk to his peers about bullying and discrimination, including the less visible forms of exclusion.“I don’t like it when some teachers favor students who learn better and leave out those who have a harder time understanding the material. I think this, too, can be a form of exclusion. At my school, I’d like to talk to my students and colleagues and explain to them what they should do when they face situations like this,” adds Alexandru.Peer-to-Peer trainersPatricia and Alexandru are among the 64 students who, along with 31 specialists from 27 educational institutions across the country, participated this summer in five training sessions held in Ștefan Vodă, Chișinău, Sîngerei, Ungheni, and Ialoveni.The training sessions are conducted by the “Dialog Alternativ” Association as part of the Ministry of Education and Research and UNICEF’s “Learning Together” campaign, which is dedicated to social and behavioral change to promote the educational inclusion of children with disabilities and special educational needs, with financial support from the Governments of Norway and Austria.The “Learning Together” communication campaign, aimed at changing behaviors and social attitudes regarding inclusive education for children with disabilities, is being carried out by UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and Research, and the Republican Center for Psychopedagogical Assistance. These initiatives also contribute to the implementation of the National Program for the Promotion of Inclusive Education for 2023–2027.The communication campaign is based on a positive approach: it promotes positive models and practices of inclusive education and demonstrates examples of behavior for various social actors (teachers, parents, and children) with the aim of facilitating and supporting the inclusion of children with disabilities and special educational needs.All training participants come from schools where forum theater performances have previously been staged. After watching the scenarios presented on stage, analyzing them, and helping to identify solutions, the students are now preparing to carry these conversations forward in their own classrooms and school communities.During the two-day training, participants addressed topics such as bullying, discrimination, violence, and exclusion, and practiced participatory methods that they will apply in activities with their peers. The students will serve as facilitators, and librarians, teachers, psychologists, and members of the administrative teams will support them in preparing and conducting the sessions.Maria Moisei, deputy director at the “Grigore Vieru” Gymnasium in Ialoveni and coordinator of the Student Council, participated in the workshop alongside two students from the school. By the end of the first day, they were already discussing how the methods they had learned could be applied in different classrooms.“When students are directly involved, the impact of forum theater is much stronger than that of a purely theoretical presentation,” says Maria Moisei. “These activities shouldn’t be limited to just a few thematic days. They can be integrated into extracurricular activities, involve all children, and encourage inclusion, respect, and mutual understanding.”Several Roma children attend the “Grigore Vieru” Middle School. Although the school has not faced any instances of discrimination based on their ethnicity, Maria believes it is important to constantly foster a dialogue about inclusion, respect, and mutual understanding.Viewers can change the course of the storyForum theater begins with situations that reflect children’s real-life experiences: a student is excluded from a group, mocked, harassed, or bullied. However, the scene does not offer a predetermined solution. After the first performance, participants analyze what happened, discuss the relationships between the characters, and identify people who could intervene.The play is then performed again, and the audience members can take on one of the roles and try out a different reaction. They don’t just say what should be done; they try to change the situation and observe how the other characters respond. Some solutions work, while others need to be revised or complemented by involving a teacher, a parent, the school psychologist, or another reliable adult.“As Augusto Boal, the founder of forum theater, said, this is a rehearsal of reality. We show them reality on stage, and then they take the stage and test out solutions that might help them,” explains Lina Malcoci, a forum theater trainer and co-founder of the “Dialog Alternativ” Association.This method thus changes the traditional role of the audience. Children are no longer just recipients of messages about bullying or discrimination, but active participants who can analyze, ask questions, and propose solutions.“In forum theater performances, the actors are students the same age as the audience. When information comes from student to student, it is absorbed and understood differently than when a teacher comes to speak to them,” adds Doina Cuțulab, a trainer and co-founder of the “Dialog Alternativ” Association.Within their own schools, students will be able to organize sessions in classrooms, libraries, through Student Councils, or as part of extracurricular activities. Adults will help them prepare for the sessions, collaborate with class teachers, and handle any sensitive discussions that may arise.Their role is also crucial for the initiative’s continuity. Many of the trained students are in 7th and 8th grade and will graduate in the coming years. Librarians and teachers will be able to preserve the methods and guidelines and will support the training of future generations of student facilitators.Olga Diaconu, a librarian at “Petru Ștefănucă” Theoretical High School, participated in the training alongside students from the school and plans to organize activities in the school library.“My work is quite unique. It’s not just about books, manuals, and other materials. Activities like these - which focus on combating bullying, violence, and discrimination - are always part of a librarian’s work. When children come to the library after school, if I notice that something isn’t right, I intervene promptly.In addition, when we organize various activities, we try to involve the children from the inclusive education program as well. We have a period dedicated to inclusion, and we always invite them to the library. We set up book exhibits for them, discuss various topics with them, and involve each of them as much as possible. Children need to be encouraged in areas where they can express themselves, where they can show: ‘I can do it, too. I’m just like the other children.’ This is very important for them,” noted Olga Diaconu.She plans to organize activities with the students and support them in spreading the messages.“Together with the girls from our high school, with whom I participated today, we will talk with the members of the Student Council and try to organize such activities,” the librarian added.“Some librarians also teach civics or personal development. However, the relationship between students and the librarian is different from that with a teacher. The teacher has their own teaching style, while the librarian has a different kind of relationship with the students,” explained Doina Cuțulab.From understanding the phenomena to having the confidence to actThe trainer-of-trainers programs are part of an initiative that, in 2025 and 2026, reached more than 11,000 children and adolescents across the country, including approximately 700 children with disabilities and 950 refugee children. During this period, more than 90 performances and forum theater activities were organized in 91 educational institutions, camps, and other educational venues across the Republic of Moldova, with over 700 teachers participating.Surveys completed before and after the performances held in 2026 indicate significant changes in how participants understand disability, discrimination, and bullying. Before the sessions, only 23.1% of respondents correctly understood that disability should not be confused with an illness. After the activity, this percentage rose to 92%. At the same time, the proportion of participants who acknowledged that students with special educational needs are capable of learning increased from 57.2% to 92.1%.The results also indicate an increase in confidence to take action. Half of the participants stated before the performances that they felt capable of intervening when a classmate was being bullied; afterward, this proportion rose from 49.9% to 89.2%, and 9 out of 10 students knew how to ask an adult for help, compared to 5 out of 10 before the sessions.After the sessions, over 95% of respondents said they had learned new things and found the activity useful and educational, and nearly 88% said they felt more confident about intervening when they witness bullying or discrimination.No child should be left aloneIn forum theater, a scene can be replayed until the participants find a better solution. In real life, children cannot always go back to the beginning of a situation. However, they can learn to recognize injustice, intervene thoughtfully, and seek an adult’s support.Through trainer workshops and forum theater performances, the experience on stage continues in classrooms, libraries, and in students’ everyday interactions. Every child who finds the courage to stand up for a classmate can help build a school where no one is left alone.“The most important thing for us is that no child is left alone, feels unsafe, or lacks a place where they feel protected. We want them to have friends and to have a tool they can use to find a solution to a problem that affects them,” says Lina Malcoci.And a message the team received at the end of one of the sessions perhaps best captures the meaning of these activities:“Thank you for making me feel safe during this activity.”

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Press Release

04 August 2026

160 women will receive support to develop climate-resilient household-level economic activities

Selected beneficiaries will receive non-financial support in the form of goods, equipment, works and services required to implement their approved investments, with a value of up to US$6,000 per project. Beneficiaries are expected to provide a minimum co-financing contribution of 5% of the requested support. Through this call, 160 household-level projects will be supported, including at least 20 projects to be implemented on the left bank of the Nistru River.Eligible investments include:installation of solar photovoltaic panels, solar thermal collectors, heat pumps and other renewable energy solutions;energy efficiency measures and energy-efficient equipment;climate-smart agricultural practices and solutions for soil protection and restoration;development of organic crops, orchard management and nurseries;agroforestry, livestock farming, beekeeping, aquaculture and eco-tourism;post-harvest processing and other environmentally friendly, climate-resilient economic activities.The call is open to women engaged in household-based income-generating activities who reside in one of the 42 partner communities participating in the ”Resilient communities through women empowerment” project.Applications may be submitted until 25 August 2026.Information sessions for potential applicants will be held between 7 and 14 August 2026, according to the following schedule:7 August – Chișinău (Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry) and online;10 August – Drochia and Fălești;11 August – Telenești and Strășeni;12 August – Camenca;13 August – Ursoaia and Anenii Noi;14 August – Manta and Leova.During these sessions, participants will receive detailed information about the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and the process for completing and submitting their application packages.More information about the eligibility criteria and the application procedure is available here.

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Press Release

31 July 2026

Young people develop communication and environmental protection skills

Between 27-30 July 2026, in Butuceni, in the heart of the "Orheiul Vechi" Cultural-Natural Reserve, 20 teenagers took part in a summer school organized by the Association of Environmental Journalists, with support from the European Union and UNDP. The event, now in its second edition, involved teenagers in storytelling, photography, and multimedia production exercises."The summer school for future environmental journalists was a very valuable experience for me. I learned how important it is to verify information and accurately present environmental issues, and how and what we can do to have a clean environment. I'm leaving here with more knowledge, inspiration, and motivation to help inform people about protecting nature", says Gloria Lungu, 16 years, from Grătiești commune, Chișinău city."Participating in this camp was a very beautiful and useful experience. I learned what environmental journalism means, about recycling, biodiversity, and nature protection, as well as how to take quality photos and videos. At the same time, we visited the museums and the cave church in Orheiul Vechi and went on a hike through nature. I'm leaving this camp with a lot of new knowledge and the desire to contribute to protecting the environment", says Tudor Vîrlan, 18 years, from Chirileni village, Ungheni district.Another 20 teenagers from 13 localities located in the "Nistrul de Jos" National Park region took part between 6-10 July in the EcoNistru summer school, held in Tudora, Ștefan Vodă district. The event took place with support from Sweden and UNDP Moldova, in partnership with the National Environment Center.The young participants explored the region's ecosystems, learned water quality monitoring methods, observed birds in their natural habitat and analyzed the impact of climate change, pollution, and improper waste management on the environment. Field visits and hands-on workshops helped them better understand the importance of protecting the Nistru River and the biodiversity it supports."What I enjoyed most was discovering the world of birds and understanding how diverse nature is near Nistru. I learned that the river is connected to the lives of many species and to the communities living near it. After this experience, I started paying closer attention to the nature around me and understanding how important it is to protect it", says Cristina Chigai, 17 years, from Tudora village, Ștefan Vodă district.The messages about protecting the Nistru River were also promoted through urban art. Two murals created by children and young people passionate about drawing – in the town of Rezina and in Talmaza village, Ștefan Vodă district convey a powerful message about everyone's responsibility toward water and nature: "Water is life. Protect the Nistru.""Through this drawing we want to send a message to the town of Rezina that the Nistru River is not just a place to relax and unwind, but that we must also take care of it, not throw trash into it, and simply cherish it while we have it", says Maria-Lavina Curti, 17 years, from the town of Rezina.In August, young people from 10 localities will take part in summer schools dedicated to promoting renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, as part of a project supported by UNDP, Sweden, and Norway.All of these initiatives are part of a broader effort to strengthen environmental education and communication in the Republic of Moldova.Last year, more than 450 students from Drochia, Chișinău, Leova, Călărași, Vulcănești, and Bălți took part in the interactive quiz "Equal Opportunities Energy" – an intellectual game designed to challenge them to think differently about energy, daily habits, and sustainability. Starting in September 2026, 10 more schools will join the campaign.At the school level UNDP and the EU have promoted the integration of energy and climate modules into school subjects. In the previous school year, students from 87 schools studied these modules.At the university level UNDP is investing in developing the skills of journalists and young people in addressing environmental topics.In the 2025-2026 academic year, 20 students from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences at Moldova State University completed the elective course "Environmental Journalism", with support from the European Union and UNDP Moldova, in partnership with the Association of Environmental Journalists of Moldova.And in the previous academic year, UNDP and the Government of Sweden supported the Eco Media Academy, involving more than 140 students from six universities, including from Găgăuzia region and the left bank of the Nistru.

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Press Release

31 July 2026

22 entrepreneurs from the left bank of the Nistru are receiving support to develop their businesses and improve energy efficiency

The entrepreneurs were selected via business plans’ competition. Of these, seven small and medium-sized enterprises will receive assistance from the EU and the UNDP, totalling $245,000, aiming to improve efficiency and expand economic activity.A further 15 enterprises will receive funding from Sweden, totalling US$225,000. Through these investments, the enterprises will be able to reduce their energy consumption and costs, integrate renewable energy solutions, apply circular economy principles, and modernise their production processes and business models.Among selected entrepreneurs is Marina Petriman from Parcani, who runs a business specialising in mushroom cultivation: “Receiving support to improve energy efficiency is an important step for our business. High costs for electricity and heating limit our opportunities for growth and development. Thanks to this support, we will be able to implement energy-saving technologies, reduce operational costs and channel the savings into the further development of the business and the improvement of working conditions”.The first Centre of expertise in energy efficiency is to be established in TiraspolTo promote energy-resilient businesses, the first Centre of Expertise in Energy Efficiency on the left bank of the Nistru River was established in Tiraspol, with support from the UNDP and Sweden.The centre will contribute to the development of competencies in the field of energy auditing and efficiency. Through training, mentoring and consultancy services, companies will be able to reduce their energy consumption and operational costs, boost their competitiveness and adapt more easily to the demands of the green economy.“Against a backdrop of high energy costs and the need to use resources more efficiently, businesses need not only funding but also access to expertise, energy audit services, training and practical solutions tailored to their needs. The centre will be developed on the basis of the experience and best practices accumulated on the right bank of the Nistru,” said Danila Caloșin, an energy efficiency specialist from Tiraspol.Supporting the local business environment remains a priority for the UNDP and its development partners, helping to safeguard jobs, stimulate investment and strengthen the economic resilience of communities on both banks of the Nistru.

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