12 institutions have joined the initiative of the United Nations to promote diversity

"The UN in Moldova has been applying the principle of leaving no one behind for a long time. We have realized that intolerance, discrimination and lack of celebration of diversity is an obstacle to Moldova’s development. We have therefore undertaken several transformative changes to become a more inclusive and diverse organization. We see this as a win-win undertaking – we provide opportunities to persons from underrepresented groups and suppliers that respect and promote human rights – and become a smarter and better organization at the same time", said Dafina Gercheva, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova.

The UN Partnership for Diversity has been launched in 2016 and is part of a broader UN initiative to encourage and promote the inclusion of people with fewer opportunities for participation in society. These include people with disabilities, living with HIV/AIDS, representatives of ethnic, linguistic, sexual and religious minorities.

The second edition of the UN Partnership involves several public and private institutions: Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, the Constitutional Court, the Council for preventing and combating discrimination and ensuring equality, the People’s Advocate Office, the Independent Journalism Center, the Journalistic Investigations Center, the Youth Media Centre, the TV Regional Channel, the Newspaper “Komsomolskaya Pravda”, the Magazine AQUARELLE and the Women's Law Center.

“We have invested public money to equip our Ministry with an elevator that unfortunately is not used. This commitment represents for us an opportunity to benefit from the experience of those persons who, regardless of their health status, ethnicity or other criteria, would like to contribute to the accomplishment of our institutional objectives. We will be honored to accept 2 interns in our team”, noted Vladimir Cebotari, Minister of Justice.

Through the signed Commitment, the institutions pledge to ensure respect for human rights and to offer opportunities to gain professional experience. For a period of 3 to 5 months, 13 interns will be involved in day to day activities of the institutions and will be equal members of the team. At the end of the internship, they will receive a certificate of recommendation which may facilitate employment.

Ludmila Ababii benefited from an internship at Jurnal FM and she has gained valuable experience: “I experienced how is to be an air, live and overcame many barriers. My colleagues were very open and responsive and I am truly grateful for this opportunity”.

The first edition of the UN Partnership for Diversity involved 18 trainees, 12 of which within UN agencies, and 6 within other public and private institutions.