Teodora Panuș, President of the National Youth Council of Moldova at the Global Youth Dialogue #ICPD30 in Benin: "I advocate for youth participation in the decision-making process"

On the ICPD anniversary, the Global Youth Dialogue took place in Cotonou, Benin, from April 4-5, 2024, bringing together over 300 young people from diverse backgrounds and organizations with a clear objective: to redefine and renew the ICPD Action Program for the new generation. The dialogue, where youth were central voices, provided a platform to celebrate their achievements and hear their concerns and challenges. Discussions also focused on how the ICPD can integrate demographic changes and diversity into post-2030 policies.

Representing Moldova at the dialogue was Teodora Panuș, President of the National Youth Council of Moldova - a strong voice in promoting a more equitable and inclusive society for young people.

From local volunteer initiatives to global youth-focused events, Teodora has been making her presence felt in the civic activism arena since 2015. A graduate of the Faculty of Law at the State University of Moldova, Teodora has acquired solid legal knowledge, preparing herself for future challenges and opportunities. From 2020 to 2021, she served as the Vice President of the National Youth Council of Moldova (NYCM), advocating for the rights and needs of young people. In her role as President of NYCM, Teodora continues to promote youth engagement in decision-making processes. She firmly believes that young people must have access to resources and appropriate infrastructure to actively contribute to Moldova's democracy. Teodora Panuș is an inspiration not only to Moldovan youth but also to young people worldwide, encouraging them to unite and effect change. Through her passion, efforts, and proactive vision, she opens doors and creates opportunities for a new generation of leaders.

With each action, Teodora reminds us that the present and future belong to the youth and that they have the power to shape it positively and sustainably. We were curious to hear from her about her experience at the ICPD30 Youth Dialogue in Benin, the challenges and opportunities facing youth in our country, and what national and local authorities should do to empower and involve youth in decision-making processes that directly affect them.

Who or what prompted you to engage in the Global Youth Dialogue and what were your expectations for this event?

The topics addressed and the space provided for young people to take on leadership roles in implementing the ICPD agenda (International Conference on Population and Development) were key aspects of this discussion. It was particularly intriguing that, after 30 years since the Cairo process began, young people now have the opportunity to actively engage and influence the future direction of this agenda. Subjects such as demography and globalization, and their impact on youth security, are areas where young people are still not given a "seat at the table."

What were the most relevant topics discussed at this event?

The agenda was comprehensive, covering topics from the impact of digitalization to education, security, and the role of rights and sexual and reproductive health in young people's lives. I joined discussions on education, security, and activism in precarious democratic contexts.

How do you think these global-level themes are relevant to Moldova, especially regarding the sexual and reproductive health of young people?

Certainly! It is crucial to ensure coherence and connectivity in everything done for young people at the global level and what we do in local communities across the country.

What are the main conclusions or recommendations reached during this global dialogue, and how do you think they can be applied in our country's specific context?

I would highlight three main points:

Youth at the helm of the ICPD. I believe that we, as young people, should have a more prominent role in shaping and implementing the ICPD agenda after 30 years.

Equal rights, equal future. There is a need to support youth organizations advocating for human rights and gender equality, addressing intersectional discrimination, sexual and reproductive health services, and ensuring an accessible learning framework on reproductive health.

Empowering youth voices. Ensuring meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes, supporting youth-led spaces, comprehensive data on youth issues, and sustainable funding for organizations to drive progress and inclusion.

What are the biggest challenges facing young people in the Republic of Moldova?

There are several, but I believe the biggest challenges are:

Inclusive Education and Life Skills. Youth need access to an educational system free from corruption and discrimination, providing equal opportunities to all students. This includes providing digital resources, safe environments, transportation solutions, and financial support for vulnerable youth, including access to life skills education.

Employment Opportunities and Economic Stability. To ensure a successful transition into adulthood, young people need decent working conditions, secure employment opportunities, and support for entrepreneurship. This involves initiatives to provide paid internships, tax incentives, and economic assistance for startups, particularly in rural areas.

Civic Participation and Representation. Youth should be actively involved in decision-making processes at all levels, with structures that facilitate their participation. This includes establishing youth councils, strengthening self-governance mechanisms, and ensuring representation in leadership roles, thus promoting participatory democracy and allowing young people to shape their future.

What should national and local authorities do to empower young people more and involve them in decision-making processes that directly affect them?

Ensuring a transparent and equitable framework for youth engagement in decision-making processes, investing in youth infrastructure, utilizing co-management concepts effectively, and increasing accessible funds for youth and youth organizations.

What are the next steps you see as essential for addressing the issues discussed at the Global Youth Dialogue in Moldova?

Building a support community - a network of individuals and organizations committed to promoting youth engagement at national and global levels. This includes developing networks that bridge youth initiatives with decision-makers, encouraging collaboration, and amplifying youth voices in key policy discussions.

Engaging the UN Moldova Youth Advisory Board - to work closely with national and international entities on implementing recommendations from the Global Youth Dialogue. Youth would provide proposals and ideas on policies affecting them, serving as a link between Moldovan youth and global organizations, ensuring that local needs and perspectives are considered.

What advice do you have for young people in our country?

Ask questions, be curious, and dare to step out of your comfort zone.