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Press Release
30 January 2026
Early intervention provides a better start for children in Fălești
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Press Release
27 January 2026
Message of the UN Secretary-General for the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust
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Press Release
23 January 2026
Safer borders and modern services: the EU4Borders Security – Moldova project has been launched
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals 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.
Publication
12 January 2026
World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026
The World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 is a report produced by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the five United Nations regional commissions: Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) also contributed to the report.The forecasts presented in the report draw on the World Economic Forecasting Model of UN DESA as well as inputs from the United Nations regional commissions.
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Publication
30 January 2026
Perceptions and Attitudes on the Roleof Women in Peace and Security Processes in the Republic of Moldova
The study Perceptions and Attitudes Regarding the Role of Women in Peace and Security Processes in the Republic of Moldova explores how society views women’s participation in peace and security, with a focus on the barriers and stereotypes that hinder their full integration into the security sector. In the context of the war in Ukraine, it also analyzes public perceptions of the conflict, levels of acceptance of refugees, and the war’s impact on social cohesion. The study puts forward recommendations for decision-makers and stakeholders in the security and defence sector to promote gender inclusion, challenge stereotypes, and strengthen social resilience in times of crisis. The analysis is based on direct and online surveys completed by 539 respondents, a focus group with representatives of security and defence institutions, as well as a review of relevant literature and sociological surveys. The study was developed under the project “Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda: Countering Disinformation and Stereotypes”, implemented by the Platform for Security and Defence Initiatives (PISA), with the support of UN Women and funding from the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund.
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Publication
28 November 2025
Generation 2050
Growing evidence suggests that investing in the human capital of children and young people contributes to sustained economic growth and political stability. Whilst it is often seen as a cost, investing in the human capital of children and youth should instead be seen as a public investment, since it generates returns to society through higher economic growth. It also avoids social costs associated with negative conduct and low social capital accumulation, which impose both direct and indirect costs on societies in future. Furthermore, human capital development investments are cumulative, since investments made early in a person’s life have more time to materialise.The Central Asian region has a unique opportunity to harness a “demographic dividend”. Over 50% of the population is under the age of 30. In the next two decades, this cohort will form the largest labour force the region has ever seen, both in terms of absolutely numbers as well as the percentage of the population that is of working age. This presents an opportunity for a demographic dividend, where a higher ratio of working-age individuals to dependents can lead to increased disposable income, fueling consumption, production, investment, and accelerated economic growth. However, realising these benefits requires deliberate action and strategic investments, as the demographic dividend is not automatic.Central Asian countries risk missing the opportunity for accelerated economic growth, due to underdeveloped human capital. The World Bank’s Human Capital Index measures a country's expected productivity of its next generation of workers, based on their health and education outcomes. This index ranges from 0.6 for Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic to 0.5 for Tajikistan. This means means that children born in Central Asia today will be only 50-60% as productive when they grow up as they would be if they had access to complete education and full health. Furthermore, underinvestment in areas such as child protection, social protection, water and sanitation, and active labour market measures also contributes to lower human capital in Central Asia. The right human capital investments could significantly increase the region’s human capital, ensuring the region capitalises on its demographic advantages.Within this context, this study quantifies future demographic challenges and proposes actionable policy and investment strategies to ensure the demographic dividend is achieved. This study will include a comprehensive analysis of demographic projections for children, adolescents, and youth in the five Central Asian countries over the next 25 years (2025-2050). It will also determine the level of investment needed to leverage the demographic potential of the region via investments in core services for children.
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Publication
30 January 2026
Ukraine Situation Regional Refugee Response Plan - Moldova Chapter (2025 - 2026)
Almost four years into the conflict in Ukraine, Moldova hosts 138,00062 refugees from Ukraine, representing nearly 4 per cent of its population - the highest percentage of refugees relative to population size among countries in the Ukraine Regional Response. Refugees are predominantly women and children, comprising 89 per cent of the refugee population (41 per cent women, 23 per cent girls, and 25 per cent boys). Since the introduction of Temporary Protection in March 2023, as of end of November over 85,000 individuals have received Temporary Protection status. Additionally, more than 7,000 refugees have regularized their stay through the asylum system or by obtaining residence permits for work, education, or family reunification.Moldova’s government has demonstrated strong commitment to refugee protection and inclusion, exemplified by its Global Refugee Forum pledges and in the development of the National Programme for the Phased Integration of Foreigners, including displaced Ukrainians. These commitments are increasingly embedded within Moldova’s broader reform and development agenda, notably through alignment with the National Development Plan 2025–2027. This policy direction aims to progressively include refugees into national systems, ensuring equitable access to essential services and supporting pathways toward solutions.Despite facing significant economic pressures and structural constraints, Moldova continues to show remarkable solidarity by extending access to key rights and services to refugees. Nevertheless, gaps persist, particularly in social protection coverage, affordable housing solutions, and access to long-term healthcare. Addressing these challenges requires continued investment in national systems and targeted support to mitigate the impact on vulnerable refugees and host communities alike.
Moldova's response is characterized by a whole-of-society approach, underpinned by close cooperation between national and local authorities, civil society, development actors, and the international community, and aligned with the principles of the Global Compact on Refugees. While Moldova has set a global example in welcoming and protecting refugees, the sustainability and effectiveness of its inclusion efforts depend on sustained international solidarity. In this context, RRP partners remain committed to supporting solutions that strengthen national capacities, advance refugee protection and inclusion, and contribute to Moldova’s broader the country's development objectives, benefiting for both refugees and host communities.
Moldova's response is characterized by a whole-of-society approach, underpinned by close cooperation between national and local authorities, civil society, development actors, and the international community, and aligned with the principles of the Global Compact on Refugees. While Moldova has set a global example in welcoming and protecting refugees, the sustainability and effectiveness of its inclusion efforts depend on sustained international solidarity. In this context, RRP partners remain committed to supporting solutions that strengthen national capacities, advance refugee protection and inclusion, and contribute to Moldova’s broader the country's development objectives, benefiting for both refugees and host communities.
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Publication
30 October 2025
Challenges and opportunities of women entrepreneurs in the production sector
“Challenges and opportunities of women entrepreneurs in the production sector” is a study developed by the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Moldova (AFAM) in partnership with the NGO Agency for Innovation and Development in Tiraspol, with financial support from Sweden and the United Kingdom, under the UNDP project “Advanced Cross-River Capacities for Trade” (AdTrade).The research aims to identify the challenges, needs, and prospects of women engaged in entrepreneurial activities, while also providing concrete recommendations for more inclusive public policies and tailored support programs adapted to the local context.The study draws on the experiences of 106 women entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova – 56 from the right bank of the Nistru River and 50 from the left bank – who operate in diverse fields such as food production and packaging, textile industry, handicrafts, and other production-related sectors. This diversity provided a representative overview of the realities faced by women in business today.The survey results offer a solid foundation for understanding the current context of women’s entrepreneurship in Moldova and serve as a basis for developing initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of women in the economy and society.
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Story
22 January 2026
Officer Ana-Maria Țurcanu: “Peace is not inherited, it is built every day”
Born in 2000 – the year the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 – Senior Lieutenant Ana-Maria Țurcanu from Moldova is part of a generation of women in the armed forces whose example is reshaping how women’s participation in security and defence is understood.Țurcanu’s military career began in 2019, when she was admitted to the “Alexandru cel Bun” Military Academy in Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, where she studied Communications and Information Technology. Three years later, after graduation, she received the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned to the 1st Motorized Infantry Brigade in Bălți, Moldova’s second-largest city, where she currently serves as Deputy Commander of the Communications and IT Unit. Today, she is one of the few young women serving in command positions within the National Army.A defining moment in her career was her participation in the multinational KFOR mission - a NATO-led international peacekeeping force and military of Kosovo[1], where she served as the platoon’s senior operator for six months. “The selection was rigorous, the preparation extensive, and the responsibilities significant,” she says. Working alongside servicewomen and servicemen from different countries, she successfully fulfilled all assigned tasks. “KFOR taught me how much international cooperation matters,” she says. “I understood that peace is possible only when we work together.” The experience strengthened not only her technical skills but also her understanding of the responsibility everyone carries in maintaining stability and protecting the population, especially in conflict-affected communities. After returning home, Ana-Maria Țurcanu continued her military service with the same dedication while maintaining strong family ties. She lives in Corlăteni village, Rîșcani district, is married, and will soon become a mother. Her warmest childhood memories are those of family gatherings around the holiday table, moments in which she felt the most authentic form of peace. Her passion for sports has always complemented her military career. “I have always loved sport and discipline,” she says. “A healthy mind needs a strong body, and in the army this becomes a way of life.” Her experiences, both in the National Army and during the KFOR mission, made her more aware of the absence or fragility of peace. For her, the impact is emotional and difficult to ignore, which is why she feels deeply connected to the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the first global document recognizing women as essential actors in conflict prevention, negotiation, and recovery.Ana-Maria Țurcanu advocates for women’s recognition as contributors and decision-makers in peace processes. Photo: Personal archiveFor Ana-Maria Țurcanu, Resolution 1325 represents a continuous commitment: supporting women’s participation in command roles and strategic decision-making and recognizing the transformative role of young women in society. “I believes that young women demonstrate strong competencies and a deep understanding of contemporary realities, from technology to geopolitical developments, yet they are still too often seen as programme beneficiaries rather than experts,” she notes. In her view, young people are those who build bridges, dismantle stereotypes, challenge narratives that perpetuate violence, and create safe spaces where these are lacking. Ana-Maria Țurcanu champions a model of peace built on trust, participation, and courageous listening, especially to those who traditionally hold less power. Photo: Personal archive“A world in which Resolution 1325 is fully implemented would be a world where conflicts are prevented. A world where women’s experiences guide strategic decisions, and where the voices of young people are not only heard but also taken into consideration,” she argues. This conviction is reflected in her message to leaders around the world: “Peace needs trust, participation, and the courage to listen to those who do not yet have power. Do not forget that peace is not inherited, it is built every day.” This story is part of the Born in 2000 storytelling project under the “Women Lead, Peace Follows” campaign, marking 25 years since the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
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Story
22 January 2026
“I know his threats could be real.” Sorina’s story of digital violence
You can’t turn off your phone, you can’t stop the notifications. Your reality becomes a lie created by the abuser—one that everyone else eventually comes to believe. You find yourself on ground you cannot control at all. More and more women are facing this form of violence, and more and more need to know how to protect themselves from it.He seemed like a good personSorina* had been in a violent marriage that ended in divorce. She was left caring for a young daughter. She went abroad, where she worked at a guesthouse. There, she met Gabriel*—a man who seemed decent and was well regarded by their coworkers.Before long, they became a couple and decided to move to Sorina’s home village. There, Gabriel met Sorina’s family. On the other hand, Sorina knew very little about him or his family. She didn’t ask many questions, and he didn’t share much. Even so, things seemed to work.Two more children were born into the family, and Sorina was expecting a third. Gabriel became authoritarian. He expected everyone to follow his rules and used threats to enforce them.One day, he came home, saw Sorina bathing, and took a photo of her. “He told me that if we separated, he would create a Facebook account and post that photo. That’s what kept me in the relationship.”Control over every moveGabriel worked abroad periodically, but to stay informed about what was happening at home, he installed surveillance cameras. This allowed him to hold Sorina accountable for every action: “Why did you talk to the neighbor?” “Why is the child out on the road?” “Why did that person come here?” and so on.Guests were not welcome in the house, and control turned into threats of life and death.“He threatened to open a gas cylinder and lock me and the girls inside the house,” the woman says.Sorina was utterly terrified. She knew the danger was real. Gabriel did not spare her from beatings, not even during pregnancy.After the last threat, Sorina decided she wanted to separate. The man became enraged, returned home, and angrily destroyed property in the house.Fake accounts and sexually explicit postsAfter some time, he left again, and from a distance began creating fake Facebook accounts using Sorina’s identity. The profiles featured what appeared to be her ordinary photos from the family archive—images the woman did not want made public. Moreover, these photos were accompanied by inappropriate comments: “I’m alone with three children and looking for a man for relationships—call me anytime,” with her contact details openly displayed.More and more accounts appeared, each carrying messages implying Sorina’s availability in search of sexual partners. The posts reached both Sorina’s list of friends and local community groups. As a result, the woman was approached by suspicious men, and the messages seemed never to stop.Defamation as part of everyday lifeGabriel’s reaction to Sorina’s pleas to stop was vengeful and violent. In private messages, the woman received hatred and an inexplicable determination to continue.“I created the messages for you—now deal with it. I’ll post your phone number so people will call and know you’re a bitch.”Sorina says that at the beginning, when the posts first appeared, she was deeply affected and cried constantly. Now she has grown accustomed to the threats and defamation being part of her life.Still, when she talks about what happened, she feels a lump in her throat and at times struggles to breathe. In a world where she is constantly defamed, she cannot feel safe alongside her children.“I know his threats could be real. I don’t know what lies behind them.”What you can do if you are a victim of digital violence:Document everything: save screenshots, links, messages, and comments. Every detail can matter, especially if you report the case to authorities or a platform.Report abusive content to the platform where it appears.Block and report the user.If the abuse involves real threats, deepfakes, or consequences for your professional or personal life, contact the authorities.Click the “GET HELP” button on www.eviolenta.md — the first national information resource dedicated to preventing digital violence and supporting women and girls online. Here you can receive immediate, free, and confidential help. You can write in the online counseling chat, where professional counselors provide support and information in safety and confidentiality.You can also call the Women and Girls’ Trust Line: 0 8008 8008*Name has been changed to protect identity.The online service www.eviolenta.md was developed through the joint efforts of the International Center “La Strada” and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Moldova, under the aegis of the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (ANPCV) and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, with financial support from the Government of the United Kingdom.
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Story
21 January 2026
A carpentry shop, opened with the support of the EU and UNDP, brought a family back together
Inspired by her father's craft and motivated by the desire to reunite her family at home, Ludmila laid the foundations for a modern carpentry shop, which is now growing and finding its place on the market thanks to the work, passion, and support of development partners."I registered the company in 2023, based on my dream of opening a carpentry shop, building on my late father's small business," says Ludmila Donica. Her father was a carpenter all his life, working with his tools in a small shop on the family farm.The desire to keep her father's tradition and memory alive became a personal mission for Ludmila, and the decision was not purely economic, but deeply emotional: "I thought that if I started this business, my brother might return to Moldova, because he was planning to take his family and leave permanently for Denmark, where he had been working recently," says the entrepreneur. Ludmila's brother had been abroad for 15 years and only came home once a year, at Christmas or Easter. The carpentry shop became the bridge that brought the siblings back together and allowed them to start building a future together, right in their hometown.From a dream to a modern businessThe first step was to find a suitable space. The shop took shape at the business incubator in Rezina, a place that offers good conditions for young entrepreneurs and small local businesses. With small steps, the team formed by Ludmila and her brother began to produce their first wooden objects.A key contribution to the development of the shop came from the European Union Confidence Building Measures Programme implemented by UNDP. The programme provided equipment worth US$14,610."We received high-performance, state-of-the-art machinery, which now defines us as a company. This equipment is our pride and joy," Ludmila says proudly.The equipment allows for the creation of complex products: personalized engravings, traditional sculptures, window shutters, railings, indoor and outdoor furniture. In a competitive market, these elements differentiate the business and attract more customers.More than just machinery: mentoring, training, and supportFinancial support was not the only help received. The programme also included training, mentoring, and counseling sessions in key areas such as sales and promotion. For Ludmila, an economist by training but with no experience in the wood industry, this training was essential for the development of the business."We weren't just left with the equipment and that was it. We had training and mentoring, which helped me enormously to get the business up and running and win my first orders," says Ludmila.Today, she promotes and manages the business, while her brother has taken over the entire production side. Although he has no formal training, he inherited his father's skills and complemented them with training courses, becoming a true craftsperson.A family business, a business with a futureAnother source of joy for Ludmila is the involvement of the whole family in the project. Her son, inspired by the shop's work, chose to study "woodworking" at college, which reinforces the belief that this business has not only a present but also a future."Now the whole family is involved in this business. My son has entered college, also in this field. Our business has a future."The plans for the coming period are ambitious. They want to create at least three new jobs to cope with the increasing volume of orders. At the same time, the team is negotiating with local wineries to supply wooden stands for wine bottles – a niche product, but one with great potential in the wine tourism industry.Ludmila Donica's story is more than just an entrepreneurial success. It is proof that the right support, combined with determination and strong family values, can change destinies and become an inspirational model for those who are still far from home.
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Story
22 December 2025
The Youth Centre on Wheels: Bringing opportunities closer to young people from rural areas
On an ordinary day in the village of Mașcăuți, Criuleni district, a group of young people gather in a classroom at the “Ion Sârbu” Gymnasium for an activity that breaks the daily routine. It is neither a traditional lesson nor a formal presentation. It is a space for dialogue and interaction, where young people speak openly about discrimination, relationships, and how they can bring change - even through small actions.This activity was made possible by the UNIT Youth Centre from Criuleni, one of the 14 youth centres participating in the UNFPA-supported programme “Centrul Călător ReVine la TINEri 2025.” The programme brings youth activities directly into communities where opportunities are limited and where, for now, there is no youth centre.Thus, the team of the Youth Centre from Criuleni came to Mașcăuți to work directly with young people in the village, offering information and engagement activities tailored to their real needs. The activity focused on combating discrimination began with getting-to-know-you games and icebreakers designed to create a safe and open space.Later, the young participants worked in teams and used their imagination to visually express what discrimination means in everyday life - at school, among friends, or in the community - and to identify the solutions they see for addressing and preventing it.“I liked the fact that we discussed these topics, because there is a real need to openly address the issues we face in our everyday lives. It is important not to judge and to understand that each of us has our own point of view and different personalities. Through the Centrul Călător ReVine la TINEri 2025 programme, we have the opportunity to grow and to interact more with other young people,” shared Cătălina, a young participant in the Centrul Călător activities from Criuleni.Between 15 June and 31 October 2025, the UNIT Youth Centre from Criuleni carried out mobile activities in several communities, reaching 278 young people who gained access to youth activities, information, and personal development opportunities directly in their own localities.“I decided to join the Centrul Călător team in order to reach young people in communities more easily, bringing them both development-oriented activities and sensitive topics that need to be discussed and debated together with them. These interactions help young people understand how they can actively participate in society, becoming more open, more curious, and more confident in sharing their views on the issues addressed,” said Marina Turcan Cerlat, youth worker at the UNIT Youth Centre in Criuleni.Youth centres are safe and friendly spaces that offer young people opportunities for personal development, access to information, and support in turning their ideas into concrete initiatives. Through the Centrul Călător programme, these opportunities are no longer limited by distance.At the national level, the Centrul Călător ReVine la TINEri 2025 programme mobilized 14 youth centres, which travelled across the country with mobile activities dedicated to young people in communities where youth centres do not exist or where participation opportunities are limited. During this period, 150 activities were carried out, engaging 3,137 young people from localities across the Republic of Moldova in youth programmes, non-formal education, and personal development activities.Young people took part in career guidance activities, workshops on critical thinking and countering disinformation, sessions on civic participation and human rights, as well as recreational and personal development activities - all tailored to the local context and to the real needs of young people.The Centrul Călător ReVine la TINEri 2025 programme was implemented by AO CIDP “ANIMA”, with the support of UNFPA in the Republic of Moldova, within the Joint Fund for Strengthening Youth Participation and the Development of Youth Centres in the Republic of Moldova, supported by the Ministry of Education and Research, the National Youth Agency, and the Swiss Government.
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Story
19 December 2025
Ludmila Iachim’s fight for equality in Moldova: “Change begins with us”
Ludmila Iachim is the Executive Director of the MOTIVAȚIE Association in Moldova and a leading advocate for the rights, dignity and inclusion of people with disabilities. Living with a disability since adolescence, she has transformed her personal experience into a lifelong mission to expand opportunities, strengthen leadership and challenge stigma, especially for women and girls with disabilities. Under her guidance, MOTIVAȚIE has grown into a national movement advancing accessibility, inclusive employment and community-based support. Through collaborations with UN Women under the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence ” programme, she has helped equip women and girls with disabilities across Moldova with knowledge, confidence and tools to exercise their rights and prevent gender-based violence. “My own fulfilling life motivates me to inspire other women and girls with disabilities to strive for more, to invest in themselves and to help transform our society into a safer, more accessible, and more inclusive place for everyone. Change begins with us.” – Ludmila IachimAdvocacy for women and girls with disabilities is deeply personal for Iachim. Living with a disability since the age of 13, she has transformed her lived experience into a mission: to fight for the rights, dignity and opportunities of people with disabilities.“My personal experience has been the driving force,” she said. “It taught me to stand up for my rights and those of others and became a source of inspiration for many people with disabilities who need support and guidance. Disability itself is not the challenge, but society’s lack of awareness about our rights and needs.” – Ludmila IachimFounded in 2002 by people with disabilities and volunteers, the MOTIVAȚIE Association set out to transform lives in Moldova. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a recognized movement that creates innovative services, strengthens leadership capacities, and trains community advocates. Through the “EU 4 Gender Equality” programme in partnership with UN Women, MOTIVAȚIE has reached women and girls with disabilities across six regions of Moldova who have taken part in training sessions on their rights and on preventing gender-based violence.“Women and girls with disabilities face an even higher risk of abuse and violence,” Iachim noted. “That is why our training covers healthy relationships, consent, and where to turn for help. They gained the knowledge and tools to challenge stigma, discrimination, gender stereotypes, and violence,” she explained.As a disability rights leader, Iachim has seen firsthand the stigma faced by women and girls with disabilities.“Too often, we are viewed through a lens of pity - seen as dependent, incapable, and in constant need of assistance. Women with disabilities who raise their voices and lead in their communities are powerful agents of change. Gender equality and social inclusion go hand-in-hand - they strengthen diversity, promote acceptance, and transform societies”, said Ludmila Iachim.Iachim's vision for the next decade is of a Moldova where women and girls with disabilities live in dignity, with access to quality services, healthcare, and equal opportunities in every sphere of life. This vision also includes a society free from violence, where women and girls with disabilities are protected, empowered and supported.“The fight for the rights of people with disabilities is ongoing. Authorities must recognize that inclusion is not a luxury or a favour; it is a fundamental right. While progress has been slow, we can see real results and a gradual shift in society’s mindset”, stated Ludmila Iachim.This story is part of “She Changes the Norms” campaign, produced in the framework of the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence” programme (phase 2), funded by the European Union, and implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA. This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UN Women and UNFPA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
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Press Release
30 January 2026
Early intervention provides a better start for children in Fălești
Starting in October 2024, children in the Fălești district have benefited from specialized early intervention services that are radically changing the course of their development. The Fălești Early Intervention Center (EIC) offers a modern, safe, and friendly space where specialists and parents work together for the early identification and recovery of developmental delays during an essential stage of childhood.The Center was modernized and equipped as part of the project ,,Strengthening National Social Services and Systems for Vulnerable and Refugee Children in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by UNICEF in partnership with Lumos Moldova and the Ministry of Health, with financial support from the Government of Germany through the German Development Bank (KfW).For children with developmental disorders, intervention carried out between ages 0 and 5 is decisive. During this period, a child's capacity to learn, adapt, and recover is particularly high, and specialized support can prevent the escalation of difficulties and the emergence of long-term disabilities. Without early intervention, mild delays can affect later integration into kindergarten, school, and the community.With the grant support of the Government of Germany through the German Development Bank KfW, UNICEF, in partnership with Lumos Moldova and the Ministry of Health, inaugurated two Early Childhood Intervention Centers in the Cimișlia and Fălești districts. To ensure access to services close to the community, five Child Development Offices were created in each district within rural Health Centers and Family Doctor Offices, across 10 localities: Cimișlia, Fălești, Javgur, Batîr, Satul Nou, Gura Galbenei, Scumpia, Albinețul Vechi, Pîrlița, and Răuțel.Visible Impact for Children and FamiliesThroughout 2025, in the town of Fălești, over 190 children benefited from evaluations and specialized early intervention services, including periodic re-evaluations to monitor progress. All services are offered free of charge to children aged 0 to 5, facilitating access for everyone, including those from families facing financial difficulties. For some children, these services have meant the first spoken words, the first steps taken without support, or successful integration into kindergarten.Interventions are carried out by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a speech therapist, physical therapist, psychologist, social worker, and pediatrician, who collaborate effectively to provide support tailored to each child's needs. The results are reflected in improved motor development and communication, as well as in the children's increased confidence and social inclusion.,,The joy in the eyes of a child who manages to pronounce their first sound is immeasurable” - Natalia Martîniuc, Speech Therapist Assistant, Early Intervention Center, FăleștiFor Natalia Martîniuc, work as a speech therapist is a true race against time. She speaks about the progress made in correcting the "R" sound, one of the most difficult for children. ,,Children come with great desire, especially those who felt marginalized at kindergarten because they couldn't speak correctly. Their happiness when they succeed is our energy”. Even after children pass the age limit for the center's services, Natalia continues to guide parents so that the results achieved are maintained over time.,Acceptance is the first step toward recovery” - Olga Ciupac, Psychologist, Early Intervention Center, FăleștiThe psychologist's work often focuses on supporting parents who go through difficult stages of accepting a diagnosis. Olga emphasizes that family involvement is essential: ,,When the specialist and the parents work together, the results are remarkable, reaching a success rate of up to 90%”. Through constant counseling, parents learn how to support the child's development in everyday life.,,We have united the medical, social, and educational dimensions for the same goal” - Cristina Lungu, Head of the Center and Social WorkerCristina Lungu highlights that the center meets a real need in the community. ,,Previously, children were sent from one specialist to another. Here, we work as a unified team”. In addition to therapeutic intervention, the center provides social support to vulnerable families, ensuring that material difficulties do not become an obstacle in the recovery process.,,Through the support of the Government of Germany through KfW, early intervention services in Fălești contribute to building a system that places the child and the family at the center of the intervention. Modern infrastructure, dedicated teams, and free access to services create real prerequisites for healthy and balanced development”, says Angela Capcelea, Health Specialist at UNICEF.Supported by the Government of Germany through KfW, children in Fălești receive specialized support, but also the chance to develop their potential and to have a better start in life alongside their families and community.
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Press Release
27 January 2026
Message of the UN Secretary-General for the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust
We mourn the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators – as well as the Roma and Sinti, the people with disabilities, and countless others who perished.Each victim had a name. Each victim had hopes and dreams. And each of those victims had their rights systematically denied and destroyed.When we remember these indisputable truths, we remember their humanity.We grieve for all that was lost and all that might have been.The Holocaust was not inevitable.Its architects made their intentions clear. Their hatred and violence unfolded in plain sight.The facts are undeniable. Yet today we see the forces of distortion and denial on the march.Antisemitism, bigotry, racism and discrimination are being fuelled by dehumanizing rhetoric and enabled by indifference.We must take a stand – to honour past victims, and prevent further atrocities.We must renounce hatred and injustice wherever they appear.We must defend the right of every person to live free from fear, in dignity and peace.This is the foundation of the United Nations.On this day – and every day – let us honour the memory of the victims of the Holocaust by reaffirming our shared humanity, upholding human dignity, and defending the values that unite us all.
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Press Release
23 January 2026
Safer borders and modern services: the EU4Borders Security – Moldova project has been launched
The event was attended by high-ranking officials from the Republic of Moldova, the European Union, and international organizations, including Daniella Misail - Nichitin, Minister of Internal Affairs, Olivier Onidi, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) at the European Commission, Iwona Piórko, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Justyna Janiszewska, President of the Management Board of the Solidarity Fund PL, Ester Ruiz de Azua, Chief of Mission of IOM Moldova; and the Ambassadors of the Republic of Lithuania, Tadas Valionis, and the Republic of Poland, Tomasz Kobzdej.Their presence reconfirms the EU's strong support for strengthening the security and stability of our country.The EU4Borders Security – Moldova project supports the Government of the Republic of Moldova in aligning border and migration management with European Union standards and the Schengen acquis, contributing to preparations for EU accession and the creation of a border system that is more resilient to current security challenges. These efforts are important steps towards a secure and modern European border, in line with the provisions of Chapter 24 "Justice, Freedom and Security" of the European Union accession process.A panel discussion was dedicated to the role of modern technologies in integrated border management. The Head of the General Inspectorate of Border Police, Ruslan Galușca, and other experts emphasized that digital solutions and state-of-the-art equipment can enhance security, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and at the same time ensure respect for human rights.Also today, the first meeting of the project's Steering Committee was held, during which national authorities and international partners established the key directions for the implementation and coordination of planned activities.***For more information, please contact:Riccardo Severi, IOM Moldova Communications and Public Information Officer, rseveri@iom.int
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Press Release
21 January 2026
Breaking the cycle of violence: trained specialists protecting women affected by violence
Through these trainings, social assistance professionals enhance their practical skills to respond promptly and appropriately to situations of violence, to monitor case progress and the safety of survivors, to collaborate effectively with the police, medical staff, educational institutions, and other relevant actors, and to provide continuous support at the community level, where the first need for help often arises.28 specialists in the field of preventing and combating domestic violence and rehabilitating victims of crime, as well as managers of community social assistance services from several districts across the country, are taking part in the workshops.Through this cooperation, UNFPA Moldova supports the efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to ensure that every person affected by violence is better protected, heard, and able to access timely, specialized support.The initiative is taking place from January to February 2026, under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, as part of the joint UNICEF-UNFPA program “Breaking the Cycle of Violence Against Children and Women”, funded by the Government of the United Kingdom.
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Press Release
19 January 2026
Republic of Moldova institutionalizes spending reviews as a core public finance tool, with UNDP support
With UNDP and Slovakia’s Government support, the national spending review methodology was developed. Also, pilot spending reviews in the health and social protection sectors were conducted. UNDP remains committed to supporting evidence-based policymaking and public finance reforms that enhance fiscal governance and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development outcomes in the Republic of Moldova.The recently adopted legal amendments formally embed spending reviews into the national budget process, establishing a continuous and systematic approach to reviewing public expenditures. The law defines clear responsibilities for public authorities in planning, approving, implementing, and reporting on spending reviews and expenditure rationalization measures. It requires annual approval of spending review plans, regular reporting on identified efficiency measures, and the integration of approved measures into the state budget and medium-term budgetary framework. By doing so, the law strengthens the link between policy priorities, budget allocations, and evidence-based decision-making.Spending reviews are designed to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, and relevance of public expenditures, helping identify opportunities to reallocate resources toward higher-priority policies and improved public service delivery. Their institutionalization supports greater transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline, while providing a structured mechanism for improving value for money in the use of public resources.
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