Transforming Moldova: UN's Coordination Steers Social Reform

Like many nations, Moldova has been profoundly impacted by recent crises such as the conflict in Ukraine, even as it emerges from the enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These events have disrupted socio-economic progress and exacerbated inequalities within the country. Despite its classification as an upper middle-income country, a significant portion of Moldova's population—approximately one in four—lives in absolute poverty, with the extreme poverty rate reaching 10 per cent in 2020.

"The development targets set before the pandemic became increasingly difficult to achieve, and just as we were striving to support Moldova's recovery, another crisis emerged—the conflict in Ukraine," explains Simon Springett, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Moldova. 

The influx of over 1 million Ukrainian refugees, with 100,000 choosing to remain in Moldova, alongside heightened living costs and energy crises, posed significant challenges, risking the livelihoods of many.

Systemic and interlocking challenges have only exacerbated this. Imbalances including low enrollment in early childhood education services, low labour force participation and gaps in how social services are planned at local levels and populations are targeted for social benefits are widening gaps.

Without robust socio-economic support, countless individuals would have teetered on the brink of poverty. Fortunately, this support materialized through the unified leadership of the Resident Coordinator's Office and collaboration of various UN entities.

When the Minister of Labour and Social Protection expressed the need for reforming Moldova's social protection system and sought partners’ support, the UN Moldova Country Team proved to be the ideal ally. 

"We were in the right place at the right time, equipped with the necessary expertise and resources to assist." reflects Mr. Springett. Having already collaborated with the ministry during the refugee crisis, UN agencies recognized the imperative to address long-standing weaknesses within the social protection system.

Under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, various UN agencies, funds and programmes were able to align their support and provide their expertise to the Restart reform, encompassing labor inspection, social protection, child protection, a reorganization of the vital National Employment Agency and boosting the labour market.

From formulating the reform concept to its execution, UN agencies provided steadfast support, standing alongside the Ministry, ensuring a coordinated approach. Internal coordination groups and subgroups created that initially were chaired by the Resident Coordinator and later transitioned to lead UN agencies, facilitated a smooth coordination of the agencies’ efforts. At least 10 UN agencies are supporting the reform. Regular meetings take place to monitor the reform's progress and identify remaining gaps, while also fostering engagement with other development partners.

A year after its launch, the reform's impact is palpable on the ground, shifting how institutions and processes work.  

Dozens of crucial laws and regulations were amended to ensure no one is left behind in the revamping of the structure and mechanisms of the social protection system and the labour market.  

Starting this year, the number of specialists in child protection has been tripled to be able to identify children at risk and to prevent precipitating more such cases. Moreover, thanks to the UN Children’s Fund, financial and technical support aimed at improving children’s health and development, and tackling risks of children separating from families, will benefit over 15000 children.  

Further, a series of trainings have been provided to different types of social protection specialists and efforts have been geared towards digitalization and harmonizations of social protection processes.  

Despite anticipated internal and external resistance, the reform persists, with hard-won wins and lessons emerging, that will lay a sound blueprint for other sectors to follow suit. Given the complexity of the reform, it is anticipated that efforts for its sound implementation will continue over the next 3-4 years.

The Restart reform exemplifies the transformative power of coordination, underscoring the mutual benefits derived from collective, well-synchronized actions. Through the Resident Coordinator Office, the government secured the vital support needed to navigate this complex reform landscape.

"The skepticism will dissipate as we press forward focusing on leaving no one behind," signs off Mr. Springett.