Latest
Press Release
19 September 2023
Responding to cascading global crises, SDG Summit launches new phase of accelerated action on the Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more
Story
19 September 2023
”We were ready to borrow money to feed the children, if we hadn’t received this assistance.”
Learn more
Story
18 September 2023
Cristina Capmaru—the farmer who adapts not only to the times but also to the weather
Learn more
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
19 September 2023
Raport de progres privind implementarea Agendei 2030 pentru Dezvoltare Durabilă în Republica Moldova 2023
Prezentul Raport de Progres privind implementarea Agendei 2030 de Dezvoltare Durabilă al Republicii Moldova are drept scop înțelegerea progresului înregistrat în implementarea ODD-urilor de la data ultimului raport, și anume Raportul Voluntar Național (ENV) privind implementarea Agendei 2030 din 2020 până în 2023.
Obiectivele cheie ale acestui raport de progres sunt:
• De a analiza progresul general realizat în implementarea Obiectivelor de Dezvoltare Durabilă (ODD) și de a identifica domeniile în care s-au înregistrat progrese sau unde există discrepanțe între obiectivele propuse și rezultatele obținute.
• De a oferi transparență în ceea ce privește acțiunile întreprinse de Guvern și alte părți interesate in realizarea ODD-urilor.
• De a servi drept instrument pentru planificarea și luarea deciziilor în ceea ce prive
Raportul a fost elaborat cu suportul Programului Națiunilor Unite pentru Dezvoltare (PNUD) și Fondului Națiunilor Unite pentru Populație (UNFPA).
1 of 5

Publication
19 September 2023
Oportunități și constrângeri în consolidarea îngrijirii copiilor în Moldova prin eforturi publice și private
În ultimii ani, utilizarea serviciilor de îngrijire a copiilor în Moldova a crescut constant, ceea ce permite femeilor să revină pe piața muncii. Însă, utilizarea serviciilor de îngrijire pentru copiii cu vârsta de 0–3 ani este încă semnificativ mai redusă decât utilizarea serviciilor de îngrijire a copiilor de vârstă mai mare. Acest lucru e condiționat, în mare măsură, de lipsa serviciilor (publice) de îngrijire a copiilor pentru acest grup de vârstă. Îngrijirea disponibilă pentru copiii mici este asigurată, preponderent, prin servicii informale, cum ar fi îngrijitorii/îngrijitoarele de copii.
În decembrie 2022, Parlamentul Republicii Moldova și-a propus să faciliteze utilizarea serviciilor de îngrijire a copiilor de 0–3 ani prin aprobarea Legii privind serviciile alternative de îngrijire a copilului, care permite instituirea a trei forme legale, private, de îngrijire a copilului: 1) servicii de îngrijire a copiilor la locul de muncă 2) servicii de îngrijire a copiilor de tip familial și 3) servicii individualizate de îngrijire a copilului.
1 of 5

Publication
22 June 2023
Comprehensive analysis of the disaster risk reduction system for the agriculture sector in the Republic of Moldova
This report aims to highlight the current strengths of the institutional disaster risk reduction (DRR) system for agriculture in the Republic of Moldova as well as indicate existing gaps and capacity needs to further enhance it. A comprehensive assessment is conducted, which includes a general overview of the country’s agricultural sector and outlines the most frequent natural hazards that are impacting the sector. It is followed by an analysis of the existing legal, policy and institutional structure and discusses various components of the system, including the functioning of early warning systems, assessments of disaster risks, post-disaster needs assessments, including damages and losses assessments and the availability of agricultural insurance for farmers. It concludes by providing recommendations for capacity building interventions to strengthen the current system to reduce the adverse impacts of natural hazards, in particular, floods, landslides and droughts, and climate change on agriculture in the Republic of Moldova.
1 of 5

Publication
19 May 2022
Report of the Chair of the UNSDG on the Development Coordination Office
Four years ago, Member States agreed to boost development coordination to make the most of the UN’s offer to support countries and enable them to tap into the full UN expertise – at the country, regional and global levels – to secure hard won development gains and advance the SDGs.
The reinvigorated Resident Coordinator (RC) system, fully staffed, operational and powered by a new generation of Resident Coordinators, has proven its worth, ensuring timely, coherent and effective UN support to countries during another year of extraordinary challenges, as developing countries continue responding to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, amidst increased global volatility.
Visit the UNSDG web page for more details
1 of 5

Publication
24 July 2023
Study on assessing the fiscal and employment benefits on gender equality through institutionalized childcare services in Moldova
The primary purpose of the study is to provide data and evidence on the costs and benefits of institutionalizing childcare services within the Republic of Moldova to support the development and implementation of the National Programme on childcare for children under 3 years old, as well as policy and legal amendments on family-friendly arrangements in public and private sectors.
The analysis includes data collection to estimate the cost of childcare, as well as simulations of the impact of childcare coverage on employment and fiscal revenues.
This study was conducted by Cambridge Econometrics in collaboration with CIVITTA, at the initiative of UN Women, UNFPA, and UNICEF, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Sweden. The opinions presented belong to the authors and may not necessarily align with the perspectives of UN Women, UNFPA, UNICEF, or the supporting donors.
1 of 5

Story
19 September 2023
”We were ready to borrow money to feed the children, if we hadn’t received this assistance.”
Sireti village is located 12 km away from Chisinau, in Straseni Raion. According to the recent Census, 5833 inhabitants live in the village. About 100 families in the locality have three and more children.
Eugen and Viorica Raschitor from Sireti raise seven children. Five children are in school, and the youngest is only six-month-old.
'We have four boys and three girls. Only Roman is not at home today, the oldest, because he helps me in construction. Victoria is six-month-old, Denis – 3 years, Livia – 4 years, Eugenia – 7 years, Radu – 9 years, Iulian – 12 years, Roman – 14 years and Violina – 15 years”, told us the children's father.
With dimples in their cheeks and curious eyes, one by one, all the six children came to salute us. Everyone had an occupation or a story to tell.
'Everyone brings huge happiness to our lives. It is not easy to feed and dress nine souls, but we work hard so they can have bread on the table and can go to school.'
In summer, the family's budget accounts for about MDL 20-22 thousand. About half of it consists of social allowances and benefits, and the rest comes from Eugen's earnings in construction. It is more difficult in winter; sometimes they are forced to live on MDL 10 thousand of social benefits because very few people do renovations and hence, they do not seek Eugene's services.
'I wanted to stop doing constructions and renovations,' said emotionally Eugen, 'but this is my main income and I keep going back to construction.'
Viorica has music and cooking studies, she was a violin teacher previously but once she became a mother, she prioritized this role. The family has a greenhouse in the yard, birds, and animals. The household errands are 'everyone's'.
Family expenses are divided monthly for several main purposes: food that takes the biggest portion of the budget and musical studies. All children of school age are studying a musical instrument commuting Sireti - Chisinau several times a week. Girls play the violin, Iulian – the accordion, Roman – the cello, and Radu – the piano.
'We cannot really afford to buy clothes. We receive them from the people Eugen works for or the youngest wear the oldest siblings’ clothes. The shoes are a problem because they wear out fast. But we support, encourage them to develop their talents, to choose the musical instruments they like. In autumn, Violina will go to a musical lyceum in the capital city because she graduated the general school in the village. We know this is extra money, but we want to support her with the little we have', said Viorica gazing emotionally at her oldest daughter.
'It was very difficult last winter', mentioned Eugen. Although we had the wood, our food money was short. Victoria was born in the last day of the year. At some point, we were ready to apply for a loan to be able to feed the children.'
When they received the news that they would benefit from MDL 4900 (MDL 700/month for 7 months), Eugen thought that was a joke. He called the social worker in the village to confirm that the information was true. Indeed, their family was eligible for the social benefit. 'With that money we bought groceries a few times and hence, we could live in the few crisis months without borrowing money for food. You cannot even imagine how in time we received this assistance... We have no one to rely on; my spouse comes from a family with ten children; I was raised by a single mother, who passed away. Everything we earn comes from what we work with our hands.'
When asked about their dreams and plans, both spouses noted that the biggest 'project' is to finish the renovation of a house annex, so every child has his/her room both in summer and winter, when they have to make fire. Another concern is, of course, preparation for school. 'And another piano that will not break,' completed shyly Radu.
This is one of the 56000 vulnerable families, who received emergency financial assistance in the amount of MDL 4900 (MDL 700/month) during November 2022 - May 2023 within the UN Moldova Solidarity Program guided and supported by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova.
The project was implemented by five UN Agencies: the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN World Food Program (WFP), which also ensured project' s good functioning and coordination. The total value of the financial assistance provided to vulnerable families was USD 14 million.
Due to this support, the families could meet their essential needs in the cold period of the year.
Note to journalists:
Families selected to receive cash assistance had to meet at least one of the following criteria: one member/member(s) with disabilities, pregnant or breast-feeding women, single parent families or families with many children.
1 of 5
Story
19 September 2023
Cristina Capmaru—the farmer who adapts not only to the times but also to the weather
Located just under two hours away from the capital, in the village of Tomai in the Leova district, producer Cristina Capmaru tends her lands without using any ploughs or other agricultural machinery. With financial support from Sweden and UNDP as part of “Sustainable and resilient communities through women empowerment” project, Cristina has modernized her business and firmly believes that, in the coming years, climate change will compel agricultural producers to incorporate new technologies into their daily work.
Cristina cultivates cereals on an area spanning over 150 hectares. She is among the few entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova who practice conservation agriculture, meaning that she uses sensibly the natural resources of the land.
Following the drought in 2020, the entrepreneur decided to implement the mini-till technology which, apart from its economic benefits, contributes to soil regeneration and moisture retention. Thanks to a grant provided by Sweden as part of UNDP’s “Sustainable and resilient communities through women empowerment” project, Cristina acquired a mini-till seeder to implement the minimal soil cultivation system.
"I believe my passion for agriculture stems from my childhood. Agriculture was the main occupation of my parents. Being involved in fieldwork frequently, I decided to start up my own business in agriculture,” notes Cristina.
The entrepreneur is aware that agriculture is directly affected by climate change: “We depend on the climate and precipitation. Hence, when we decided to implement the mini-till technology, we realized it would have been impossible without acquiring a specialized seeder. The grant means a lot to us. The 2020 drought left us with huge debts and morale at rock bottom. However, thanks to the financial support received from Sweden and UNDP, we were able to continue our work in the field we chose. It was practically a lifesaver for our business. The results we achieved in 2022 delighted us, and we will continue with conservation agriculture.”
Besides using the land resources sustainably, Cristina is developing an environmentally friendly and climate-resilient business. This is possible because the mini-till technology allows her to plant cereals and distribute fertilizers directly into the soil without tilling the land. The seeder ensures optimal seed incorporation depth and uniform seeding, with a positive impact on restoring microorganism communities and conserving soil water resources. Thanks to business mentoring and training in sustainable use of resources, offered by the project, Cristina states that she has achieved greater productivity without harming the soil. This, in turn, inspires farmers in the region to follow her lead.
"The mini-till technology has the advantage of improving the soil structure in the long run. Over time, a mulch layer is formed on the surface of the soil, enriching it with mineral and organic substances. Wind and water erosion occurs to a lesser extent. Another advantage is time and cost savings, as fewer tasks are required. Moreover, it reduces air pollution as less fuel is consumed," proudly explains the farmer from Tomai.
Developing environmentally friendly agriculture, requires a change in mindset, alongside investments. "It is necessary for more agricultural producers to be open to innovation and eager to contribute to a cleaner environment and protected soil while adapting to climate changes—one of the biggest threats to the environment, and to our social and economic framework. The Project provides support in this regard," says Victoria Ivancioglo, manager of “Sustainable and resilient communities through women empowerment” project. The project aims to enhance women's access to alternative income-generating activities, as well as to knowledge and information on resilient management of natural and agricultural resources.
"It is important to support as many women as possible who engage in economic activities to fully realize their potential. We are currently witnessing an expanding presence of women entrepreneurs, and we are pleased to see women leading inclusive agricultural businesses. Approximately 33.9% of enterprises are owned or managed by women, an increase by 6.4 percentage points compared to 2009," explains Victoria Ivancioglo.
Cristina Capmaru is one of the 11 entrepreneurs from the Nisporeni, Călărași, Leova, Dubăsari, Găgăuzia region, security zone, and Transnistrian region who received grants of up to US$18,000 as part of the project for the establishment or development of environmentally-friendly and climate-resilient businesses.
1 of 5

Story
19 September 2023
"We received health care, medications, hygiene kits, and food supplies”
When war forces you to leave your entire life behind and embark on a journey to safety, nothing brings more peace and hope than knowing your family has free access to essential health services, counseling, accommodation, and protection. This is also the story of Oxana, a mother of three children from Ukraine, who found safety at one of the Refugee Accommodation Center in Chisinau. Here, she and her children have access to all the essential resources they need to feel safe and optimistic about their future. "I am truly grateful to be here," says Oxana. "We have been living in fear for so long, hearing sirens daily."
Oxana knows she can consult a health specialist every day, and her children have immediate access to quality medical services, regardless of the situation. For a mother compelled to fight for her children's lives and safety, that is all that truly matters. "We needed assistance after the war broke out. Upon arriving at the Refugee Accommodation Center, we received health care, medications, hygiene kits, and food supplies," says Oxana.
To guarantee the right to health, hygiene, and sanitation for refugee children and their families in Refugee Accommodation Centers in Chisinau, UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and CUAMM, has established temporary health facilities at five RACs. As a result, refugee families can receive medical support whenever they need it. Children and adolescents have access to vaccinations, regular medical check-ups, basic health information, and essential medicines, and hygiene products.
According to the most recent data from August 2022, more than 250 residents of the Refugee Accommodation Centers, including about 100 children, participated in an immunization campaign against infectious diseases and benefited from screening sessions. More than 1,500 women and children received essential medicines, and more than 1,100 mothers, fathers, and caregivers received informational materials and counseling services on health-related topics, immunization, and nutrition. Meanwhile, children were integrated into recreational activities in a safe environment.
"This is a safe space where kids feel good and calm. As a mother, that is the most important thing for me. The healthcare workers are supportive, and we know we can reach out to them anytime," says Oxana. "Currently, for example, my youngest child suffers from pharyngitis and has a fever. I notice she has difficulty breathing from time to time; fortunately, she can receive timely and quality care here. We are in good hands, and for that, I am grateful."
In addition to enhancing the capacity of medical institutions, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and CUAMM, has organized and conducted training on managing neonatal emergencies and resuscitation for healthcare workers from seven medical institutions in Moldova. Additionally, eight regional medical institutions have been equipped with essential equipment and supplies to manage neonatal emergencies effectively.
UNICEF has continuously supported the healthcare system in the Republic of Moldova, also ensuring free access to health services for refugee children and mothers coming to Moldova from Ukraine. UNICEF has allocated 50 million lei to provide free medical services for children and mothers from Ukraine. Furthermore, medical facilities, like the Mother and Child Center in Chisinau, have been equipped with additional resources to improve their medical services. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, more than 106,000 Ukrainian refugees, half of whom are children, have found safety in the Republic of Moldova.
1 of 5

Story
19 September 2023
“Welcome to ‘DUSHA’. It means ‘soul’, and it is our beauty salon"
Angela and Anastasia aree two Ukrainian sisters living in the Republic of Moldova after fleeing the war, who fulfilled their wish to open a beauty salon thanks to the IOM Livelihoods Program and the support of their grandmother.
Comrat, Moldova.
Anastasia worked in two different beauty salons in Odesa, and occasionally babysat to make ends meet. Her meeting with a friend, an eyebrow specialist, marked the beginning of a new interest which then became a passion and a profession.
Her sister, Angela, has always dreamed of being a hairdresser since she was a child. She never shelved this aspiration of hers ever since her specialist studies in hairdressing.
On February 24, 2022, the two sisters get into a car under the Odessa sky lit by the explosions and Russian missiles and headed towards the borders of Moldova together with their mother, their 14-year-old sister, and Angela's 11-year-old daughter.
“At the beginning it was not easy to overcome local mistrust. When they looked for a job in local beauty salons, no one seemed to want to rely on two Ukrainian refugee girls who had just fled a war.”
“My car had broken down - says Angela - and under the bombings and gunfire I was desperately looking for a necessary component for my car. It was like being on a battlefield. In the exasperated search I found a man who had the missing piece of the machine. The night of the next day, 25 February, we left for the Transnistria region hoping that there would be fewer queues at the border. There, a customs policeman with a gun in his hand yelled at us to turn back for fear of a possible attack, and so we had to go home at night as the soldiers on the street kept stopping us and asking us what we were doing out and about after curfew".
On 26 February, they finally managed to reach Comrat, in the Moldavian region of Gagauzia, where their grandmother has been living for years. “We didn't want to go anywhere else far away from her as she’s living alone. We feel safe and in peace when we are all together.”
“We have the grandmother's garden where we grow fruit and vegetables and raise chickens. Above all, we feel safe and in peace when we are all together.”
As soon as they arrived in Comrat, they were faced with an even bigger challenge than finding a safe place: starting from scratch in Moldova all over again.
At the beginning it was not easy to overcome local mistrust. When they looked for a job in local beauty salons, no one seemed to want to rely on two Ukrainian refugee girls who had just fled a war. “You start working, and when customers become attached to you, you go back to Ukraine”.
Why then not try to open a micro-entrepreneurial activity? The dream of opening a beauty salon materialized in their thoughts, but finding someone willing to rent out their own premises to two Ukrainian girls who have just arrived in Moldova seemed an almost insurmountable obstacle.
One day, in the Comrat Townhall, they met a team of psychologists, lawyers, and social workers who had come to meet Ukrainian refugees. They started distributing a questionnaire titled, 'Would you like to open a business in Moldova and what kind of business exactly?' "It seemed like an incredible coincidence to me!", says Anastasia.
Soon after filling out the form with their beauty salon ideas, Anastasia was contacted by the International Organization for Migration in Republic of Moldova.
The IOM team encouraged them to participate in the upcoming grant competition. "It was our challenge, a beauty salon run only by us. I said to my younger sister, Nastea, 'let's risk it! We are doing something we love, and people demand. We are sure that we will not die of hunger.’"
The challenge was accepted, but not easy to win. Although the financial support could only cover half of the start-up costs of their salon, nothing could now break the determination of the two sisters and their family.
Thus, in January 2023, with the assistance of IOM Moldova’s Livelihoods Team and thanks to financial support from the United States Bureau for Population, Refugee, and Migration, their beauty salon was born.
They named it "Dusha", which means "soul" in Ukrainian.
The salon has been open and running for six months already. The best way to do marketing is by word of mouth and gain the trust of the host community. Despite the initial mistrust, Anastasia and Angela never felt discriminated against as Ukrainians or as women. "Gender issues? Are you kidding? Men come here to get manicures! Men's desire to take care of their hands is underestimated."
This is the soul of Angela and Anastasia. This is the "Soul", their beauty salon.
1 of 5

Story
24 August 2023
When the needs are too high, a hand of help means a lot
Out of 390 families with children aged 0-17 years, about 60 families raise three and more children.
Alexei and Marina Otgun represent one of those families. The spouses have three children: Olesea - 3 years, Alexandru - 2 years and Mirela - 1.5-year-old.
Some kilometers away from the village center, on a winding unpaved road, Olesea welcomed us joyfully in front of a green gate. 'We are only five, but we have many chickens,' she told us enthusiastically. And indeed, one can confirm the numbers once inside the yard. Since the other two siblings are way too young to tell us anything about their yard, toys and birds, Olesea easily assumed the role of the guide and told us a lot about their household.
The family lives in a house offered by some villagers who live overseas. Although extremely modest, the house is clean inside, and the garden is neat and full of vegetable beds. A lump of freshly made cheese hangs under the shed.
They have a small monthly income; hence Alexei and Marina do their best to have as much as possible grown in the garden so that they can buy less.
'When I was a child, I was hit by a horse,' told us Alexei. I received a life-long disability; hence I cannot travel far from home. I must do regular medical investigation and treatment. What do I do? I do renovations for villagers, I work in the garden together with Marina, I fixed the house so we can live until we have our own. We keep goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens to feed ourselves.'
They can hardly sum MDL 10 thousand a month from social benefits and Alexei's earnings. After they divide this for nappies, electricity, wood for winter, medicine and hygienic products, bread and other needs for children, the money is gone. There is no money left to be put aside for their own house or to buy something that is more costly. It is even more difficult in winter because Alexei is a seasonal worker.
'If we get stuck in problems, our brothers who live overseas may help us. But we turn to them only when this is really needed. This spring, for instance, one of the grandmothers could watch the children so Marina could harvest the strawberries. But who would you ask to watch these young children for a long period of time?!,' asked Alexei.
The oldest daughter is the only one who goes to kindergarten. Alexandru and Mirela are always at home, taken cared by Marina.
'Having three young children, it is very difficult without a washing machine,' told us Marina. When we were told that we would get the assistance, we decided to get it because otherwise we would not be able to save this amount. Hence, we bought a washing machine for MDL 4900 that we received. Ours. When the needs are high, such an assistance is much appreciated...'
This is one of the 56000 vulnerable families, who received emergency financial assistance in the amount of MDL 4900 (MDL 700/month) during November 2022 - May 2023 within the UN Moldova Solidarity Program guided and supported by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova.
The project was implemented by five UN Agencies: the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN World Food Program (WFP), which ensured project' s good functioning and coordination. The total value of the financial assistance provided to vulnerable families was USD 14 million.
Due to this support, the families could meet their essential needs in the cold period of the year.
Note: Families selected to receive cash assistance had to meet at least one of the following criteria: one member/member(s) with disabilities, pregnant or breast-feeding women, single parent families or families with many children.
The story in Russian language can be accessed here.
1 of 5
Press Release
19 September 2023
Responding to cascading global crises, SDG Summit launches new phase of accelerated action on the Sustainable Development Goals
New York, 18 September – Gathering at the SDG Summit on 18 to 19 September, world leaders agreed today to urgently step up their efforts to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our global roadmap out of crises, by 2030.
World leaders made an historic global promise to secure the rights and well-being of everyone on a healthy, thriving planet when they agreed to the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs in 2015. However, at midpoint of SDG implementation, the SDGs are in peril. Tens of millions have fallen into poverty since 2020. Over 110 million people are forcibly displaced. Inequalities have worsened, strikingly so for women and girls. Many governments are forced to choose between debt payments and investing in healthcare and education. The climate emergency is wreaking havoc on lives and livelihoods. Developing countries and the world’s most vulnerable people continue to bear the brunt of these crises.
“The SDGs aren’t just a list of goals. They carry the hopes, dreams, rights and expectations of people everywhere,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Yet today, only 15 per cent of the targets are on track. Many are going in reverse. Instead of leaving no one behind, we risk leaving the SDGs behind.”
The Political Declaration
Leaders adopted a decisive, action-oriented political declaration at the Summit, highlighting their collective commitment to build a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous world by 2030.
With a strong focus on the means of implementation, and in particular, on financing for development, the declaration acknowledges that without a quantum leap in investments to enable just and equitable energy, food, digital transitions, and a transformation in education and robust social protection in developing countries, the goals simply will not be met.
Additionally, the Declaration urges immediate action to deliver an SDG Stimulus proposed by the UN Secretary-General, which calls for a massive increase in financing for the achievement of the SDGs to the tune of $500 billion each year. It also conveys strong support from all countries for a much-needed reform of the international financial architecture to better reflect today’s global economy.
“I am deeply encouraged by the detailed and wide-ranging draft political declaration under consideration here today — especially its commitment to improving developing countries’ access to the fuel required for SDG progress: finance. This can be a game-changer in accelerating SDG progress,” stated the Secretary-General.
Global and National Commitments
Over 100 Countries will present national commitments to SDG Transformation that include priority transitions and areas for investment, setting national benchmarks for reducing poverty and inequalities by 2027 and strengthening institutional frameworks to support SDG progress. In addition to these national commitments, developed countries and other countries who have the capacity, are expected to make individual global commitments drawing on the Secretary-General’s proposal for an SDG Stimulus and broader means of implementation, such as fulfilling ODA commitments, suspending debt payments and agreeing on innovative finance mechanisms.
SDG Action Weekend
The SDGs cannot be delivered by governments alone. The SDG Action Weekend on 16 to 17 September gave an opportunity for over 3000 people from all sectors of society to outline their commitments to accelerate progress on the SDGs. The SDG Mobilization Day on Saturday 16 September saw business, civil society, science, local authorities and young people making meaningful contributions to SDG implementation.
The SDG Acceleration Day on 17 September highlighted UN High-Impact Initiatives that show that transformation is possible and will help to drive momentum for action on the ground in the coming years. The initiatives focus on six major transitions that will drive progress across the SDGs: i) Social Protection; ii) Energy; iii.) Education; iv) Food Systems; v) Digital Transformation; vi) Biodiversity and Nature, underpinned by greater financing and other supports, as well as action to advance gender equality.
About the Summit
The opening of the Summit featured statements by the President of the General Assembly Dennis Francis, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the Economic and Social Council Paula Narvaéz.
The 2-day Summit will feature a short plenary segment to hear the actions and commitments delivered on behalf of groups of States. Six Leaders' Dialogues will allow Heads of State and Government to report on progress and set out concrete national commitments to SDG transformation.
SDG Media Zone, 18-22 September, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
The SDG Media Zone is a key feature of the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, bringing together world leaders, influencers, activists, experts, content creators and media partners to highlight actions and solutions in support of the SDGs. Organized by the UN Department of Global Communications, in collaboration with the PVBLIC Foundation, the Zone takes the conversation on advancing the 2030 Agenda into the public discourse through impactful in-depth interviews and conversations on global issues that matter to people everywhere. All sessions will livestream on UN WebTV.
SDG Pavilion, 15-22 September
The SDG Pavilion is a beacon for the Sustainable Development Goals. It was created to mark the halfway point of the Goals. To use a sporting analogy, we are down at halftime.
However, the good news is that any given match is won in the second half. Organized by the UN Office for Partnerships, in collaboration with Project Everyone, the SDG Pavilion will host a series of Halftime Talks and a high level gathering of women leaders to mobilize the world to keep the promise of the SDGs. Sessions will be livestreamed on UN WebTV.
Follow the SDG Summit
Please follow us on the SDG Summit, using the main hashtags: #GlobalGoals and #SDGs.
On Facebook: United Nations, Global GoalsUN, DESA, Sustainable Development
On Twitter: @UN, @GlobalGoalsUN, @UNDESA, @SustDev, @UN_Partnerships
For more additional information, please visit key links below:
The SDG Summit 2023 website and SDG Summit Programme
The SDG Summit Media Corner
The SDG Action Weekend
High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly Snapshot
The Sustainable Development Goals Website
Follow key events live on UN WebTV.
Media contacts (interviews available upon request):
Francyne Harrigan, UN Department of Global Communications, harriganf@un.org
Sharon Birch, UN Department of Global Communications, birchs@un.org
1 of 5
Press Release
19 September 2023
Media and public institutions in Moldova are more resilient to disinformation
Disinformation costs lives. It is one of the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have fallen victim to false information, creating a perpetual cycle of falsehoods that affect society's physical and mental health. To counter this, journalists and communication specialists have adapted and developed new strategies to debunk myths and fight disinformation.
UNICEF has been working with the authorities in the Republic of Moldova to uphold the rights of children and youths, especially during crises. Since the onset of the pandemic, UNICEF Moldova established a partnership with the Association of Independent Press (API) to equip journalists and public communicators with the necessary skills to combat disinformation related to COVID-19 and immunization. Thanks to the generous support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), more than 73 journalists from 27 regional and national media organizations participated in four workshops in 2022. These workshops, held in Chisinau, Comrat, Cahul, and Soroca, focused on identifying, analyzing, and debunking fake news. Likewise, more than 120 students from four universities in Moldova learned about the importance of developing critical analysis abilities and identifying false information.
Furthermore, from March to July 2023, 290 communicators and public sector specialists from 25 districts throughout the country participated in the training to enhance community communication and counter misinformation. The training modules covered various topics, from identifying credible sources to practical communication tools.
"The crises we've navigated through have revealed that a segment of the population is vulnerable to disinformation," says Viorica Zaharia, a journalist, media expert, and President of the Press Council. "Communicators from public institutions can have a significant impact. They can swiftly intervene to debunk myths, issue alerts to the community, and even launch small-scale information campaigns to combat and prevent disinformation."
"Effective communication is essential for any state institution as it creates a vital link between citizens and the governmental structures responsible for implementing public policies and services. The information shared must be clear, accessible, professionally presented, and above all, accurate," says Natalia Porubin, journalist, communicator, and member of the Moldovan Press Council.
According to those who participated in the training, the fight against disinformation is a complex challenge, especially in regions where the community needs more preparation to distinguish between authentic and manipulated information. "Specialists responsible for institutional communication must prioritize the quality and the sources of the information they release. Ongoing training is crucial for these specialists," says Lia Banari, Head of Protocol and Public Relations Service at the Ștefan Vodă District Council.
"Institutions need to do more than just report on their activities. They should cultivate strong relationships with the media and correct any false information circulating in the public area, thus allowing citizens to remain accurately informed," says Lilia Malencova, a media relations specialist with the General Directorate of Culture UTAG (Gagauzia).
In partnership with API, UNICEF has developed an online training platform, Elearning.api.md, specifically designed for journalists, students, and communicators. The course 'Public Communication in Crisis Situations and to Combat Disinformation' is available on this platform in Romanian and Russian languages. Moreover, within this partnership, an interactive digital tool called the 'ABC of Disinformation' has been developed to help all the consumers of information products to document and verify statements in the public space. In alphabetical order, ABC presents some words, terms and expressions mainly related to misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccination. It also gives debunking falsehoods and necessary explanations, including references to credible sources and information verification platforms.
In June 2023, with USAID support, UNICEF and API organized a discussion panel titled 'Data Diligence: Validating the Truth'. This event brought together numerous journalists, communication specialists from across the country, and public health experts, providing a unique opportunity to discuss challenges and strategies for combating the dissemination of fake news within society.
The UNICEF project 'Empowering Journalists from Regional Media and Journalism Students and Increasing the Informational Resilience of the Public' was implemented by the Independent Press Association (API) with the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
1 of 5
Press Release
08 September 2023
UN Moldova welcomes seven interns from underrepresented groups within the UN Diversity Internship Program
Thanks to this opportunity, the interns will gain practical experience and acquire professional skills, useful for future employment in the labour market, including at the UN. At the same time the UN will benefit from the diverse knowledge and experience of the participants and will learn how to make UN programmes more inclusive for persons belonging to vulnerable groups.
“The UN in Moldova is excited to launch the fifth Diversity Internship Programme. This programme celebrates our individual and collective diversity and the importance and imperative of diversity to achieve our collective ambitions as citizens and as members of the United Nations System. It gives all of us an opportunity to learn and exchange, to live up to the principle of leaving no one behind. Hopefully private and public organizations and institutions will follow our example”, said Simon Springett, the UN Resident Coordinator.
The UN Diversity Internship program is an initiative, successfully conducted by the UN Moldova since 2016. It aims to support the inclusion of people belonging to vulnerable groups, who face discrimination in social, economic, public and political life, who have less opportunities of equal participation in decision making processes, good quality education, employment and professional development. At the same time, the initiative is also meant to be a learning opportunity for the UN.
Many national and international studies and practices showed that direct contact with persons from underrepresented groups reduces considerably social distance and increases social tolerance and acceptance.
1 of 5
Press Release
04 September 2023
Paving the path to prosperity for Europe and Asia’s Landlocked Developing Countries
They contend with high trade costs, limited transport infrastructure, and cumbersome border and customs regulations — all of which undermine the competitiveness of their exports and hinder economic growth. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions, and the global macroeconomic downturn, have further compounded these pre-existing structural challenges, eroding some of the hard-won achievements of the past decade.
So where do we go from here?
The challenges are daunting, but there is a window of opportunity to reshape the trajectory of development for Europe and Asia's LLDCs. Next year, world leaders will gather in Kigali, Rwanda, to agree on a new programme of action to transform the livelihoods of over half a billion people living in landlocked developing countries globally. In the lead-up to this momentous conference, the United Nations is joining the 14 LLDCs in Europe and Asia, along with their transit neighbours, development partners, and other stakeholders this week in Bangkok. The meeting will undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for LLDCs (VPoA) - a major international development compact agreed upon in 2014, outlining key areas of development to improve landlocked economies. It will also discuss priorities for the formulation of the next Programme of Action. For Europe and Asia, these priorities should include, among other important elements, the following five key areas.
Transit and Trade facilitation
The urgency of better integrating Europe and Asia's LLDCs into the global trade landscape and value chains cannot be overstated, and freedom of transit - allowing LLDCs to move freely through their neighbouring countries under mutually agreed terms - holds the key to achieving this. By providing LLDCs with unimpeded access to international markets, freedom of transit can help Euro-Asia's LLDCs to diversify their economies, attract investments, and integrate into global trade networks. In turn, this will also help transit countries to harness untapped potentials of enhanced connectivity, trade, and regional integration.
The continued establishment of efficient border infrastructure, such as one-stop border posts, SMART corridors, and intelligent transport systems (ITS), also remains of equal importance in their bid to increase trade. These measures have the potential to streamline and accelerate the movement of goods, ultimately reducing bottlenecks and trade expenses. For LLDCs in Europe (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Macedonia, and Moldova), proximity to more industrialized economies within the European Union (EU) offers distinctive prospects to access advanced markets and cutting-edge technologies, and an entry point to investment opportunities and economic integration. But none of this would be possible without adequate infrastructure in the LLDCs, their transit neighbours, and stronger partnership and collaboration to enhance connectivity.
Infrastructure development
Infrastructure development is a catalyst for overcoming the inherent geographical challenges and other structural constraints faced by LLDCs. Adequate and well-maintained infrastructure, including road, rail, and air networks, can facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people across borders, reducing transportation costs and transit times, while IT infrastructure is vital for digital solutions, streamlining trade processes, fostering economic diversification, and harnessing the potentials of e-commerce. It is important to highlight the strides that have been achieved in enhancing transport networks across many Euro-Asian LLDCs, such as the Asian Highway Network, Trans-Asian Railway Network, and Euro-Asian Transport Links. However, several LLDCs in Europe and Asia continue to grapple with inadequate infrastructure and disjointed connections between different modes of transportation. Prioritizing investments in infrastructure developments, particularly robust transportation networks will also enable the efficient movement of raw materials and finished products from LLDCs to global markets, facilitating value addition and fostering the growth of new manufacturing sectors.
Diversifying economies and embracing digital technologies
LLDCs need to create more diversified and resilient economies while embracing technological advancements. In European LLDCs, proximity to well-developed markets has influenced the availability of resources and the potential for economic diversification. However, many LLDCs in the region still rely heavily on a narrow range of commodities or industries for their export earnings and economic development. Diversifying LLDC economies will help mitigate the risks associated with commodity price fluctuations and market uncertainties and provide a more stable path for equitable growth and development. Every chance to connect with regional and worldwide value chains should be explored to overcome the challenges posed by limited domestic markets. LLDCs should also explore new technologies that allow local enterprises to sell into global markets. More involvement in online businesses, digital services, and helping small businesses and women entrepreneurs are important too. We have witnessed it time and again - by bridging digital and connectivity gaps, LLDCs can effectively improve productivity and competitiveness on the global stage.
Building sustainable and climate-resilient economies
As a result of their location and greater reliance on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, Euro-Asia's LLDCs continue to be disproportionately affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. At the same time, their capacity to adapt to climate change is constrained by limited resources and productive capacities, weak infrastructure, and institutional shortcomings. Addressing these limitations through sustainable development strategies, technology transfer and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure can enhance resilience against climate shocks. Simply put – preparedness, capacity to respond, climate-resilient roads, bridges, and disaster-resistant buildings can minimize the impact of extreme weather events, by reducing disruptions to trade and economic activities. Additionally, Euro-Asia's LLDCs need to have an enhanced voice in global climate negotiations and discussions, for their needs and priorities to be incorporated in the global climate discourse.
Financial Support and capacity building
Given the heightened dependence of Euro-Asia's LLDCs on external finance both to address their macroeconomic challenges and to finance their development needs, they are highly reliant on developments in the global economy, including the international financial markets and the aid architecture. LLDCs often face limitations in terms of mobilising the financial resources necessary to support their development needs. During the current poly-crisis, these financing needs have widened further, with many LLDCs carrying growing debt burdens, which impede their development efforts.
The next Programme of Action needs to focus urgently on the debt issue in a comprehensive manner. Adequate financial support from various sources, including domestic revenues, international aid, and multilateral institutions, will be essential to bridge funding gaps and enable critical development projects. Development partners, International Financial Institutions, Regional Development Banks, multilateral institutions, and the private sector should prioritize targeted assistance in financing for development and long-term solution to debt. , This is indispensable in addressing the multifaceted challenges of LLDCs.
Ultimately, Euro-Asia's LLDCs cannot do it alone.
Forging the widest possible coalition of multi-stakeholder partnerships among LLDCs and transit countries as well as development partners and the private sector, is now more critical than ever as we embark on a new decade of action for LLDCs. The global community must stand together to support these countries, fostering an environment of growth, prosperity, and integration into the global economy. Only through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision, the LLDCs can overcome their challenges and embark on a journey towards a brighter future for their people.
With the Third United Nations Conference on LLDCs on the horizon, the regional review meeting in Bangkok this week presents a unique opportunity for Euro-Asia's LLDCs to rally global support and forge partnerships for transformative change. The meeting will set the stage for meaningful dialogues, innovative ideas, collective aspirations, exchange of best practices and experiences among LLDCs, transit countries, and development partners, as leaders and policymakers strive to unlock the immense potential of LLDCs in Asia and Europe.
Together, we can create pathways to prosperity for Euro-Asia's LLDCs and ensure that they are not left behind in our shared journey toward sustainable development.
Rabab Fatima is the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
1 of 5
Press Release
30 August 2023
Moldova has a National Climate Change Adaptation Programme, developed with the support of UNDP
According to the Minister of Environment, Iordanca-Rodica Iordanov, by the adoption of the program, the Republic of Moldova has aimed to align with the global efforts to limit the negative impact of climate change:
"The National Climate Change Adaptation Programme until 2030 seeks to ensure the integration of adaptation measures into sectoral policies, in synergy with climate change adaptation policy documents, as well as in the field of disaster risk management. The program has been developed to enhance the climate resilience of the country. For this purpose, targeted policy actions are necessary. Therefore, the program focuses on several sectors vulnerable to climate change."
The Programme sets objectives aimed at increasing the climate resilience of six priority sectors: agriculture, health, transportation, energy, water, and the forestry sector, and is accompanied by an action plan for preventing and overcoming risks and vulnerabilities caused by climate change.
The documents provide specific interventions in each of the six sectors.
In the forestry sector, there will be an emphasis on increasing forested areas, which currently stand at only 11% of the territory of the Republic of Moldova – coverage which is too low to mitigate the effects of climate change. The EU average of forestation, for example, is 30-45%.
In the agricultural sector, the promotion of drought-adapted species, as well as use of the anti-hail nets and measures that would protect crops during early frosts, will be encouraged.
In the transport sector, the standards for the construction and maintenance of road infrastructure are to be reviewed and improved, taking into account the damages caused by climate change.
In the health sector, existing clinical protocols will be adjusted or new protocols will be developed for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused or exacerbated by climate change.
In the energy sector, the electricity supply infrastructure is set to be improved to minimize losses caused by extreme weather events.
One of the measures for the water sector involves encouraging citizens and the private sector to adopt water reuse measures for household and industrial needs.
The Republic of Moldova is one of Europe’s most climate change-vulnerable countries, particularly prone to floods and droughts. The floods of 2008 alone caused damages worth over US$120 million, and the droughts that occurred between 2007 and 2012 caused economic losses of over one billion dollars, affecting 80% of the country's territory.
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
21 September 2023
Resources
19 September 2023
1 / 11