Latest
Press Release
30 January 2023
FAO and Japan to help Moldovan rural households overcome multiple crisis effects
Learn more
Press Release
30 January 2023
The European Union and UNDP launch a new call for proposals for the clusters of Ungheni and Cahul regions
Learn more
Press Release
30 January 2023
Women’s organisations in Moldova receive funding to respond to the humanitarian crisis
Learn more
Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Moldova
The UN in Moldova remains a key partner in supporting Moldova’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) nationalization and implementation process. The Government has committed to achieving the SDGs, and with the support of the UN, the Moldovan State Chancellery conducted extended external consultations regarding the 2030 Agenda and its application to the local context. The SDGs nationalization report “Adapting the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development to the context of the Republic of Moldova” was presented to the Coordination Council for Sustainable Development and endorsed by its members on 4 July 2017.
Publication
23 December 2022
The Republic of Moldova - United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 (UNSDCF)
The Government of the Republic of Moldova and the United Nations are committed to working together to achieve the national development priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals and other internationally agreed development goals and treaty obligations.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework tailors the responses to national priorities, ensuring that all United Nations entities can effectively support national implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Building on the successes of our past cooperation, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework will guide the joint work of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the United Nations system from 2023 until 2027.
The collective results expected from this Cooperation Framework will help the Republic of Moldova become a more prosperous and resilient country, with strong participative democratic institutions, green development and equal opportunities for all, in line with the overarching aim of the Sustainable Development Goals of “Leaving No One Behind”.
1 of 5

Publication
30 January 2023
World Economic Situation and Prospects 2023
The world continues to confront multiple, inter-connected crises. Amid a slow recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is facing a food and energy crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, with record high inflation unleashing a cost-of-living crisis. Developing countries are struggling over the costs of imports and debt servicing, and a climate crisis continues to wreak havoc on the most vulnerable countries and populations.
Amid monetary tightening, subdued consumption and private investments, judicious government spending will remain critical for steering economic recovery worldwide. The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2023 will underscore the imperative of supportive and accommodative fiscal measures to lift growth and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
1 of 5

Story
02 September 2022
United Nations Common Country Analysis Data Dashboard
Now you can access data about Moldova on the UN Common Country Analysis (CCA) Data Dashboard.
The United Nations Common Country Analysis for The Republic of Moldova (UN CCA) provides an in-depth analysis of the country’s socio - economic development and political context, along with critical challenges and root causes.
The Dashboard was developed by the Resident Coordinator Office of UN Moldova and is currently available in English language.
1 of 5

Press Release
16 January 2023
Strengthening Socio-Economic Resilience of Women and Girls Affected by the Ukraine Refugee Crisis in Moldova
Minimum 2,000 women and girls, both refugee and local, especially the most vulnerable and affected by the crisis, will benefit from interventions of the project: provision of most needed and gender-responsive humanitarian assistance, information on available services (cash for work, preschool services for children, etc.), employment and business development opportunities, as well as psychosocial, social, and legal services, including on cases of gender-based violence.
The main objective of the project is to offer its beneficiaries access to gender-responsive humanitarian assistance and tailored livelihood programs and integrated gender responsive, localized and women-centered protection and development opportunities. Tailored livelihoods programs will be developed aimed at skills development (including but not limited to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), vocational and foreign language skills, public speaking, self-confidence, digital and financial literacy, gender equality), skill-matching, job placement and cash for work opportunities. Also, as a result of the project, frontline workers, including but not limited to Local Public Authorities, humanitarian workers and local/regional CSOs in 5 districts, will have increased awareness on referral pathways and provide services, including gender-responsive humanitarian assistance to refugee women and girls as well as Moldovan women, especially the most vulnerable and affected by the crisis.
“Japan is with the Republic of Moldova and the United Nations in our support to refugees from Ukraine. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable in time of wars. We praise the Moldovans for generously providing shelter and care to the Ukrainian refugees. We thank UN Women for taking the lead in prioritizing the needs for women and girls in this difficult situation.” mentioned H.E. Mr. Yamada Yoichiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Moldova.
„This is the second time when, with the generous support of Japan, UN Women will provide support to women and girls affected by the crises. This project is very timely and important in the current regional context as it is crucial to strengthen the resilience of women refugees and empower them economically, but as well to encourage women across the country to access labor market and realize their social and entrepreneurial potential.” mentioned Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova country representative.
The total budget of the project is 800 000 US Dollars and will be implemented in 2023.
1 of 5
Publication
21 November 2022
How is life: micro-narratives on the impact of the Ukraine crisis in the Republic of Moldova
UNDP is leading the socio-economic response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine closely coordinating with the humanitarian response and partners such as UNHCR. Moldova is hosting the highest numbers of Ukrainian refugees per capita, which has a dramatic impact on Moldova’s budget. UNDP Moldova partnered with The Cynefin Company to explore the experiences of both Ukrainians refugees in Moldova, and the local Moldovan citizens. SenseMaker®, a mixed methods ethnographic research tool, was used to collect micro-narratives about living in the community. This research paper explores the quantitative and qualitative insights gained from the SenseMaker® data, complemented at the end by data from a multi-needs assessment survey.
1 of 5

Story
25 January 2023
Eco Village Văleni – a family business that promotes the tourist potential of Văleni village
Its purpose is to promote the tourist potential of the village of Văleni and the Beleu Lake ecosystem.
The agro-pension is part of the Lunca Prutului de Jos Reserve, registered in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
To develop and strengthen local tourism, the agro-pension Eco-Village Văleni benefited from a grant as part of the “EU4Moldova: Focal Regions’’ programme, financed by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.
Following the financing in the amount of €30,000, the territory of the agro-pension was arrange.
The funding made possible the equipping and furnishing of eight new rooms in thematic cottages, wood stoves were installed and kitchen equipment was purchased. The construction of a spa area with swimming pools, jacuzzi and sauna is in process of completion.
As a result of these investments, three more people were employed and thanks to the development of the infrastructure, the agro-pension has become an attractive tourist point for tourists from the country and abroad. The “EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” programme (2019-2024) supports smart, inclusive, and sustainable social and economic development in the regions of Cahul and Ungheni to ensure a better quality of life for citizens. The programme, with a total budget of €23 million provided by the European Union, is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The agro-pension is part of the Lunca Prutului de Jos Reserve, registered in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
To develop and strengthen local tourism, the agro-pension Eco-Village Văleni benefited from a grant as part of the “EU4Moldova: Focal Regions’’ programme, financed by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.
Following the financing in the amount of €30,000, the territory of the agro-pension was arrange.
The funding made possible the equipping and furnishing of eight new rooms in thematic cottages, wood stoves were installed and kitchen equipment was purchased. The construction of a spa area with swimming pools, jacuzzi and sauna is in process of completion.
As a result of these investments, three more people were employed and thanks to the development of the infrastructure, the agro-pension has become an attractive tourist point for tourists from the country and abroad. The “EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” programme (2019-2024) supports smart, inclusive, and sustainable social and economic development in the regions of Cahul and Ungheni to ensure a better quality of life for citizens. The programme, with a total budget of €23 million provided by the European Union, is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
1 of 5

Story
16 January 2023
The pizza restaurant that won over the hearts of the people of Cahul: the story of Veaceslav Duduș, an entrepreneur supported by the European Union and UNDP
With over 15 years of experience in the HORECA sector, Veaceslav opened a restaurant in Cahul, as part of the “Augusto” network. Specialising in making pizza and other bakery products, “Augusto” has become one of the most loved places in the region.
To help the business grow, Veaceslav participated in the 2021 grants competition announced by the “EU4Moldova: Focal Region” programme, funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. As a result, he received approximately €25,000 for the purchase of various equipment installed in the restaurant, warehouse, bakery, and semi-finished products production point.
Currently, “Augusto” is endowed with high-performance equipment: electric ovens, fryers, refrigerated display cabinets, sinks, etc.
The popularity of the place is on the rise, thanks to the special Italian-style pizza-making technology. Augusto’s pizza dough is made using a unique technology and the cheese and filling are provided by local producers.
Because the main spices for pizza are love and passion, the demand has increased, so now Veaceslav offers catering and delivery services. At least eight jobs were created since the grant was awarded and the employees are from rural areas.
Veaceslav Duduș opened his first bakery five years ago in Comrat. To start his business, Veaceslav invested more than €20,000. He received 80% of the required amount as a grant from the European Union through the “Support for agriculture and rural development in ATU Găgăuzia region and Taraclia district” Programme, implemented by UNDP. The European funds were used to purchase modern equipment and ovens, thanks to which Veaceslav put the first pastry products made using French technology on the local market.
In the future, Veaceslav Duduș plans as well to organise cooking workshops for children from the Cahul region. The key to the success of “Augusto” is the high quality of service, the delicious food and the friendly vibes.
1 of 5

Story
16 January 2023
Valentina Buhnă, founder of Flavorya, on being an entrepreneur and the unusual tastes of dried fruits
The desire to cultivate healthy habits in her family and identify alternatives to trade sweets motivated Valentina Buhnă, a young entrepreneur from Nisporeni district, to launch and manage a business based on diverse tastes, flavours and colours. Her company, Flavorya, comprises a wide range of dehydrated products: fruit leather with unusual tastes, crackers made with germinated seeds and fruit chips. For several years, she has been reinventing the essence of nature through these healthy dehydrated products.
“I did not start [Flavorya] based on a business idea but rather out of my personal need to consume only healthy products – products without preservatives, sugar, artificial flavours or dyes, products abounding in vitamins and nutrients. Pregnant at the time, I was being more careful when choosing food to eat, so it came naturally. I tasted the fruit leather for the first time, and it seemed extraordinarily tasty; I couldn't believe it was only composed of strawberries and baked apple. Called ‘pistil’ in Romanian, fruit leather is dehydrated fruit pulp that resembles a thin sheet. My parents have a wide variety of fruits and berries in their garden, grown organically, and this motivated me to buy a small dehydrator and experiment with all the possible tastes and combinations. This is how I ended up creating over 30 types of fruit leather that I initially adapted to my tastes and preferences and, later, to market demand and consumer suggestions. But that's not all: much bolder combinations followed, such as beet and pomegranate, then carrot and orange. My family and I grow more than half of the raw materials used in Flavorya products in Nisporeni.
Gradually, I started going to local fairs in Chișinău and selling my products there. I started receiving more encouragement and positive reviews, and this gave me wings to continue and expand my business.
Along the way, I realised that if I wanted to offer options for all taste preferences, I had to think about creating something salty. This is how crackers from germinated seeds appeared in the Flavorya portfolio. Healthy and tasty, crackers from germinated seeds dehydrated at low temperature are a rich source of vegetable proteins, fibre, fats and immune-boosting minerals. At first, I didn’t intuit that it would be such an appreciated product, but the response from my customers made me adore these crackers as much as they do. With the fruit chips, it was simpler. I knew exactly what I wanted – an easy and healthy snack for weekend evenings, when we gather with our family to watch a movie.
The business I own allows me to be financially independent, and that's one of the best feelings. Even though I initially didn’t have enough self-confidence, I discovered over time that customers understand the value of my products and that they are appreciated locally and internationally.”
In November and December 2022, Flavorya, along with several other small businesses run by women, participated in the International Charity Fair – United Nations Women’s Guild Bazaar in Riga, Vienna and Geneva. These charity fairs are organised to promote local Moldovan products in the international market while also supporting people in need. The funds raised during these exhibitions will go toward financing several projects aimed at helping vulnerable children and women.
“I received a proposal from UN Women to present my products at international exhibitions and was pleasantly surprised to find out that the fruit leather captured the attention of visitors. I was later contacted by a legal entity interested in exporting this product to Riga. After I test the new equipment and prepare an additional set of documents, we will come back to negotiations. In Geneva, too, the options we proposed piqued curiosity, and I am now in discussions with representatives of an embassy about offering my products, which they would give to officials and diplomatic missions.
During my entrepreneurship journey, the trainings, mentorship and financial support I received have been tremendously helpful. In the spring of 2022, I participated in the Voucher Support Programme* and, based on a competitive process, I received 30 thousand lei, which I budgeted toward a product photo shoot, social media services and paid online promotions. Grants like this are a huge contribution for small businesses because, beyond financial aid, it is very important when somebody supports and believes in you and your business.
For women just beginning their entrepreneurship journey, I recommend identifying a business idea that excites them so much that they can, through this passion, overcome multiple obstacles and crises.”
*The Voucher Support Programme was implemented by Sweet Mary SRL at the initiative of UN Women, with financial support from the Government of Sweden, during the project "Support to local women entrepreneurs in business development, for sustainable growth and resilience against the COVID-19 pandemic".
1 of 5

Story
16 January 2023
Marina Cladicov's bakery in Ungheni is expanding with the support of the EU
Her passion for cooking dates to her childhood, when she and her grandmother waited by the stove for the bread to raise. Traditional pastry and bakery products are the pride of the Cladicov family and the appreciation of customers bring them a lot of joy.
Eight types of pies, noodles, and homemade dumplings, pancakes, and many other products are prepared daily for the residents of Ungheni.
Thanks to the good value for money, anyone can afford the products. The pies have a special place in the heart of the bakery, as they are cooked in front of the customer and served hot.
Now the company employs seven people. Under the “EU4Moldova: Focal Regions regions” programme, financed by the EU, the Cladicov family benefited from financial support worth €15,000.
Thanks to the EU grant, a new bakery was opened and four more people were hired.
The investment supported the bakery’s development, thanks to newly purchased equipment for dough and pastry, a convection steam oven, a dough mixer, a noodle maker, and freezers.
The bakery is successful thanks to the delicious taste of the products, but also their quality, since they are prepared without any additives.
New and old customers motivate her to go ahead and treat them with delicious food.
The “EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” programme (2019-2024) supports smart, inclusive, and sustainable social and economic development in the regions of Cahul and Ungheni to ensure a better quality of life for citizens. The programme, with a total budget of €23 million provided by the European Union, is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
1 of 5

Story
16 January 2023
Rental assistance project in Moldova, in support of University distance learning in Ukraine
“I was leading an ordinary life in Odesa. I was studying medicine at the university. I had friends and the warmth of my family”. He remembers the beginning of the war as if it was yesterday. “It was late, and as often happened my classmates and I were still awake preparing a PowerPoint presentation. When we finished, I went to brush my teeth and went to bed. After a couple of hours, I heard some loud explosions. I looked out the window and saw the bombings. I lived not far from the Odesa military base and the airport, and that's where the Russians struck when the attack started. The earth was shaking, I was very scared. My best friend called me in the morning, and we made the decision to leave”.
Roman arrived in Moldova alone, in March 2022. He decided to go to Balti where his grandmother used to work long time ago in a machining factory. No parents, no friends, no acquaintances nearby, scarce financial resources, and no place to live.
“I needed help because I was alone, no money, and far from my hometown. I did not even know how it was possible to find a place to stay”. Thereafter, thanks the support of the host community, “common people”, he found a safe place to live. “But I could not afford it”, he admitted.
In a vulnerable situation, he seized the opportunity to have a roof over his head but with the awareness that it would have been an almost insurmountable challenge to pay the rent with the odd jobs he could find, and remittances provided by his family in Ukraine. The risk of eviction was around the corner.
In the period of his greatest uncertainty in Balti, “I received a call to my phone number from IOM Moldova to inform me about the ‘Rental Assistance’ project. I immediately showed interest and I was invited for a meeting”.
Roman hadn't been able to find work yet and therefore he had no financial resources, beyond the support of the family, to pay the rent and provide for his basic needs.
“The only expectation I had at that time was to receive rental assistance for the apartment. I didn't count on anything more. I couldn't even ask for more, because I know there are people who are in a much more difficult position”.
“I live in an ordinary old apartment, where I feel comfortable and safe. Thanks to the assistance of the IOM, instead of paying the rent, I can save money for other needs and build my future. In fact, I did not give up my studies. I am attending the university with continuous distance learning since would see myself in six months at home, despite the fact that everything is destroyed, and I still do not know what will happen”.
1 of 5

Press Release
30 January 2023
Women’s organisations in Moldova receive funding to respond to the humanitarian crisis
The projects, which will mainstream gender into humanitarian response actions, will be implemented with the support of UN Women Moldova, with funding provided by the Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund.
The grant certificates were offered to the beneficiary organisations at a UN Women Moldova event on 20 January titled "The role of women and women-led organisations in managing the humanitarian crisis response". The total amount of grants offered is $2.6 million USD. The project activities will aim to strengthen the institutional capacities of organisations, encouraging women’s leadership and supporting the socio-economic empowerment of women refugees from Ukraine and those from host communities. This will be done by developing and boosting their professional and entrepreneurial skills, which will in turn contribute to strengthening social cohesion among local communities and Ukrainian refugees in Moldova.
"A year has passed [since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine] and the suffering of the people has remained just as great,” said Simon Springett, the UN Resident Coordinator for Moldova, at the event, adding that 80 per cent of Ukrainian refugees are women and children. “We support the localisation of gender-based humanitarian responses. Understanding the needs of communities is essential, partnerships with local organisations are extremely important, and in Moldova, where 90 per cent of refugees live with host families, their role is vital. The UN will continue efforts to promote social cohesion among the local community and refugees".
Ghita El Khyari, the Head of the Secretariat for the Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund, thanked partner organisations that have been involved since the first day of the Russia-Ukraine war. "We are proud of the fact that we have managed to grow our community to 14 organisations,” she said. “Women's organisations and organisations led by women are increasingly seen as trusted partner organisations with the necessary expertise and capacity to respond to crises".
Felicia Bechtoldt, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, said that the crisis caused by the war has significantly increased the vulnerability of women. “Over 650,000 people have entered Moldova since the beginning of the war, with over 65 per cent of these refugees being single women who face a high risk of gender-based violence, exploitation and abuse,” she said. “Women's needs are increasing, and it is vital that we provide help to women refugees and those from host communities: psychological services, social assistance, vocational training and employment assistance. The involvement of women gives refugees self-confidence and emotional stability".
UN Women Moldova Country Representative, Dominika Stojanoska, spoke on the importance of supporting civil society organisations during this time. "Since the beginning of the crisis, it was very important to improve our partnerships with civil society because we knew they would be on the ground with or without funds, and we knew they needed support,” she says. “This funding will not only give assistance to refugees but also support community work to ensure economic resilience and conflict prevention. Cooperation with local organisations has proven effective".
The projects will be implemented in different regions across Moldova, including Transnistria. Last year, six other women’s rights organisations and women-led organisations also implemented projects funded by the Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund, in which over 1,400 refugees received emergency assistance, around 600 women benefited from training and counseling sessions and 167 women took part in leadership programmes. .
About the Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund
The Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund is the only global funding mechanism exclusively dedicated to accelerating programmatic and institutional support to local women's organisations operating in fragile conditions, enabling them to respond to crises and build lasting peace. As the host of its World Secretariat, UN Women plays a key role in the success and continuous development of the fund.
About UN Women
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and women's empowerment. A global champion of women and girls' rights, UN Women was established to accelerate the response to their needs around the world. UN Women supports the equal participation of women in all aspects of life, focusing on the following strategic priorities:
Women lead, participate and equally benefit from governance systems.
Women have financial security, decent jobs and economic independence.
All women and girls live a life free from any form of violence.
Women and girls contribute to and have a greater influence over the creation of lasting peace and resilience, equally benefiting from conflict prevention and humanitarian action.
1 of 5
Press Release
30 January 2023
FAO and Japan to help Moldovan rural households overcome multiple crisis effects
A project of USD 840 000 will be implemented by FAO with financial support from the Government of Japan to help over 3 600 highly vulnerable farming households in rural communities. The project is part of the FAO emergency programme in the Republic of Moldova and will contribute together with two other projects in mitigating the effects of the ongoing crisis.
"Together with FAO we are supporting smallholder farmers and will contribute to ensuring food security in the Republic of Moldova," said Yamada Yoichiro, Ambassador of Japan to Moldova. "We [the Government of Japan] will continue to provide support for the people of Republic of Moldova, who are affected by the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine."
The latest FAO report on Crop and Food Supply Assessment in the Republic of Moldova states that smallholder farms are the agriculture producers who suffer the greatest negative impacts from drought and war. Their access to seeds, animal feed, and fertilizers is limited and high credit interest rates are constraining their ability to utilize financing services. In response, the project will supply agriculture inputs to small farmers and use FAO expertise to build their resilience against future shocks.
FAO Representative in the Republic of Moldova, Raimund Jehle, is confident that this project will reach its aim: “This project is crucial for farmers facing a difficult situation due to war, drought, and high agriculture input prices. Without urgently needed assistance, income losses and higher food insecurity are looming. We are excited to partner with the Government of Japan to boost the socio-economic recovery of the country by building together a resilient, sustainable, and green agrifood system”.
The beneficiaries will receive timely and season-sensitive agricultural inputs for cereal and vegetable cultivation and livestock raising. All inputs provided will be complemented by technical training on good agricultural and climate-resilient techniques and practices.
"This project is an essential step forward, enabling thousands of vulnerable farming households, affected by war or extreme weather conditions with much-needed support so that they may reestablish production and attain self-sufficiency,” said Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of the Republic of Moldova. “We appreciate the generous support of the Government of Japan and continuous FAO efforts in mobilizing funds for developing the agrifood system.
The activities and implementation of this project will embrace inclusiveness on the principle to ‘leave no one behind’, including during the beneficiary selection process. Special attention will be given to, but not limited to, women-headed households, youth, households consisting of persons with a disability, refugees from Ukraine, and elderly members.
The outcomes of the project will be far-reaching, enhancing agricultural production and productivity and creating a marketable surplus to generate income for vulnerable families. Furthermore, those households who receive support from this initiative have the potential to become economically self-sufficient throughout the next season and beyond. Additionally, capacity-building efforts will greatly benefit participants, equipping them with knowledge and experience on best agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and training on climate-resilient techniques.
Since March 2022, FAO has been implementing in the Republic of Moldova an emergency programme with a total budget of nearly USD 3.5 million, with USD 500 000 from the Organization’s own funds and the remainder contributed by other donors.
1 of 5
Press Release
30 January 2023
The European Union and UNDP launch a new call for proposals for the clusters of Ungheni and Cahul regions
The “EU4Moldova: Focal regions” Programme envisages to support and improve the businesses of Cahul and Ungheni, incentivise the existing companies towards cooperation based on value chains in form of cluster and encourage investments opportunities in the region.
Up to four non-commercial entities registered and active in one of the districts of Cahul or Ungheni, selected during the call for proposals, shall benefit from financial assistance not exceeding €100,000 per project, with an own contribution of at least 10% of the total value of the proposal. The proposals, to be presented within this call, should include activities which will be carried out within 12 months from the date of awarding the grant agreement.
The financial assistance will be allocated for the procurement of equipment, goods, works and services for the acceleration and development of the existing clusters from urban and rural areas.
The conditions of the call for proposals and the guidelines with all the details on the file submission process may be found here.
The deadline for submitting the files is 17 March 2023, at 17:00.
The “EU4Moldova: Focal regions” Programme (2019-2024) supports intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable social-economic development in the regions of Cahul and Ungheni to ensure better standards of living to the citizens. The programme has a total budget of €23 million, is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
1 of 5
Press Release
30 January 2023
Three micro-regions from Moldova will be granted up to US$400,000 each for local economic development
Thus, the selected communities will be helped to create micro-clusters, which will capitalise on existing local advantages and support the specialisation of local economies. Up to US$400,000 will be invested in each of the three micro-clusters, which will contribute to creating new jobs for locals, but also for returned migrants and refugees from Ukraine.
"In the current socio-economic situation, strengthening the resilience of the economic actors is of paramount importance. With this initiative, Switzerland will support local businesses, contributing in this way to creating new economic perspectives in different regions of Moldova," said Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova.
''Building on UNDP Moldova's longstanding experience of boosting local development, we are proud to contribute to enhanced resilience of SMEs, the backbone of the economy, for an enhanced access to decent jobs to local population and refugees,” mentioned Dima Al-Khatib, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.
Micro-regions are encouraged to register for the competition. The file of the applicant shall include the participation form filled in Romanian or Russian, the declaration of commitment and partnership, signed by all the entities involved from the private and public sector. The deadline for participation is 23 February 2023, 11:00 p.m.
More details are available here: https://bit.ly/3XRpUId
During 1-14 February, information sessions will be organized in Chișinău, Bălți, Cimișlia, Comrat, as well as an online session, to answer the questions of those interested in preparing the participation file and to clarify all the details of the project.
To participate in the information sessions, prior registration is required at: https://rebrand.ly/prim_info_session
During 2015-2022, UNDP and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) carried out the “Migration and local development” project - part of the intervention “Moldova – Making the Most of Migration”, bringing together local public authorities, NGOs/hometown associations, private sector, and people, including migrants originating from target communities. More than 116 localities from the Republic of Moldova and 556,000 people have benefited from improved livelihoods and local public services.
1 of 5
Press Release
30 January 2023
Promoting healthy family dynamics in Moldova through education
Without equitable and inclusive education and opportunities for all, countries will fail to achieve gender equality and break the cycle of poverty that leaves millions of children, young people and adults behind.
To commemorate International Education Day, UN Women Moldova is sharing interviews about an innovative class in schools called "Harmonious Relationships in the Family”. Developed by LA STRADA Moldova to respond to the need for more educational programmes targeting youth, the class seeks to build healthier family dynamics that are rooted in gender equality, mutual respect and direct communication in order to prevent and reduce violence.
Nicoleta Fiodorov-Ganea, a teacher at the Vasile Alecsandri Theoretical High School in Chișinău, has been teaching this optional class to her students. Below, she discusses how beneficial this discipline has been for today's generation.
"The class ‘Harmonious Relationships in the Family’ is an effective one, a discipline that should be included on the list of core school subjects. The purpose of this discipline is to teach students to renounce abuse, criticism, bullying, and to convince them to solve problems through communication. The role of schools in cultivating non-violence is to explain to students that healthy relationships are not abusive and that family members must respect each other.
This class is also special because the curriculum covers various topics that are relevant for today's generation. These topics are structured in such a way that every student who participates in the course knows that communication is the basis for solving any problem. By informing children that, in a family with harmonious relationships, children are perceived as a value in themselves, we increase their interest in studying, encouraging them to make changes for the better in their families and aim for more goals for the future.
When we talk about gender equality, we are not only talking about equal rights between women and men; we also emphasise gender identity, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. It is important for every student to understand that all people are born with equal rights and that each of us must take tolerance into account.
During classes, we remind students that the gender someone is born with should not influence their quality of life in society and that discrimination, violence against women and girls and their underrepresentation in leadership positions is inadmissible. During our classes, we also address the subject of gender stereotypes and, in particular, how we combat prejudices in our community.
Another subject of great importance – which I teach to girl students – concerns the initiation stage of romantic relationships and how to detect the early signs of a potentially abusive partner".
Andreea Mocanu, an 11th grade student who took the class "Harmonious Relationships in the Family," discusses her experience below.
"Studying this discipline really helps me maintain close and healthy relationships with my family, and it helped me learn how to act during some difficult situations in my life. The information presented is extremely useful for us students, given that many of my classmates don’t have parents at home with whom they can talk freely. I’m sorry that my parents didn’t have this subject as a class at school when they were growing up.
When it comes to subjects like domestic violence, stereotypes and gender equality, I had a lot of gaps in my knowledge, given the fact that I live in an extended family where, on a daily basis, my grandmother instils in me the idea that women must submit to men and that men are the heads of the family. With great difficulty, I managed to convince my family that domestic violence is a violation and that any conflict must be solved through communication.
Thanks to this class, I have learned to accept the people around me as they are, without discriminating or judging them, and conflicts have become matters of discussion rather than quarrels. This discipline helps me visualise what a good partner and a healthy romantic relationship should be like".
Doina Cazacu, director of the Women Programme at LA STRADA Moldova, says that gender equality is a topic on the agenda of international organisations and state governments and that it remains a subject of research and intervention for the associative sector as well. “We consider it extremely important that investments in education contain not only well-known and applied subjects throughout the years, but, with the development of society, the shaping of new areas of interest,” she says. “As young people face new challenges, they can learn behavioural and relationship skills in a non-violent, non-discriminatory manner based on the principles of mutual respect and equality".
Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova Country Representative, says that this optional class for youth is an important part of joint efforts to promote positive social norms that prevent violence against women and domestic violence, which are regrettably still persistent in the region and around the world. “We are glad that youth in Moldova have opportunities in schools today to discuss issues related to healthy relationships, consent, flirting versus sexual harassment and other related topics that will support them in becoming emotionally mature adults,” she says.
The class “Harmonious Relationships in the Family” was developed through the project "Developing, piloting and integrating early prevention of gender-based violence and violence against women in the school curriculum", implemented by LA STRADA Moldova in partnership with UN Women Moldova and the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, with the financial support of Sweden.
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
25 January 2023
Resources
23 December 2022
Resources
07 December 2022
Resources
29 November 2022
1 / 11