In 2011, Moldova will have a Youth Capital, a town or village where many activities involving youth will take place. More details about the Youth Capital were made public during a press conference at Info-Prim Neo. The initiative belongs to the National Youth Council and the Ministry of Education, in partnership with the UN agencies in Moldova. “Through this project we hope to involve young people in various activities, to encourage them in the decision-making process, to promote and develop youth policies, to inform them about opportunities of creating and developing regional partnerships regarding youth policies”, said Eduard Mihalas, member of the Bureau of the National Youth Council. The contest for the Youth Capital title is open to the towns and villages which are willing to organize multiple activities involving youth and which have an adequate infrastructure and enough human resources for that. The cities of Chisinau and Balti are not eligible. “We think youth are an important resource for changing the society. That’s why we want young people, especially those from rural areas, to be more responsible, to get involved in more activities”, said Deputy UNFPA Representative Boris Galca. The community to become Youth Capital will be selected by a commission formed of local authorities’ representatives, UNFPA and youth NGOs leaders. The Minister of Youth and Sports Ion Cebanu said this initiative is meant to promote young people. Moreover, the Youth Capital title will enhance the further development of the respective community. Activities in the Youth Capital will focus on stimulating processes and mechanisms of decision-making and promoting opportunities of personal and professional development. This contest is new and unique in Moldova, being inspired from the European Youth Forum experience. The project is part of the actions planned to mark the International Youth Year. The deadline for applications is November 5.