More than 130 young people from all over the country have drafted directions for the development of youth policies and services in Moldova at a national conference, which took place between November 21 and 22.
In a UNFPA Moldova press release, it is said that the event was moderated by young people, which gave them the opportunity to make their voice heard in front of decision makers and to be inspired by the success stories of other young people.
In his greeting message, the Minister of Education, Culture and Research, Corneliu Popovici, said that since young people represent over 1/3 of the population of Moldova, their contribution to the development of society is indispensable. "It is essential to diversify participation and involvement opportunities for young people at the community level, as well as to provide quality services for young people at the local level", the minister said.
UN Resident Coordinator and UNICEF Representative in Moldova, Desiree Jongsma, said that the UN family in Moldova pleads for the full use of the potential of young people, as agents of change for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. “We are committed to continue our work for and together with young people from Moldova in order to put an end to inequalities and to ensure that all boys and girls, regardless of ethnicity, ability, rural or urban residence, enjoy equal rights and prosperity opportunities", said Desiree Jongsma.
Rita Colombia, UNFPA representative to Moldova, said that currently almost half a million young people aged 15-35 from all districts of the country can benefit from services of youth centers. They operate in 44 settlements, including villages, cities and municipalities.
The conference "Youth policies and services for every young person from the Republic of Moldova" is in its second edition and represents an interactive platform for young people from all over the country.
Ion Bulhac, a volunteer at the Fălești Youth Center, said the young people should get involved in decision making, because the older generations cannot know all their needs.
"We have opportunities that we can benefit from through youth centers and youth organizations, which always offer activities and events aimed at contributing to the personal and professional development of young people", said Tatiana Zaharia, volunteer at the Youth Municipal Center in Chișinău.
The Conference participants had the opportunity to hear life stories of successful young people from Moldova, who have achieved success in different fields. Adriano Marian, founder and conductor of the Moldovan National Youth Orchestra, stressed that it is important for young people to find their path and follow it. In order to achieve their dreams, they must have a well thought-out plan and work hard towards their goals.
At the end of the conference, the participants made a series of recommendations that will be included in the final Declaration of the Conference. The Declaration will be handed over to all relevant ministries and institutions, in order to integrate the youth dimension into sectoral policies and programs.
The conference was organized in the context of the National Youth Days, within the framework of the "Joint Fund for the development of Youth Centers and civic participation and involvement of young people in Moldova" of the MECC, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, UNFPA, in partnership with UNICEF.