Boris Gilca: To have a child is a special social project

{Info-Prim Neo interview with Boris Gilca, UNFPA Assistant Representative for Moldova. Interview 12 of 12 in the “Year 2012 in the life of Moldova and its people” series} [ - Dear Mr Gilca, while planning the features for year 2012 in the life of Moldova and its people, the Info-Prim Neo Agency encountered a hard problem, the solution of which requires your help. We have found a sufficient number of sufficiently relevant interviewees and representatives for the Republic of Moldova, and less, very few in fact, interviewees to adequately represent, without any conflicts of interest, the regular citizen. We thought we may ask you to act as representative, because, as we understand, what the UNFPA does in Moldova is to simply study the life of the regular citizen, of the society of civilians as a whole, through the lens of their interests and problems. What does the UNFPA do in Moldova?] - The UNFPA commenced its activity in Moldova in 1995. We proposed to set both short-term and long-term objectives. UN Population Fund's mandate refers to reproductive health, youth issues, issues related to gender, discrimination, social inequality, demographic policies etc. The UNFPA is the warrant of a mandate to Moldova, the signatory; we are here to sensitize the public authority regarding these aspects, to share the experience of other countries, and, through our international expertise, to assist the Government in implementing reforms in the above mentioned fields. We are also interested in developing policies for social equity, and especially population-related problems: ageing of the population, migration, decrease in birthrate etc. [ - What are Moldova's gravest problems population-wise?] - All countries, all societies, have social problems; Moldova is not an isolated case. This is a country that has faces many changes in terms of social progress. But there are social issues that passed on from the old regime. We are mainly referring to services, access to them, be it that they are in education, healthcare, but also social inclusion, economic integration issues. Despite the progress registered, we observe a certain disparity in parameters such as: rural relative urban, among different social layers, between the majority and minorities. The are statistics, access to education indices, that we observe more and more often in vulnerable categories, such as Rroma people, for example. Healthcare services are not yet equal. The are youth integration issues, and here we again notice discrepancies. They have unequal access to the labour market, which motivates part of the youth to leave the country, leading to migration. And this is where the serious talk starts: Moldova's rate of active labour force residing abroad is of about 25%. Thus, at least one quarter of the active population is outside of the country. This is a problem! Domestic productivity also has issues. Although emigrants send money to the country, it can only solve part of the problem (the population's purchasing power rises). Henceforth, another problem emerges, since this money transfer is most of the time used for direct consumption. What do we do? We have degree holders who cannot find a job, because the economy does generate work places, thus pushing these youth to emigrate. A vicious circle leading to migration emerges. Coherent migration policies must be formulated. On another note, Moldova did not finalize its pension system reform. Much political courage and commitment is needed for this reform. I am not sure whether the current political class has such courage and commitment, but a delay will cost us dearly, namely those who retire. Today, we have more elderly than people to support the elderly. Moldovans will live longer and the segment of the elderly population will increase. We must comprehend these realities and start practising policies that would help us face these phenomena, in order to manage them better. The population needs information regarding the benefits of reforming the pension system and promoting active ageing. All of the Parties should support these unpopular reforms, in order to prove that they care for a better and safer future of the society. [ - Where do we stand in the birthrate department?] - There are complex issues. Decreasing birthrates are spreading through Europe. Fertility is being calculated as a ratio between the number of births and the number of women of fertile age (i.e. ages 15-49). We need 2.1 children per woman, in order to talk of a stable population – that is, generations simply reproducing themselves. 2.1 is the population stability level; anything below determines a long-term reduction of the population. Moldova's population significantly decreased after 1986. We have a decrease in fertility, but also a change in the demographic structure. It will become increasingly hard to maintain a stable social life level. Less births, less marriages, and at much older ages, less children. But I repeat, it is complex, wide spread social phenomenon. The contemporary Moldovan family gives birth to one child, and wishes “quality in everything”, thus not opting for a second child. To have a child is a special project. We need demographic equilibrium, but not on account of decreasing life quality, of social inequality, or diminishing investments into human capital, or the one destined to children's education. [ - How will the UNFPA involve next year? What priorities will be supported?] - The question is how the Government sees these priorities. Is the population problem something important for us; do we approach these things now or later? The United Nations Agencies try to influence this hierarchy of priorities, in order to help the Government in dealing with high priorities. The effects are long term. The United Nations will launch the new Assistance and Partnership Framework for 2013-2017, and the UNFPA will launch a new Country Program planned for the same period. The Partnership Framework will support Moldova's priorities and development objectives in three important fields: (1) democratic governance, justice, equality, and human rights; (2) human development and social inclusion; and (3) environment, climatic changes, and natural disaster risk management. The Program will contribute, also, at deepening the UN reform in the country, in order to more efficiently respond to national priorities. The priorities of the new UNFPA Program will be synchronized with the reform agenda of: the healthcare system, with an emphasis on reproductive healthcare, healthcare education programs, social security system demographic policies of the legislative framework gender-wise, including domestic violence etc. It is smarter to have efficient reforms, albeit painful at times, in order to manage our future better. Not only the present, but, more specifically, the future. [ - In Your opinion, who would benefit the most out of an almost finalized process of European Integration for Moldova: labour eligible population categories, fertile age ones, or the vulnerable, special need ones? Who needs to convince whom to support this process more ardently?] - European integration is the most important project for Moldova's long-term development. It is a fortunate moment for real reforms in economic and social development, in justice, human rights, promotion of political partnership, stopping the democratic deficit and the extension of development for cooperation. It is a crucial moment for the country, and I am glad that European integration is of national interest to the absolute majority. It is the most important exam to be taken, not only by politicians, but by every citizen of the country. Each one must show verticality based on correctness, and it is a win-win for everyone. We really need to make it for Moldova's future. There is no more time to lose. [Alina Marin, Info- Prim Neo]