The Joint UN Moldova Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund Program was launched during an event in Chisinau, in the context of the International Migrants Day 2023. Implemented for a period of 36 months, the joint Program aims to leverage the positive impact of migration on Moldova’s socio-economic development and minimize the negative effects of migration, IPN reports.
Ana Calinici, State Secretary of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, said that the joint Program strongly supports Moldova’s modernization and the EU integration with its implementation strategy, data and capacity building components, sustainable and innovative approaches aligned to this process.
Simon Springett, Resident Coordinator of UN in Moldova, said that the launch of the joint Program in migration area is another good example of UN agencies working together to support the country’s efforts to deliver a better life for all, leaving no one behind. Addressing key challenges, leveraging the expertise of the diaspora, and exploring new opportunities for Moldova will definitely bring a positive impact on the country’s sustainable and resilient development.
Lars Johan Lönnback, IOM Chief of Mission, mentioned that the diaspora’s collective experience and skills offer a wealth of potential to drive positive change, particularly in critical areas, such as labor mobility, social protection, healthcare, education energy efficiency, climate change adaptation, digitalization, investment attraction, public finance, justice, and the rule of law, among many others.
“Our shared vision is that a revamped migration governance framework shall be an integrative part of the EU integration process, and it needs to be informed by unbiased and gender sensitive data and analysis which considers migrants and diaspora needs, vulnerabilities, as a well as the migrants’ and diaspora competences and know-how which can and should be leveraged for Moldova’s development in key strategic sectors,” stated the IOM Chief of Mission.
Maha Damaj, UNICEF Representative in the Republic of Moldova, noted that the migration phenomenon mainly affects Moldovan families with children. More than 25% of households with children, where at least one member is abroad, fall into the socially vulnerable population category. On the other hand, the impact of migration could effectively serve as an investment in enhancing the lives of Moldovan families with children, for example, by using wisely remittances sent by Moldovan people staying abroad. As part of this joint project, UNICEF will collaborate with the Government and UN agencies to ensure that global mobility trends positively impact children’s. needs.
The Joint UN Moldova Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund Program will be implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Moldova.
