Switzerland and UNDP start a new project aiming to enhance the participation of diaspora in the sustainable development of their home communities. The project “Strengthen social cohesion through inclusive participation and empowered citizens”, with a total budget of US$1,400,000, will be implemented during 2023-2026, IPN reports, quoting a press release of UNDP Moldova.

“Everything related to migration is important to us. The State Chancellery will strengthen its cooperation efforts with partners and fulfill necessary commitments by fostering more inclusive, accountable, and responsive governance,” said Adrian Băluțel, State Secretary of the Government of the Republic of Moldova.

The project will also provide continued support for the development of the Alliance of Hometown Associations, platform created with Switzerland-UNDP support, that consolidates more than 160 initiative groups and registered hometown associations and is expected to become a fully sustainable national-level umbrella organization, active as a resource center and promoter of democratic practices and social cohesion, with an active engagement of diaspora representatives.

“The strength of the Hometown Associations has a significant impact in our communities. Through cooperation with the UNDP and Switzerland, we hope to further consolidate the connections and synergies between the diaspora, local communities, and national authorities, thus contributing to sustainable development based on the principles of good governance,” said Anastasia Rusu, Executive Director of the Alliance of Hometown Associations.

The project “Strengthen social cohesion through inclusive participation and empowered citizens” project is part of the phase 3 of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation’s program “Moldova - Making the Most of Migration”. The phase includes complementary interventions implemented by UNFPA and Diaspora Relations Bureau.