Press release
The country’s second Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was presented today at the Government. The document reflects the progress achieved by our country during 2020–2024, as well as the priorities for the next stage of development, in the context of the European Union accession process. The event brought together representatives of public authorities, the United Nations (UN), the National Bureau of Statistics, civil society, youth and development partners.
The Secretary General of the Government, Alexei Buzu, emphasized that the Voluntary National Review provides a clear assessment of progress and helps guide future actions:
“The key question this report answers is to what extent we have managed to become more resilient and provide our citizens with a decent standard of living. It is equally important to understand whether, in the next five years, we can achieve this faster and more efficiently. The Government will continue to invest in people—through stronger social support and improved access to healthcare and quality education”.
“This Report is not just a reporting exercise, but a real act of accountability to people and to the international community. The Republic of Moldova has accelerated its reform agenda, deepened its European integration path, and demonstrated a level of resilience that few small economies can match. The report provides an honest assessment of this determination”, said the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Moldova, Yesim Oruc.
The report shows that in recent years the Republic of Moldova has advanced in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, despite overlapping crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, high inflation, and the effects of the war in Ukraine. Public interventions and support from development partners helped maintain macroeconomic stability, protect vulnerable populations, and continue reforms aligned with European integration.
The document highlights progress in several areas: strengthening social protection, expanding support for vulnerable populations, investments in health, education, and social infrastructure, improved access to water and sanitation, enhanced energy security, and the development of a framework for climate action.
At the same time, the report notes the return of the economy to a positive trajectory in 2023–2024, the growing role of small and medium-sized enterprises, the development of the IT sector, and the expansion of digital public services. The modernization of transport infrastructure and connectivity has also helped bring services and opportunities closer to citizens.
The report also underlines progress in gender equality, rule of law, and human security, including through strengthening the legal and institutional framework to combat violence against women and domestic violence.
External partnerships have played an important role in these achievements. Financial and technical support provided by the European Union, the United Nations, and other development partners contributed to stability, modernization of public administration, digitalization of services, and alignment with European standards.
At the same time, the document identifies priorities for the next period: reducing rural–urban disparities, strengthening institutional capacities, accelerating the green transition, increasing energy efficiency, and improving data systems for evidence-based policymaking.
The Government will use the findings of the Voluntary National Review to better guide public policies, investments, and reforms in the coming years. The document reaffirms the country’s commitment to advancing sustainable development, strengthening public institutions, and building a more resilient, inclusive state closer to its citizens.
The Voluntary National Review 2026, developed with the support of UN agencies: UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office will be presented by the Secretary General of the Government, Alexei Buzu, at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
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