Seven young women, men and persons of diverse gender identities, belonging to marginalized groups, received diplomas for the successful completion of their internship, as part of the fifth edition of the UN Moldova Diversity Internship Program. The interns completed a four-month lasting internship with a United Nations agency. Throughout the internship program, interns were not only able to work on their respective assignments but were able to participate in a wide range of human rights trainings, networking events and open-door visits to external UN Partners, including the Ombudsman’s Office and the General Migration Inspectorate, IPN reports.
“his initiative truly reflects our collective commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and ensuring that every voice is heard. We are very proud to include you in this great family. So, you are now joining the 50 former UN interns and I hope that this family of graduates will continue to grow and also keep in touch with each other as this is a very valuable resource that can be used anytime,” said Simon Springett, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Moldova.
“The interaction with Andreea, the intern from UNFPA, has been beneficial both for her and the entire team. We have admired the perseverance and responsibility with which she has engaged in our programs. Andreea has brought a fresh perspective to the team and has demonstrated through her own example that workplace diversity enhances the performance and motivation of everyone,” said Aliona Cristei, Population and Development Program Analyst, UNFPA
“I am very grateful, that within this program I was accepted as I am. I would like to give sincere thanks to the mentors and the team, who guided me during these 4 months, I perceived the diversity both in people and in different opinions, which, however, have always been considered. Likewise, it was important for me to understand how other people would like to see the world. I am grateful for everything and every moment we spent together,” noted Iulian Pântea, intern of the UN Human Rights Office in Moldova.
Launched in March 2016, the UN Moldova Diversity Internship Program aimed to convey a message of non-discrimination and support to the inclusion of people belonging to marginalized groups. People from marginalized groups still often face discrimination in a multitude of areas and have less opportunities of equal participation in decision making processes, good quality education, employment, and professional development.
