The Youth Festival has reached its fourth year. This year, the event unfolded in the context of the International Youth Day, themed “Safe Spaces for Youth.” The main goal of the 2018 Youth Festival was to support Chișinău’s candidacy for the title of 2021 European Youth Capital. During the event that took place on the pedestrian street, youth organizations from across the country have presented their opportunities, through interactive sessions. Furthermore, the event has hosted discussion panels, workshops, and exhibitions, as well as performances by local artists, IPN reports.
The event was organized by the National Youth Council of Moldova, UNICEF Moldova, and UNFPA Moldova.
Council President Valeriu Drăgălin stated at the event opening that the youth are a valuable asset, who must be treated as a priority by the authorities. According to him, when surveys show that many of the youth wish to leave the country, invoking reasons like corruption, failed reforms, etc, it calls for investments to the youth sector. Valeriu Drăgălin added that the Festival isn’t for mere entertainment, but also for addressing and solving issues that the youth face.
State Secretary, representative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Research, Radu Rebeja mentioned that the youth represent about 30% of our country’s population, and are a major force and a renewable resource for our society. This resource needs the support of other actors, such as the state, the business sector, and the civil society. The official promised that youth are a priority for the Government, since they are not only the future, but also the present of Moldova.
UNICEF Deputy Representative for Moldova Margarita Tileva said the Festival took place in the context of the International Youth Day, themed “Safe Spaces for Youth.” These spaces, regardless whether civic, public, digital, or physical, are essential for allowing youth to become involved, to participate and feel as part of their communities. The official noted three aspects. First is youth safety outside their homes – with friends, on the street, at school, places where they could face intimidation, lack of tolerance, and the sought-after effect is promotion of respect and tolerance towards our peers. Another aspect is safety online, where youth could face harassment, sexual baiting, etc. To that end, youth are being taught how to protect themselves against such cases, and how to report them. The third aspect is a call for authorities to put in efforts to strengthen local youth councils, so as to involve them in decision making, etc.
In this context, UNFPA Acting Deputy Representative for Moldova Visare Mujko-Nimani stated that the youth should have secure spaces, as it is everyone’s right. These safe spaces are necessary for time spent in leisure, development and education, as well as for community-level involvement. The official added that UNFPA supports the development of youth centers across the country, and their role as safe spaces, which would provide helpful resources and quality services for the development of all youth, including those less fortunate. Hence, in the following years, consolidated youth centers will commence activity, to help youth develop within an inclusive and friendly environment.
The Youth Festival is also a platform of support for Chișinău’s candidacy to the title of European Youth Capital in 2021. This year, Chișinău is one of the five finalist cities competing for the title.
Silvia Canațui, head of the Education Section of the General Directorate of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, congratulated the youth, urging them to hold on to their youthful momentum. Additionally, Silvia Canațui mentioned that the Directorate supports and promotes youth projects. An example, in this sense, is the attempt to win the “European Youth Capital” Project, so as to help Chișinău become a European capital in 2021.
