Nongovernmental organizations of Moldova came together for the eighth forum where they chose the new members of the National NGO Council and discussed the accomplishments and failures of the last two years. The representatives of the civil society organizations adopted a resolution whereby they underlined the importance of involving the NGOs in the decision-making process, IPN reports.

Ecaterina Mardarovici, acting head of the National NGO Council and executive director of the Women’s Political Club 50/50, has told IPN that the forum brought together NGOs interested in forming associations and taking part in the change of society. The participants discussed the civil society development strategy and ascertained that many of its measures weren’t completed. Therefore, it was proposed extending the deadline for implementing this strategy.

“We have yet a lot to do and aim to implement the strategy until the end and to achieve the seven priorities stipulated there. These refer to the involvement of civil society in the decision-making process and in the processes and initiatives proposed by the authorities,” stated Ecaterina Mardarovici.

Alexei Buzu, director of the Partnership for Development Center, said the eighth NGO Forum is held in a difficult economic, political and social context in the country, especially because the European integration objective set by the state, which is supported by civil society, is in danger given that the key reforms are delayed. The forum participants considered possibilities of ensuring the independence of the National Participation Council that represents the NGO sector. 

According to Alexei Buzu, civil society aims to not only be a source of information about the European integration process, but to also react harshly to the actions of the authorities and the delays in doing reforms. Civil society wants not only the Ministry of Youth and Sport to deal with volunteering activities, but also all the other competent ministries. The NGOs are concerned about the absence of financial sustainability because over 85% of the financing intended for them comes from outside. “It is necessary to immediately implement the 2% law so as to ensure the continuous activity of the civil society organizations,” he stated.

The NGO Forum was organized with the support of USAID through the agency of the Moldova Partnerships for Sustainable Civil Society Project implemented by FHI 360.