Civil society representatives from Cahul and Ungheni regions reunited in premiere in a joint Fair of Civic Initiatives, organised with EU support

Establishing a platform of dialogue and cooperation, as well as exchange of experience among the civil society representatives from Cahul and Ungheni regions, beneficiaries of “EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” programme, financed by EU and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF, have been the main outcomes of the Fair of Civic Initiatives, organised on 19 May in Chisinau.

The Fair of Civic Initiatives, conducted within the series of events dedicated to Europe Day, was attended by the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova, Dima Al-Khatib, national experts, local authorities, and representatives of civil society from Cahul and Ungheni.

“Civil Society Organisations play a key role in strengthening democracy and advocating for European values. Through the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions programme, the European Union and our partners have provided capacity building and a grants programme for CSOs. This support has facilitated the participation of CSOs in local governance processes, boosted local socio-economic development and enabled CSOs to improve citizens’ access to quality public services, while leaving no one behind. The Civic Fair of Initiatives will provide a platform for CSOs to enhance their cooperation and knowledge exchange across both Cahul and Ungheni regions.”

stated Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

“We are eager to learn today about the commendable work of civil society organisations from the two Focal Regions in the local strategic planning process, in partnering with the local authorities and mobilizing local communities in building prosperous localities in Moldova, but also in weathering various challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing more recently with emerging priorities to support the refugees,”

mentioned Dima Al-Khatib, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

The event tackled key aspects as: cooperation between CSOs and LPAs for strategic planning; implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development policies at local level; creating partnerships for sustainable development and economic growth of rural communities; best practices and experiences implemented at the local level; as well as challenges faced by local communities and CSOs’ role in increasing community resilience to cope with challenges, including by their engagement in supporting refugees from Ukraine.

The Fair of Civic Initiatives brought together, for the first time, over 20 CSOs from Cahul and Ungheni focal regions. The event hosted as well a photo exhibition of civic initiatives from both regions, representing the main activities, projects, and their achievements.