Youth councils across Moldova come together to exchange ideas, share practices, and strengthen their impact

From 14-17 April, local, district, and municipal youth councils from the Republic of Moldova are participating in a national exchange of experience and good practices, aimed at strengthening the capacity of youth structures and encouraging the active participation of young people in community life.

Over four days, 30 participants are working in an interactive and participatory format based on collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, and the exchange of real experiences from the work of youth councils. Participants discuss challenges they face at the local level, analyse solutions applied in different contexts, and identify concrete ideas that can be implemented in their communities.

One day was dedicated to study visits. Participants visited three relevant institutions, including the Bureau for European Integration, the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), and Europe Café, where they learn more about public policy-making processes, Moldova’s European path, and opportunities for youth involvement in these processes.These visits provided participants with concrete examples of good practices and facilitate direct dialogue with experts, contributing to a better understanding of the role youth councils can play in promoting democratic and European values at the local level.

“This exchange represents an important opportunity for development both at a personal and institutional level. Interaction with engaged young people from different regions of the country allows us to learn from one another, analyse successful models, and identify solutions applicable in our communities,” said Alexandra Guțu, President of the Dondușeni District Youth Council. “At the same time, the activity strengthens cooperation between youth councils and youth participation in decision-making processes.”

‘Youth Connect: Exchange & Study Visit for Youth Councils’ is organised by the National Network of Local Youth Councils of Moldova with the support of the ‘EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment’ project, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), within the regional project ‘Strengthening Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership Countries’, implemented by GIZ Moldova.