Moldova, United Nations to continue cooperation to strengthen social cohesion

The collaboration between Moldova and the United Nations, as well as the development of joint programmes dedicated to strengthening social cohesion have been discussed by Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and Rosemary A. DiCarlo, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding.

At the today's meeting, the PM thanked the organization for the assistance provided through the UN Agencies operating in Moldova, which contribute to improving the lives of citizens and bringing the country closer to the goal of EU accession. "We are focused on reforms, economic growth and we appreciate the support and expertise we receive. Together, we can do more good things for our people," said Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

The sides discussed the current regional context, measures taken to enhance energy resilience, as well as the repercussions of Russia's aggression on Ukraine and how we facilitate the social integration of refugees from the neighboring state.

For her part, Under-Secretary Rosemary A. DiCarlo assured full support for the European path of Moldova, noting that the benefits of EU integration were in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, on the fulfillment of which the organization's activities are concentrated.

The partnership between Moldova and the UN is materialized in a string of projects, including: the development of an integrated digital system for managing all social service programmes – eSocial; support for major reforms, such as the one of social services (RESTART), the National Employment Agency, the State Labor Inspectorate and the reform of the National Council for Disability Determination and Work Capacity.

At the same time, support was provided to native associations and municipalities in creating alternative social services, implementing environmental protection projects, developing rural tourism and infrastructure. Measures to strengthen the free press and combat disinformation are also promoted.

In Moldova, more than twenty UN agencies, funds and specialized programmes,  both resident and non-resident, are active. The priorities of the UN Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development 2023–2027 are related to the development of inclusive institutions and equal opportunities; participatory governance and social cohesion; prosperity and a sustainable economy; ecological development and resilience to climate change.