Authors: Miroslav Rotari and Jules Bigot

From June 30 to July 2, the Moldova Youth Forum 2023 took place in Comrat in the autonomous region of Gagauzia. More than 150 young people from all over Moldova participated in the event, including 10 YEAs. The theme of the event was “Unity through Diversity”, a slogan which was explored by panellists from different fields of activity.

The first day was dedicated to the topic of Moldova’s integration into the EU. During her intervention, Moldovan President Maia Sandu stressed the importance of the energy and passion of youth in imagining Moldova’s European future. Highlighting the numerous opportunities that would arise from an accession to the EU, the President called upon young people to stay in the country to participate in shaping a European Moldova. In the second discussion moderated by YEA Coordinator in Moldova Daniel Bîzdîga, entitled “Beyond Borders: What it would mean for Moldova to be an EU member”, the panellists emphasised how European integration is not only a question of material gains, but also of “civilisation“. Joining the European Union means embracing its values: equality, freedom of expression, democracy, rule of law, etc. – values that contribute fully to the fulfilment of young people.

The second day was dedicated to “Building a Common Vision” by involving minority youth in the political decision-making process and governance landscape of the region. Young leaders from Moldova and Ukraine were able to share their experiences and encourage the young audience to get politically involved to ensure Moldova’s European future. The next panel, which brought together different actors from the media, enabled participants to grasp the importance of reliable information to ensure the stability of democracy. The number of questions asked at the end of the panel clearly showed the public’s interest in these issues, as well as their curiosity about the information production process. 

On the third day, a panel on climate change served as a reminder of the issues at stake in the crisis faced by Moldova, Europe and the world. It was also a good opportunity to present local initiatives taken by young Moldovans who are coming up with solutions to tackle the climate crisis. Dumitru Alaiba, minister of economic development and digitalisation, and Anatolie Topală, former minister of education, then came together to discuss the opportunities that new technologies can represent for Moldova and its young people. It was also an appropriate forum for the government official responsible for youth affairs to talk to the people concerned by his policies and answer their numerous questions. The final panel of the Moldovan Youth Forum delved into the geopolitical challenges that Moldova is currently facing. The speakers discussed the implications of the war in Ukraine and the subsequent acceleration of Moldova’s accession to the EU.

MYF 2023 ended with the inauguration of a mural painted by artist Radu Dumbravă, who left a lasting memory of the event on the wall of the building in Comrat. This beautiful artwork was the perfect conclusion to a Forum which, under the slogan “United through diversity”, demonstrated that all of Moldova’s youth, regardless of their geographic situation, will have their role to play and their place in the European future that is taking shape in Moldova.