Switzerland and UNDP to continue to support diaspora engagement for enhancing economic development of native communities

Chisinau, 6 July /MOLDPRES/-  Switzerland and UNDP start a new project aiming to enhance the participation ofdiaspora in the sustainable development of their home communities - “Strengthen socialcohesion through inclusive participation and empowered citizens”. The project, with atotal budget of US$1,400,000, will be implemented during 2023-2026.

“Everything related to migration is important to us. The State Chancellery will strengthenits cooperation efforts with partners and fulfill necessary commitments by fostering moreinclusive, accountable, and responsive governance,” said Adrian Băluțel, the StateSecretary of the Government of the Republic of Moldova.

The project will build upon the community cooperation and diaspora engagementframework established in 2015-2022 through Switzerland-UNDP interventions, whichresulted in bringing together local public authorities, NGOs/hometown associations,private sector, and people, including migrants originating from target communities.Thanks to these partnerships, more than 116 localities from the Republic of Moldovaand 556,000 people have benefited from improved livelihoods and local public services.

Going forward, local communities will be supported in their efforts to advancedemocratic practices and improve public participation. The project will also work onempowering local public authorities, hometown associations and local action groups toengage in community development and social cohesion initiatives.

The project will also provide continued support for the development of the Alliance of Hometown Associations, platform created with Switzerland-UNDP support, thatconsolidates more than 160 initiative groups and registered hometown associations andis expected to become a fully sustainable national-level umbrella organization, active asa resource center and promoter of democratic practices and social cohesion, with anactive engagement of diaspora representatives.“The strength of the Hometown Associations has a significant impact in ourcommunities. Through cooperation with the UNDP and Switzerland, we hope to furtherconsolidate the connections and synergies between the diaspora, local communities, and national authorities, thus contributing to sustainable development based on theprinciples of good governance,” said Anastasia Rusu, Executive Director of the Allianceof Hometown Associations.“Strengthen social cohesion through inclusive participation and empowered citizens”project is part of the phase 3 of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation’sprogramme "Moldova - Making the Most of Migration". The phase includescomplementary interventions implemented by UNFPA and Diaspora Relations Bureau.

photo: UNDP