For two days, Chisinau hosts the 2024 NGO Forum, bringing together over 200 non-governmental organizations, representatives of public authorities, development partners, international experts, and community members to discuss civil society’s involvement in Moldova’s EU accession process and explore impactful solutions and initiatives across various sectors of the associative field.
The NGO Forum takes place every two years. The theme of the current edition is – “Civil Society for European Integration,” which, in the foreground, is the participation of civil society in negotiations on Moldova’s accession to the European Union and European financial opportunities for NGOs in our country. Another key topic addresses strategies for the sustainable development of civil society.
The event was attended by the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, representatives of the German Embassy, and officials from the Moldovan Government.
Nina Lozinschi, President of the NGO Council, emphasized the forum’s significance:
“The NGO Forum celebrates the achievements of civil society organizations. Our development partners have always been with us; without them, we wouldn’t have succeeded. Today, we welcome civil society representatives from the Eastern Partnership, expanding the forum’s reach and breaking boundaries.”
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Janis Mazeiks, Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, expressed optimism:
“I am thrilled to see an active society eager to contribute to this strategic national objective, as confirmed by this year’s referendum. Over recent weeks, I’ve joined several events with civil society to discuss Moldova’s real progress and prospects for joining the European community. This strong interest from civil society is crucial for advancing European integration more swiftly.”
Verena Zell, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, highlighted civil society’s transformative role:
”We know you are the driving force for change in your countries. You can push governments and convince fellow citizens in your communities. Your work is vital.”
Rodica Jereghi, Deputy Head of the European Integration Bureau, underscored the need for collaboration:
”We need civil society’s involvement because we don’t want legislation to reflect only one perspective—that of the government. The expertise provided by civil society is crucial for every negotiation chapter. We encourage you to remain actively engaged.”
The NGO Forum aims to strengthen civil society and promote NGO projects and initiatives in Moldova through communication and problem-solving.
The event is organized by the NGO Council and the CONTACT Center with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the European Union.
