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 During 23-26 August 2011, more than 70 Moldovan Diaspora representatives from 21 countries met in Chisinau at the International Conference “Culture of Tolerance, Common Values and Intercultural Dialogue – 20 years of achievements”, organized by the Bureau of Interethnic Relations under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and in close partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mission to Moldova. Being a valuable resource outside the home country, the diaspora participants got together in order to foster the partnership between their homeland and Moldovan migrants abroad, discuss the issues of common interest, and try to find appropriate solutions to contribute to the development of their home country with the experience and resources gained overseas. read more...
The International Conference “Culture of Tolerance, Common Values and Intercultural Dialogue: 20 years of achievements” showcased the results and achievements of Diaspora Associations and Public Authorities in promotion of culture, values and interests of Moldova during the past two decades of the country’s independence. The event was organized with the active participation of the National Public Authorities, headed by Mr. Vladimir Filat – the Prime- Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Iurie Leanca – the Vice Prime- Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Mrs. Valentina Buliga – the Minister of Labour, Social Protection and Family, Mr. Boris Focsa – the Minister of Culture, who attended the questions and answers session with the Diaspora members. The representatives of the European and International community, Mr. Wolfgang Behrendt, Head of the Political Section of the European Union Delegation to Moldova and Mr. Ulvi Akhundlu - Head of the Council of Europe Office in Moldova participated in the dialogue.  In his opening remarks the Prime Minister congratulated the participants with the 20 years of Moldova’s Independence and assured the Diaspora members that in the near future a specialised Diaspora Agency will be created to respond to Moldovan migrants’ needs and problems: “This commitment is clearly reflected in the Government Programme for 2011-2014 “European Integration: Freedom, Democracy, Welfare”, as well as undertaken to fulfil the requirements of the EU- Moldova Visa Liberalization dialogue. We had a very fruitful meeting with Mr. William L. Swing, the Director General of IOM who is officially visiting Moldova, who reiterated the IOM’s support to addressing the needs in migration and Diaspora field”.
During the event the representatives of 55 Moldovan Diaspora Associations had an opportunity to discuss ways to improve communication channels between Diaspora-Diaspora, Diaspora – home country, as well as how to involve Diaspora Associations in the socio-economic development of the home country. One of the Diaspora members residing in Quebec, Canada, highlighted that Moldovan Diaspora, composed of 120 Associations does its best to help the country not only through remittances sent home, but through sharing experience, knowledge and know-how gained overseas. Mr. Martin A. Wyss, Chief of IOM Moldova mentioned: “The fact that we have gathered together proves that we have common goals and it is the time to undertake concrete measures and steps to maintain and foster the communication between Moldovan Diaspora and homeland. It is important to be able to encounter migration challenges, such as children left behind by migrating parents, but what is even more important is creating conditions for Moldovan families to stay at home instead of searching for better opportunities abroad”. Additionally, in framework of the Conference a consultative meeting was held in order to identify the best ways and channels of sharing information about employment and business opportunities in Moldova amongst Moldovan migrants abroad. This exercise is a part of the “Effective Governance of Labour Migration and its Skill Dimensions” project, jointly implemented by the International Labour Organization and IOM. During the second part of the Conference, three training sessions on communication and fundraising tools, and project proposal development were organized in order to build the Diaspora capacities to ensure sustainability and better management of their activities. This event was organized within the project “Supporting the implementation of the migration and development component of the EU-Moldova Mobility Partnership” and the project “Effective Governance of Labour Migration and its Skill Dimensions”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Organization for Migration, Mission to Republic of Moldova in partnership with the Moldovan Government.
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