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The Regional Community Development Center (CRDC), together with partners from the Republic of Moldova and Armenia, took part in the first joint online meeting of 2026, dedicated to continuing the dialogue and strengthening cooperation in the youth sector. The meeting was held by mutual agreement, as a natural follow-up step based on the commitments and ideas previously shaped during a regional networking visit to Yerevan.
The initiative originated from a regional event held in Armenia’s capital, which brought together civil society organisations from the Republic of Moldova and Armenia in a space for dialogue, exchange of good practices, and identification of common directions for cooperation. For CRDC, this experience reaffirmed the importance of transnational cooperation in the youth sector, especially given that local organisations need stable partnerships, access to resources, and mutual learning opportunities to better respond to young people’s needs in their communities.
CRDC’s participation in the regional event and the subsequent continuation of the dialogue were made possible through the project “Civil Society Resilience in the Eastern Partnership Countries,” implemented by People in Need Moldova, funded by the European Union and co-funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic under the “Transition” Cooperation Programme.
A results-oriented cooperation platform for young people
During the online meeting in January 2026, partners reaffirmed their intention to build a Moldova–Armenia cooperation platform in the youth sector, with a focus on practical programmes and visible results in communities. Discussions centred on a shared vision and collaboration priorities that can create long-term value:
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developing joint initiatives and programmes for young people focused on civic participation, leadership, and community action;
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creating safe and inclusive engagement settings where young people feel supported and represented;
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connecting grassroots organisations with international opportunities for collaboration and funding;
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expanding regional partnerships and engaging new organisations from other countries to strengthen knowledge exchange and the impact of initiatives.
At this stage, the dialogue is supported by CRDC and AO “Mirkiras” (Republic of Moldova), together with Restart Gavar and PANDO Community Development CSO (Armenia)—organisations with experience in direct youth work and community development.
Irina Bejan, CRDC’s administrator, highlights that this initiative is an investment in functional partnerships and real opportunities for young people:
“For CRDC, Moldova–Armenia cooperation is not a one-off activity, but a sustained effort to build partnerships that can deliver long-term results. When organisations align their objectives and work together, young people benefit from more relevant programmes—better connected to local realities and more open to international opportunities. We aim to contribute to a collaboration that generates concrete initiatives and attracts new partners and resources for our region.”
In the period ahead, partners will continue the dialogue and explore opportunities to develop joint initiatives in the youth sector, so that the cooperation platform can be strengthened and provide a predictable framework for transnational projects and the exchange of good practices.
CRDC will remain an active partner in this process, building on its experience in community development, civic engagement, and youth programmes in the south of the Republic of Moldova, as well as its openness to international cooperation that contributes to stronger civil society across the Eastern Partnership region.
