Direct Dialogue on the Priorities of Moldova’s Youth Sector

On 28 April, the administrator of A.O. Centrul Regional de Dezvoltare Comunitară, Irina Bejan, participated in an open discussion with Dan Perciun, together with representatives of youth organizations and active young people from different communities across the Republic of Moldova.

The meeting provided a useful framework for discussing issues that directly influence the development of the youth sector and the work of organizations engaging with young people at local and regional levels.

The topics discussed included the role and strengthening of youth representative structures, the development and accessibility of international programmes such as Erasmus+, priorities for the youth sector in 2026, health and safety education in schools, as well as the need to professionalize youth workers.

CRDC actively contributed to the discussions, bringing forward ideas and observations based on its experience of working directly with young people in communities across southern Moldova. We emphasized the need for youth policies and programmes to be closely connected to realities on the ground and to take into account differences between communities, unequal access to opportunities, and the capacity of local organizations to reach young people who are less connected to formal participation mechanisms.

We also discussed the importance of clearer and more accessible tools for involving young people in decision-making processes, the need for continuity in programmes that develop skills and leadership, and the role youth organizations can play in connecting national initiatives with the concrete needs of communities.

Another important aspect of the discussion was the need for regular formats of dialogue between public authorities, youth organizations and young people. Such meetings allow not only for the exchange of information, but also for the formulation of proposals, clarification of challenges encountered in practice, and identification of solutions developed together.

For CRDC, participation in such discussions is important precisely because it provides an opportunity to bring the experience of the communities we work with into the national dialogue and to contribute ideas grounded in direct work with young people.

We thank the National Youth Council of Moldova for organizing the meeting and facilitating this space for dialogue.

Photos: National Youth Council of Moldova.