These days, Mrs. Elena Dragalin, founder and president of the „Moldova AID” Association from the USA and a reference name among the community of Moldovans settled in this country, visited the Diaspora Relations Bureau.

Mrs. Elena Dragalin is a faithful promoter of the image of the Republic of Moldova abroad and identifies time for actions and projects oriented towards the needs of the country of origin: nine editions of the Moldovan-American Convention – a platform for communication and mutual aid of the North American diaspora; three editions of offline event „Adoptă un Vote” – meeting of the diaspora from around the world, attended by members of the diaspora from 18 countries; the Diaspora Greens Moldova project; charitable actions; the Accessible for All campaign that benefits disabled people from Moldova; the first Resource Center for Children with Autism from the Republic of Moldova, etc.

A special role is occupied by the projects implemented for the locality of origin, being the initiator and active member of the Association of Natives, also a beneficiary of the Governmental Program „Diaspora Engagement Hub”. The actions implemented aimed at local development and the consolidation of different community groups: young people, women, children, the elderly, in this case, the promotion of small rural businesses and local products.

During the discussions, our guest spoke about the activity he carries out, coming up with initiatives that could be carried out in partnership with BRD. Ms. Dragalin has an impressive experience of collaboration with our institution, having ideas and a desire to get involved in new projects, especially in connection with the organization of the Diaspora Congress.

Nadejda Zubco, head of the Diaspora Relations Bureau, thanked to Elena Dragalin for the visit and for the interest shown in the Bureau's activity, noting that BRD encourages and supports the initiatives of citizens of the Republic of Moldova from the diaspora and also aims to maintain a constructive dialogue with these.
 

The troupe of amateur actors of the Theater "NÒI", founder Olga Martînova, showed outstanding acting talent and mastery during the "Greece's Hope" international festival-competition that took place in Nafplio, from May 24-28, 2023.

Model artistic groups from about 20 countries participated in this cultural event, presenting various artistic numbers in the categories of dance, singing, theater, etc. Our compatriots stood out for their special stage performance, originality and interpretive manner, so that in the show category they deserved the Grand Prize.

The "Greece's Hope" festival has an impressive history being organized with the aim of discovering young talents and promoting the culture of their countries of origin. Congratulations with best wishes to the winners and good luck in achieving new achievements!

The writer Ada Zaporojan visited the Diaspora Relations Bureau (BRD) and she shared with the BRD team the emotions and impressions that marked the most recent meeting with children from the diaspora. The event gathered members of the Cultural Association of Moldovan Immigrants "MIORIțA" Portugal - Switzerland.

The writer expressed her admiration and respect for the families of our compatriots settled abroad, who keep alive the flame of the national culture and the Romanian language.

Although she has visited several countries and is always present at meetings with readers from home, Ada Zaporojan collaborates intensively and for a long time with the literary-dramatic club "Moştenitorii", of the Cultural Association of Moldovan Immigrants "MIORIțA" Portugal - Switzerland.

Violina Donu, deputy head of the Diaspora Relations Bureau, thanked the writer for her creation, which also reaches the hearts of Romanian-speaking children in the diaspora. And as a sign of appreciation and gratitude, Violina Donu handed Ada Zaporojan a diploma from BRD.

We thank the author for the 30 edited books, 5 CDs with music and lyrics that belong to her and that soothe the souls of consumers of beauty.

Mihaela Furculita and Vitalie Grițco, representatives of the League of Native Students from the Republic of Moldova (LSORM), visited the Diaspora Relations Bureau (BRD) these days to inform us about the new projects intended for young people that they intend to carry out this year.

A resonant project is the Diaspora Youth Forum, now in its second edition, an event that LSORM plans to hold in Chisinau, this August. About 100 students from the diaspora are expected at the Forum, interested in getting involved in various projects, including local development in the Republic of Moldova.

Our guests also spoke about some of the events in which they attended, such as the "Youth Year in Ungheni", the Students' Congress from Moldova and Romania - a project of the Romanian Students' Union, etc.

In the context of the aforementioned, the representatives of LSORM requested the support of BRD regarding the establishment of contacts with the competent state institutions to offer them support in the realization of ideas that would attract young people from the diaspora to get involved at home and capitalize on their potential.

Towards the end of the discussions, the issue of LSORM's participation in the Diaspora Congress was also addressed in the context, in which BRD has a fruitful and long-lasting collaborative relationship with LSORM, being a partner of several editions of the Gala of Students from the Republic of Moldova. Thus, the head of BRD, Nadejda Zubco, came up with the suggestion to include LSORM in a discussion panel where topics of interest to the young generation will be debated.

The young man who delighted the audience of Forbes magazine with his presence, being part of the most active young people in Europe and being the first Moldovan promoted by the mentioned publication, Doru Curoșu visited the Bureau of Diaspora Relations. With over 10 years of work experience in the field of volunteering and non-formal education, both within companies in the Republic of Moldova, but also in Romania and Belgium, human resources expert, trainer and entrepreneur, Doru Curoșu launched the Camelot company, for to be useful to the society in the country of origin.

Above all, the young man was involved for two consecutive years in the implementation of the "Job accelerator" project, carried out by the "MentorMe" association, within the "Diaspora Engagement Hub" thematic grant program, providing support and guiding young people in their careers.

The occasion for which Doru Curoșu came to BRD these days is the desire to connect specialists from the diaspora with institutions from the Republic of Moldova. And identifying a clear and efficient mechanism would facilitate this process and attract valuable people, open to collaboration and exchange of experience.

Nadejda Zubco, head of the Diaspora Relations Office, referred to the actions taken by the Office for this purpose, but also about the already existing network of the highly qualified diaspora, which is expanding with new names of experts, originating from the Republic of Moldova, established abroad.

At the same time, Nadejda Zubco made a brief presentation of BRD's activity, referring to the programs and opportunities for citizens of the Republic of Moldova from all over the world, which aim to import experience, on the one hand, and on the other hand, they create bridges of connection between the diaspora and the country where they were born.

Towards the end of the dialogue, the head of BRD, thanked Doru Curoșu for the visit and the launched initiative, assuring him that the team he leads is open and responsive, which is an important element in the initiation and continuity of valuable actions.

The representative of the Orthodox community from the Land of Carinthia, from Austria, Lilia Ipati, visited the Diaspora Relations Bureau. Our compatriot shared the experience of the 20 years spent away from the Republic of Moldova.

Lilia Ipati referred to the effectiveness of the continuous training program for teachers in the Educational Centres of the Diaspora, organized annually by the Diaspora Relations Bureau in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research and the National Association of European Trainers from Moldova.

Another topic addressed was the Governmental Program „Diaspora*Origini *Reveniri” of which Lilia Ipati's children also benefited, being deeply impressed by the quality of the time spent in the Republic of Moldova and exploring local culture and traditions.

In the same vein, the guest referred to the importance of the connection between citizens from abroad and their children, with the country of origin. Starting from this desire, Lilia Ipati submitted a cultural project, which she will implement shortly, in the city of Klagenfurt, with the support of the Program „Diaspora Engagement Hub”.

Nadejda Zubco, head of the Diaspora Relations Bureau, thanked to Lilia Ipati for the beautiful collaboration and for participating in the events organized by the Bureau's team, but also for the involvement in social actions, the recipients of which are children from vulnerable families in Moldova.

In the context of the implementation of the project submitted by Lilia Ipati, Nadejda Zubco asked about the level of difficulty and impediments encountered by the beneficiary, when writing and submitting the file for the competition. The head of BRD specified that, only by communicating and analysing the practices experienced by the compatriots trained directly, in the procedure for obtaining the grant, we can improve the quality of the Program „Diaspora Engagement Hub”.

We thank to Lilia Ipati for her openness and dialogue wishing her much success in achieving her intended goals.

These days, Nadejda Zubco, head of the Diaspora Relations Bureau is undertaking a study visit to Ireland. The delegation includes Ion Șpac, deputy, Elena Druță, advisor to the President of the Republic of Moldova for relations with the diaspora, Irina Tolstousov, head of the Country Brand Promotion department, Investment Agency.

The purpose of the visit is to initiate a dialogue with the institutions responsible for the programs and campaigns aimed at relations with the diaspora in Ireland, as well as attracting investments, facilitating exports, as well as promoting the country's image.

The action is an important opportunity for the BRD to take over from Ireland's experience in programs and campaigns aimed at relations with the diaspora, providing updated information to the diaspora, through a set of events and platforms.

The delegation from the Republic of Moldova was welcomed at the Embassy in Dublin by Her Excellency, Larisa Miculeț, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Moldova in Ireland, where issues related to the collaboration between the two countries Moldova and Ireland were discussed, emphasizing the efforts which are oriented towards achieving the established objectives. At the same time, the role of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, settled on the Emerald Isle, in promoting national values and creating the image of the country of origin abroad was mentioned.

In the same vein, the head of BRD met with the Diaspora Council attached to the Embassy, but also with members of the Moldovan community in the city of Dublin, which is a large one and involved in the activities carried out by BRD. Within the community, an Educational Center for studying the Romanian language has been operating for several years, for the children of our compatriots. Nadejda Zubco conducted a dialogue with the most active community members and association leaders in Ireland, in order to establish common commitments to capitalize on knowledge, skills and sustainable connections, to respond to the needs of the diaspora and to involve them in various processes in the country of origin.

Another target group that Nadejda Zubco communicated with in Dublin were the participants in this year's edition of the Governmental Program DOR „Diaspora Origins Returning, who eagerly and with great enthusiasm are waiting to return to the Republic of Moldova, to live experiences of unforgettable and special emotions.

During today, May 23, the delegation from the Republic of Moldova had an online meeting with Ms. Anne Lanigan, regional director for the Euro area, Central and Eastern Europe, and Mr. Ladislav Muller, regional manager of Entreprise Ireland. Another important meeting on the agenda took place at the Department of Foreign Affairs, but also at the Ministry for International Development and Diaspora, where a meeting was held with the Minister of State Mr. Sean Fleming.

The study visit takes place in the context of planning the launch of the „Invest Moldova” campaign for the current year, by the Investment Agency in partnership with the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova. The visit is dictated by the fact that the information received from the authorities in Ireland would allow the adjustment of the mechanisms and tools planned for the campaign.

Andrei Chirilovici, former participant at the Program DOR Diaspora*Origins*Returning won the regional Kickboxing Championship in Lombardy, Milan.

Behind the success are hours of training that helped Andrei to reach this remarkable result. Our „DORulet” is proud of the fact that he has Moldovan origins, and because the sports competition coincided with the „European Moldova” Assembly, he decided to dedicate his victory in the ring to the Republic of Moldova and to all those who want a prosperous, free and European.

We are happy with Andrei's results and the fact that the flag of the Republic of Moldova has once again reached on the international podium. In this way, we send him congratulations, wishing him as many victories as possible in the future.

The indisputable right to guarantee a European, democratic, free and prosperous future for our country belongs to the people of the Republic of Moldova. With flags in their hands and with dignity, with great aspirations and with an enormous desire to walk the European path, hundreds of thousands of citizens of our country both at home and in the diaspora exclaimed, today, in one voice that the place of the Republic of Moldova is in the European Union (EU).

The „European Moldova” National Assembly was organized at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu. The event took place both in Chisinau and in various countries of the world, such as Ireland, Italy, Germany, Belgium, France, Israel, Greece, Canada, Spain, etc. Our compatriots everywhere clearly expressed their desire to live freely in a Europe. At the end they voted for a RESOLUTION by which they affirmed the aspiration for our country to become a full member of the EU.

The Diaspora Relations Bureau expresses gratitude to all members of the diaspora for showing solidarity and supporting the European path of the Republic of Moldova, thus contributing to ensuring a better future for the next generations.

Dorina Baltag, doctor in political science, founder of the foundation „Noroc Olanda” was the guest of the Diaspora Relations Bureau, sharing her experience of the Migration EU eExpertise Initiative (MIEUX+) with the BRD team. Over the course of a year, the researcher, together with Eugen Burdelnîi, doctor in political sciences, provided expertise and support to the Diaspora Relations Office for the development of the concept of a new public policy document for the diaspora. In the work process, the experts analyzed important data related to the development of the field of Diaspora, Migration and Development, facilitating several workshops, consultations attended by both BRD employees and officials from central public authorities, development partners, active people from the diaspora, but also civil society with implications in the DMD field.

During the meeting, Nadejda Zubco, head of the Diaspora Relations Bureau, thanked for the support offered and for the effort put into the project. In the same vein, the head of BRD expressed her gratitude for the involvement of the highly qualified diaspora in consulting actions for the institutions of the Republic of Moldova, stressing the importance of the transfer of knowledge and expertise from compatriots abroad for the country of origin.

We mention that Dorina Baltag has 12 years of professional experience accumulated at universities in the Netherlands and Great Britain, where she taught European studies, international relations, diplomacy and other EU foreign policy courses. He is currently a Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute for Diplomacy and International Governance at Loughborough University (London Campus), where he received the 100 Excellence Award for his Ph.D. Regarding the provision of expertise for the Diaspora Relations Bureau, Dorina Baltag, in addition to the Migration EU eExpertise Initiative (MIEUX+), is involved in the „Piloting of diaspora mobilization schemes” project implemented with the support of the EUDiF Capacity Development Laboratory (Global Platform of the EU for Diaspora) which is implemented by ICMPD and financed by the European Union.

The climber Vladislav Zotea, with the origins from the Republic of Moldova, recorded a performance worthy of all appreciation. On May 19, Vladislav climbed the highest mountain in the world - Everest, being part of a team of 8 climbers, and climbed to an altitude of 8,848 meters, where he proudly raised the flag of our country.

Success smiled to our compatriot again, a day later, on May 20, he climbed to the top of Mount Lhotse, at a height of 8,516 meters.

It should be noted that Vladislav Zotea is a representative of the diaspora from USA and mountaineering is his great passion. He also conquered other peaks on the mountains of Kilimanjaro (Tanzania, Africa), Denali (Alaska), Cascade Mountains (Seattle, USA), Aconcagua (Argentina), etc., and the Himalayan massif with the highest peaks in the world was the great dream of the Moldovan.

Being in the USA, Vladislav Zotea worked in construction, then as a truck driver and currently he is the owner of a transport and logistics company.

The BRD team met him for the first time in the context of the Moldovan-American Convention (MAC8) in 2022, where a representative of the Bureau participated, making the impression of a fascinating man, with a big heart, who cares about the community and is ready to get involved at any time, being boundless proud of the Republic of Moldova and the Romanian language.

The performances achieved by our compatriots in the diaspora go around the world, being widely noted. We are extremely happy that Moldova has such personalities with high aspirations, who take our fame far beyond the borders of the country, even if sometimes this requires many sacrifices.

We express our appreciation to Vladislav Zotea for this beautiful result and wish him to reach new heights that will bring him satisfaction and fulfilment.