More than 300 people from the USA and Canada participated this year, at the 9th edition of the Moldovan-American Convention (Moldovan-American Convention - MAC) with the generic „Proud to be from Moldova”, which took place in Chicago, IL, USA.

The current edition benefited partially from grant funding under the Thematic Grant Program Diaspora Engagement Hub (DEH), implemented by the Diaspora Relations Bureau (BRD).

The event also brought together high-ranking guests from both the Republic of Moldova and the USA, namely, the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, the Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, Dumitru Alaiba, the Minister of Culture, Sergiu Prodan, Congressman Mike Lawler ( NY) and Senator Dick Durbin (IL), Assistant Administrator for the Office of Europe and Eurasia, USAID, Erin E. McKee, Director of the Entrepreneurship Center at the International Chamber of Commerce, Gabriel Petrus, US Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Kent Logsdon, Ambassador of the Republic Moldova in the USA, Viorel Ursu, representatives of the Diaspora Relations Bureau and the USAID Mission from the Republic of Moldova.

MAC9 served as a good opportunity for the delegation from our country to discuss with members of the diaspora about the mechanisms and tools that the Government offers for the engagement of the diaspora in the transformation process of the Republic of Moldova, as well as about investment opportunities in our country.

Being present at the Convention, the deputy head of the BRD, Violina Donu, spoke about the involvement of the diaspora in the development of the home towns of the Republic of Moldova, referring to the Program Diaspora at Home Succeeds „DAR 1+3”. In this context, Violina Donu noted the interest and openness of the US diaspora to realize their ideas through the grants offered by the BRD. In the current year, within the Program „DAR 1+3”, the implementation of 3 projects with the involvement of the US diaspora is planned. Thus, the Town Hall of Cimișlia intends to implement jointly with our citizens from the American continent, the project „Let's invest in the comfort of our children” through which 110 beds will be purchased for children from 5 kindergartens in the locality, the Town Hall of Chiștelnița village, Telenești, will equip the culture house in the village with furniture and the Town Hall of Nisporeni will carry out the project „Bridges that connect us” which consists in the construction of a portion of the road to the public institutions, the repair of the footbridges, as well as the arrangement of two parking lots for buses and cars.

Another program that the BRD representative spoke about is the Diaspora Engagement Hub (DEH), a grant program that harnesses the potential of the diaspora, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and expertise. In 2023, 4 projects submitted by the representatives of the diaspora from the USA and Canada will receive funding.

„I want to congratulate the organizers and each one of you because you are a wonderful community, very open and friendly, that's why we would like to see you as close to the BRD as possible and more involved in our projects and programs. Thank you for your effort to contribute at home”, concluded Violina Donu.

We specify that the Moldovan-American Convention is a non-governmental, non-profit event, the initiative to organize the event belongs to the Association „Moldova AID” from the USA.

Irina Burlacu de Paoli, researcher, sociologist, lecturer at Maastricht University, Kingdom of the Netherlands, author of the board game Mobility Era Game visited the Diaspora Relations Bureau. A good pretext to know more the details about the Bureau's activity and to maintain a dialogue with the team was the project that the national team won within the thematic grant program „Diaspora Engagement Hub” (DEH).

The guest mentioned that for a long time she has been following the evolution of BRD and particularly, the Programs destined to members of the diaspora and this year she decided to submit the dossier to DEH, to benefit from the opportunity offered for this purpose, but also to bring home the experience and expertise accumulated in several countries of the world. Doing her master's degree in Luxembourg and her doctorate in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Irina Burlacu set out to include in her doctoral thesis, in addition to research and innovation, another important element, namely that of utility. Respectively, the researcher created the board game Mobility Era Game, which is currently in great demand in the educational institutions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and through the project called „Educational Technology and Education in the Base of Game” she will present it to the guild colleagues and also to pupils from Moldova.

Regarding the implementation procedure, Irina Burlacu specified that in the European countries there are respected the same conditions and ways of carrying out projects as those in the Republic of Moldova.

Nadejda Zubco, head of the Diaspora Relations Bureau thanked Irina Burlacu for the visit and for the interest shown towards the institution that she represents. In the same vein, the head of the BRD invited the researcher to the events dedicated to the diaspora, which will take place in August and which will bring together in Chisinau several citizens of the Republic of Moldova established abroad. At the same time, Nadejda Zubco also referred to other ways of involving the highly qualified diaspora in the evolution of the country of origin, but also to the interest shown by the natives from the diaspora towards the development of the localities they come from.

The dialogue was open and productive, and the participants exchanged relevant information which could be used to initiate and maintain a future collaboration.

The visit of Veronica Crețu, co-president of the National Committee for Open Government and founder of the Moldova4EU Diaspora Task Force, expert in the field of Good Governance, established in Austria, contributed to completing the agenda of the Diaspora Relations Bureau (BRD) with new objectives.

The expert referred to the importance of the involvement of the highly qualified diaspora in the processes at home. „We are ready to act and mobilize the diaspora to intervene on the collaboration agenda with civil society, on the open government agenda. For this purpose, we have created a working group with colleagues, and through BRD we can provide support as needed”, said Veronica Crețu.

Nadejda Zubco, head of the Diaspora Relations Office, thanked the guest for her cooperation and support, for identifying and encouraging diaspora experts who apply their knowledge for the benefit of the country. The head of BRD expressed her gratitude and appreciation for strengthening the efforts of the intellectual potential outside the country, stating that this is a phenomenal thing.

In the same vein, Nadejda Zubco invited Veronica Crețu to the 10th edition of the Diaspora Congress that will take place on August 18-20, specifying that the presence of the diaspora at this far-reaching event is very important.

Veronica Crețu, for her part, thanked for the invitation and added that, from the perspective of the conceptual framework, it would be essential to identify the needs in public institutions. Sectors that are open to engaging with members of the diaspora, available to connect for research, data analysis and other collaborations, can be specifically covered.

Also, the expert mentioned that there are several types of involvement from outside citizens, some being open only to listen about what is happening at home, others want to contribute with something very concrete, and from another category there are those who even want to to come on the spot, supported by development partners who can favor our diaspora experts over those who are foreign. „We also have examples of citizens who have already returned and are employed in leading institutions”, added Veronica Crețu.

The dialogue was productive and efficient, contributing to the creation of a road map, for now non-formal, but which will constitute a real support in strengthening the link between the highly qualified diaspora and the authorities.

The Diaspora Relations Bureau organized an online event to validate the Concept of the Program project for the 2024-2027 years regarding the implementation of the „Diaspora-2025” National Strategy.

The given activity took place as a result of the mid-term evaluation exercise of the „Diaspora-2025” National Strategy (June-December 2022), carried out with the support of the EU - ICMPD joint initiative, MIEUX+ (Migration EU expertise).

The meeting was attended by Sophie Dagand, Attaché, EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, Alima Kassenova, associate officer of the MIEUX+ project, Global Initiatives Program, ICMPD, Dorina Baltag and Eugen Burdelnîi, experts within the project, as well as representatives of the State Chancellery, central public authorities, development partners, diaspora and civil society with implications in the field of diaspora, migration and development (DMD).

In her greeting message, Nadejda Zubco, head of the Diaspora Relations Bureau, expressed her gratitude for the support given by the project and MIEUX+ experts in the process of analysing and revising the legal framework in the field of DMD. At the same time, the head of the BRD referred to the importance of evaluating the „Diaspora 2025” National Strategy, in the context of the diversification of the profile of Moldovan migrants over the years. In this vein, Nadejda Zubco mentioned the opening of the highly qualified diaspora to provide consultancy to relevant institutions in the country, which represents an evolution and progress for the Republic of Moldova.

The participants at the dialogue presented themselves vis-à-vis the presented document, and the suggestions and recommendations offered will contribute to the improvement of the Project Concept of the Program for the 2024-2027 years regarding the implementation of the „Diaspora-2025” National Strategy.

We specify that the purpose of drafting the public policy document is to involve the diaspora in the sustainable development of the Republic of Moldova by diversifying the channels and levels of involvement in development processes at the central and local level, as well as by offering support and assistance to Moldovan diaspora associations abroad.

The process of developing a new sectoral program for the diaspora includes both the conclusions and recommendations of the Evaluation Report, as well as the establishment of new indicators derived from the findings following the implementation of the first and second stages of the Strategy. The action is provided for in the 2023 Government's Activity Plan.

We remind you that MIEUX+ is a peer-to-peer network of experts that has supported partner countries and regional organizations to better manage migration and mobility by providing rapid and personalized assistance on demand since 2009. It is a joint initiative funded by the Union European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), which contributes to safe, orderly and regular migration.

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.

42 local public authorities will benefit this year from non-refundable funding through the Program „Diaspora at Home Succeeds DAR 1+3”. The decision was taken by the Project Evaluation and Supervision Committee within the respective Program.

The selected projects are to be implemented by the end of 2023 and target areas such as the development of rest areas and sports fields; energy efficiency, repair of roads and footpaths; renovation and rehabilitation of public buildings; construction, expansion, rehabilitation of water supply systems; the development of local tourism; environmental protection, development and capitalization of the locality's cultural heritage.

Project financing is carried out based on the joint contribution of the diaspora, the Government, local public authorities (LPA), donors and other development partners. As a partner of the Program, the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), within the „Policy Advisory Fund” project, financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), will provide financial support through the Efficiency Alliance Energy and Renewables, a number of 11 projects in the field of energy efficiency. The Government of the Republic of Moldova allocated 10 million lei for the current edition.

The „DAR 1+3” program is implemented by the State Chancellery through the Diaspora Relations Office and has the main objective of harnessing the human and financial potential of the diaspora in the socioeconomic development of the Republic of Moldova. Up to the current stage, over 100 local public authorities have benefited from the opportunities of this Program.

Details: http://bitly.ws/FfgN

Elena Mușuc, fashion designer, president of the sector of foreign entrepreneurs within the National Confederation of Artisans of Small and Medium Enterprises, from Italy recently visited the Diaspora Relations Office. The dialogue focused on aspects related to the professional experience obtained in the host country, but also the perspective of returning to the homeland, with the aim of developing one's own business in the field of social entrepreneurship.

At the same time, the designer mentioned that he gave up the workshop he had in Italy, in order to focus his efforts and knowledge on the initiation of an activity aimed at changing the lives of people, from his hometown.

As president of the sector of foreign entrepreneurs within the National Confederation of Artisans of Small and Medium Enterprises in Italy, Elena Mușuc aims to strengthen the ties in the field, between the two countries, the Republic of Moldova and Italy, and to implement as many resonance projects as possible .

Nadejda Zubco, head of the Diaspora Relations Office, thanked the guest for her effort and involvement in promoting the country's image internationally, but also for the interest shown in local development through social initiatives.

In the same vein, the head of BRD also referred to the possibilities offered for this purpose by the "Development of entrepreneurial capacities of the Republic of Moldova diaspora 2" (D.O.M.D.E. 2) project, which is to be launched soon. The experience of Elena Mușuc, as a beneficiary of the first edition of the mentioned project, being relevant in achieving the proposed objective.

It was a productive and honest discussion, emotional in places, with memories and lived experiences, but also with a lot of hope and confidence in the future.

The state secretary of the State Chancellery, Adrian Balutel, received at the Government a delegation from the Department for Romanians Everywhere, led by State Secretary Florin-Gheorghe Cârciu. The discussions focused on the possibilities of deepening bilateral relations and intensifying the support offered to diaspora associations.

Adrian Balutel referred to the strengthening of common efforts in order to expand the number of programs initiated and carried out through the Diaspora Relations Bureau which are intended for citizens of the Republic of Moldova settled outside the borders. In particular, the Official mentioned about the Educational Centers for studying the Romanian language abroad and the importance of expanding their support levers. At the same time, Adrian Balutel came up with the initiative to analyze the possibility of DPRP participating in the 10th edition of the Diaspora Congress that will take place in Chisinau, during August 18-20.

The state secretary of the DPRP appreciated the constant dialogue that exists between the authorities on the two banks of the Prut river and reconfirmed the support of the institution he leads for the realization of future projects that strengthen communication and interaction between citizens in the diaspora. Florin-Gheorghe Cârciu highlighted the fact that the programs launched by the DPRP are valid and can be accessed by all members of the diaspora who hold Romanian citizenship.

Based on the fact that both institutions pursue the same mission in relation to the citizens of the diaspora, the officials noted the need to intensify inter-institutional cooperation in order to exchange good practices, apply effective support tools, as well as sign a Memorandum of Collaboration.

The founder of the Association Romanians United in England "R.U.D.A", Mariana Plămădeala, together with her daughter Smaranda, came today, to visit the Diaspora Relations Bureau (BRD), to see us again and to discuss her new initiatives and upcoming projects to get involved.

Thus, Mariana told us about RoForumUK which is dedicated to all Romanian-speaking organizations in England. Through this event, the organizing team aims to strengthen the capacities of the diaspora in Great Britain regarding the establishment of diaspora associations, writing projects, etc. Being the coordinator of the "Nicolae Iorga" Romanian School in Birmingham, our guest told us about the successes recorded by the students in the process of studying the Romanian language, noting that the number of people interested in participating in the courses is increasing.

The head of BRD, Nadejda Zubco, thanked Mariana for the visit and welcomed her initiatives, and gave little Smaranda a book "Albinuța" with the most wonderful verses written by the poet Grigore Vieru. At the same time, the head of BRD invited Ms. Plămădeala to participate in the 10th edition of the Diaspora Congress.
 
 

Titi Zemba, the president of the Association of Moldovans on the Côte d'Azur "MoldaVita" is a well-known person among our compatriots in France due to her dedication and passionate involvement in the realization of several socio-cultural projects, as well as campaigns information for Moldovans focused on various topics.

Returning home to celebrate Easter with her loved ones - one of the biggest holidays of Christianity, Titi decided to visit the Diaspora Relations Bureau (BRD) to meet the team and establish collaboration milestones. Thus, Mrs. Zemba told us about the most important cultural events that she plans to organize for our compatriots in France, among which are the holding of the seminar "Psychology through music" with the participation of the ensemble "Trio Vatra Neamului", the presentation of the show "Testament " of the "Luceafărul" Republican Theater in Chisinau and the organization of the Franco-Moldovan charity event for the benefit of the public association "Copii Ploii''.

"We know well that our diaspora is thirsty for everything that means culture and Beauty. We greatly appreciate that you are actively involved in the organization of such events abroad and put your heart into everything you do for our compatriots to quench their thirst", mentioned, for her part, the head of BRD, Nadejda Zubco. At the same time, Titi Zemba was informed by the BRD team about this year's Diaspora Congress, in the context of which the invitation to participate in the event was issued.

On the International Dance Day, which is celebrated every year on April 29, the Dance Ensembles from Greece - "Moldova", leader Svetlana Lisagor-Vergis, choreographer Elina Stibelschi and "Dansul Neamului", leader and choreographer Igor Sprîncean, they participated in a cultural event, held in Cotias square in the center of Athens.

Along with our compatriots, several diaspora and Greek dance collectives presented their folk dances which, by the way, are an important part of any culture and reflect the identity of each people. The beauty and authenticity of Moldovan folk dances were appreciated this time as well. Our compatriots, dancers in the two artistic collectives, had an exceptional performance, twirling horas and Serbians ("Hora mare si jocula de pe pe pe pele", "Sarba", "Hora răzeșilor", "Hora fetelor" and ,, Horișoara"), dances admired with joy by the public.

The event was organized by the Department of Culture and Dance Training of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

In this way, we thank our compatriots from Greece, for the fact that they proudly promote folk dance, our cultural values and take the fame of the Republic of Moldova far from its borders.
 
 

The library of the Bureau of Diaspora Relations (BRD) has become richer, completing its collection with a new book just out of print - "Boomerang", the second edition, kindly offered by the author Lilia Bicec, who these days was kind enough to comes to visit BRD.

Mrs. Bicec is a reference name in the Italian diaspora, being known for her work as a writer, journalist and founder of the "Moldbrixia" social promotion association, but also of the magazine with the same title.

We had a friendly discussion in which we were informed about the functionality of the Romanian Language School, recently founded in Brescia – a major objective of Lilia Bicec. The guest noted that both parents and children who attend the Romanian language classes are enthusiastic about what they study in the course. At the end of the academic year, a literary event will be organized at the Romanian Language School, during which the children will have a meeting with the writer Claudia Partole.

The head of BRD, Nadejda Zubco, appreciated the initiatives of Ms. Bicec, assuring her of support in order to provide teaching materials and suggested her to enroll in the training courses for teachers from the diaspora, organized by BRD in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research and the National Association of European Trainers from Moldova (ANTEM). At the same time, Nadejda Zubco invited Lilia Bicec to participate in the Diaspora Congress, which this year will be in its 10th edition.