Moldova Summit: Building Resilient Communities Post-War
The Republic of Moldova will host the 5th International Mayors Summit, bringing together local leaders from the region to discuss strategies for building resilient communities through innovation and cooperation.
Launched in Ukraine in 2016, the initiative has become a vital forum for sharing best practices and fostering international collaboration.
Stela Jemna, Country Representative with WNISEF, and local organiser Sergiu Cibotaru emphasised the event's significance given the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the subsequent need for reconstruction efforts. The Summit will address challenges mayors face in improving residents' lives, including limited access to funding and a lack of qualified personnel to execute projects.
"Before the war, we had limited communication with Ukrainian mayors. This Summit provides an opportunity to build bridges between our countries," said Jemna. "We want mayors from around the world to come to Moldova, collaborate, and develop joint initiatives."
"Our biggest challenge is finding qualified individuals within City Hall to write projects, implement innovative governance strategies, and ultimately improve the lives of our residents," explained Cibotaru.
Mayors will have the unique opportunity to present their achievements and pitch projects within a limited timeframe, promoting efficient knowledge-sharing. Workshops, presentations, and business exhibitions will further inspire participants and help them identify solutions for their communities.
"Nine mayors from Ukraine, the European Union, and Moldova will share success stories from their localities in concise, seven-minute presentations," said Jemna.
Discussions on rebuilding war-torn Ukrainian cities and applying those lessons globally will be a key focus. This highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing shared challenges.
"Ukraine's reconstruction is inevitable, and we will be part of that process. Moldova has overcome its own crises, making us well-positioned to contribute," said Cibotaru. "Involving communities and utilising innovation and digitalization are crucial. Every resident must understand and have the opportunity to play a role in rebuilding."
The International Mayors Summit promises to be more than just a forum for discussion; it aims to be a catalyst for building stronger, more prosperous communities through collaboration and innovative solutions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
