Moldova Youth Forum draws over 500 participants to Dniester banks
More than 500 young people gathered in Holercani along the Dniester River this weekend for the fifth Moldova Youth Forum, engaging with policymakers and President Maia Sandu on civic participation and national resilience.
Fostering cohesion on the Dniester
The gathering in Holercani, located in the Dubăsari District, marked the first time the annual summit was hosted along the banks of the Dniester River. Organizers placed special emphasis on social cohesion, democratic dialogue, and direct interaction between the country's youth and public decision-makers. Hundreds of participants camped in tents along the riverbank while attending thematic workshops addressing labor market equality, civic freedom, and community engagement.
President Maia Sandu opened the forum with an interactive workshop, urging young citizens to take an active role in state decisions and national security preparedness.
“When we talk about resilience, I want us to understand that these are not abstract concepts or complicated documents,” Sandu said. “Resilience is about our ability to cope with abnormal situations. Above all, we want you to be able to protect yourselves.”
Participants also discussed career prospects, equal opportunity, and the generational transition in governance, stressing the importance of making youth perspectives central to national policy.
Community support and civil society
Non-governmental organizations mounted informational pavilions across the forum grounds to provide specialized resources. Adelina Zlotea, representing the civic association Women for Women, presented the “Alina” assistance initiative designed to aid survivors of gender-based abuse.
“We are distributing leaflets tailored to our new program,” Zlotea said. “The project provides five free sessions with a psychologist alongside group therapy for girls and women affected by violence.”
Participation rose significantly from the previous edition held at the Chișinău Arena, which drew over 400 young people, highlighting growing civic involvement as Moldova pursues institutional alignment with the European Union.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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