Social Cohesion and Peace Initiative, Phase 1

Moldova is divided along political, linguistic, ethnic and regional lines, largely as a result of its complex history. Different perceptions of Moldova’s past and future, including what constitutes Moldova’s national identity and diverging views on the country’s geopolitical positioning cause divisions in society and contribute to inter-generational tensions, which in turn are exacerbated by migration patterns that strain family support networks.

Moldova is experiencing significant demographic changes with an aging population and a high inactivity rate among the youth. Socio-economic challenges affect both the elderly, who struggle with low pensions and high living costs, and the youth, who face limited educational offers and insufficient opportunities for decent employment, especially in rural areas. The lack of digital skills restricts the elderly's access to information and socio-economic participation. As Moldova started its process of accessing the European Union, it must address these divides and past legacies to become a cohesive and inclusive society.

This initiative provides an opportunity for Switzerland to leverage its extensive experience in promoting sustainable peace and inclusive nation-building, free from geopolitical agendas. It will create synergies with existing Swiss-funded projects in the areas of governance, economic development and employment as well as health, thus strengthening the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. The project foresees also a cooperation with Swisspeace aimed at developing an innovative approach to consolidating social cohesion and peace in geopolitically challenging times.

Some 1’500 direct beneficiaries (out of which 50% women): 400 young adults, 1’000 elderly people, and at least 100 refugees.

13 communities with a population of 136’000 residents on the right bank and some 10’000 on the left bank of the Dniester river, who are expected to benefit from increased social inclusion, cohesion and participation in community life.

Expected results:  

Output 1: Local platforms and tools are established in target communities to foster dialogue, tolerance and cooperation.

Output 2: Young and older people are empowered to actively participate in the community life, to access social services and contribute to social cohesion.

Actors: UN Women; UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Projects and Programmes: The project of the United Nations Development Programme on Insider Mediators and the Programme on Building Sustainable Peace, Strengthening Trust and Social Cohesion in Moldova (2022-2024); European Union’s Confidence Building Measures; One UN Joint Action for vulnerable groups (2022-2025); AdTrade Project supporting the Transnistrian region and cross-river economic development.