Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Vasile Tofan met with young members of the Moldovan diaspora participating in the second session of the government-run Diaspora. Origins. Return (DOR) programme. The discussion focused on preserving ties with the Republic of Moldova, the Romanian language, culture and traditions, as well as the role young Moldovans living abroad can play in the country’s European future.
Staying Connected with Moldova Is an Advantage for Young People
Maintaining a strong connection with their country of origin can be a valuable advantage for children and young people from the Moldovan diaspora, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said during his meeting with participants in the second session of the DOR programme.
The discussion focused on identity, opportunities for personal and professional development, and the future of the Republic of Moldova as it advances along its European path.
The Prime Minister encouraged young Moldovans to see their connection to different cultures not as a contradiction, but as an important advantage in an increasingly interconnected world. Knowledge of the Romanian language, Moldovan culture and traditions, combined with international experience, can create additional opportunities for education, professional development and future careers.
«The fact that you speak Romanian and have this connection with the Republic of Moldova is a great advantage – value it and make the most of it», Vasile Tofan said.
The Moldovan Diaspora and the Country’s European Future
The meeting also focused on the European integration of the Republic of Moldova and the contribution that younger generations of the diaspora can make to this process.
As Moldova continues to advance towards membership in the European Union, young Moldovans who currently live, study and gain professional experience abroad could play an increasingly important role in the country’s development and may one day represent Moldova’s interests within European institutions.
Their knowledge of Moldova, combined with international education, professional experience, language skills and an understanding of different cultures, can become a valuable resource both for their own careers and for the country’s long-term development.
Strengthening ties with young Moldovans abroad is therefore not only about preserving cultural identity. It is also an investment in Moldova’s human capital and its future within Europe.
Young Participants Discuss Education, Business and Infrastructure
Participants in the DOR programme had the opportunity to engage directly with the Prime Minister and raise questions about key areas of Moldova’s development.
The discussion covered education reform, government support for entrepreneurship, infrastructure development and other national priorities.
Direct dialogue with young members of the diaspora helps them better understand the reforms and transformations currently taking place in the Republic of Moldova, while strengthening their connection with the country and its future development.
DOR Programme Brings Together Young Moldovans from 20 Countries
The Diaspora. Origins. Return (DOR) programme is implemented by the Government of the Republic of Moldova through the Bureau for Diaspora Relations. Its purpose is to strengthen the connection between children and young people from the diaspora and their country of origin, while promoting knowledge of the Romanian language, national culture, traditions and contemporary Moldova.
In 2026, the two sessions of the DOR programme bring together 240 children and young people from 20 countries, including France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Romania, Portugal, Spain, the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
Since the programme was launched in 2013, approximately 1,500 children and young people from the Moldovan diaspora have participated in the initiative.
Preserving Identity and Building Moldova’s European Future
Maintaining strong ties with younger generations of the Moldovan diaspora is an important part of the Republic of Moldova’s long-term development. Young people who combine their connection to Moldova with the knowledge and experience gained while living and studying abroad can make a meaningful contribution to the country’s modernisation, economic development and European integration.
The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Moldova in Dnipro supports initiatives that strengthen relations with the Moldovan diaspora, help younger generations preserve their linguistic and cultural identity, and encourage their engagement in shaping a modern, democratic and European Republic of Moldova.
