Moldova Diaspora Engagement: Seminar Overview
Last week, a high-level interinstitutional seminar on Moldova diaspora engagement brought together representatives of public institutions and civil society to advance cooperation with Moldovan communities abroad. The event focused on improving coordination, simplifying access to public services for citizens overseas, and unlocking the full potential of the diaspora for Moldova’s sustainable development.
Participants included Diaspora, Migration and Development (DMD) coordinators from central executive authorities, alongside civil society stakeholders actively involved in shaping and implementing diaspora policy in Moldova.
From Administrative Processes to Strategic Partnership
A central theme of the seminar was the transition from a fragmented, administrative approach to a strategic diaspora partnership model based on trust, collaboration, and measurable results.
Speakers highlighted that, despite the effective work of individual institutions, limited coordination often forces diaspora members to engage with multiple agencies to resolve a single issue. This creates barriers to efficient communication and reduces the overall effectiveness of public services for Moldovans living abroad.
Bureau for Diaspora Relations (BRD): A Key Coordination Hub
The Bureau for Diaspora Relations (BRD) was reaffirmed as a leading institution in coordinating Moldova – diaspora relations, facilitating interagency cooperation, strengthening information exchange, and serving as a vital communication bridge between the state and its citizens abroad.
Diaspora as a Strategic Development Partner
The seminar emphasized a modern vision of the diaspora as a key development partner, not just a service recipient. With strong professional expertise, international networks, and valuable experience, diaspora communities play a crucial role in driving innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development in Moldova.
Key Outcomes of the Moldova Diaspora Seminar
The seminar resulted in several strategic decisions aimed at improving diaspora engagement mechanisms:
● Establishing a one-stop service platform for the Moldovan diaspora
● Strengthening interinstitutional coordination across government bodies
● Expanding partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives
● Introducing feedback and monitoring tools to increase policy effectiveness
Next Steps: Policy Development and International Support
This seminar is part of an ongoing training series for the DMD coordinator network, implemented with the support of the Government of Switzerland under the project «Support to Diaspora, Migration and Development Governance through Improved Policy and Institutional Framework» (Migration and Development Programme for the Republic of Moldova, Phase III).
The initiative aims to enhance institutional capacity, improve diaspora – government dialogue, and support the development of a National Return Support Plan, as well as a new strategic framework for Moldova’s diaspora engagement policy.
Towards a more connected, resilient, and future-oriented Moldova.
