On August 12, we celebrate International Youth Day, recognizing the potential of youth to drive innovative solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive future in their communities.
In Moldova, nearly every third person is young, aged between 14 and 35 years. Investing in their empowerment and participation will help shape a generation able of actively engaging in the country's sustainable development.
UNFPA Moldova supports youth through programs designed to offer real opportunities for active participation and life skills development. In 2024, as part of International Youth Day, we aim to highlight the role of youth in creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive digital space.
Safe digital technologies can enhance adolescents' and young people's access to quality sexual and reproductive health information, services, and supplies, empowering them to make informed decisions and exercise bodily autonomy.
However, in the online space, young people are easily exposed to violence, sexual harassment, and hate speech, which can have devastating consequences on their physical and mental health.
When faced with an unpleasant online situation, 41% of Moldovan adolescents aged 15-17 choose to turn to a friend rather than an adult (La Strada Study, 2021). Additionally, every second adolescent has been exposed to sexually explicit content online. These figures confirm the need for youth education and their involvement in addressing digital challenges, thus contributing to risk reduction and the creation of a safer online community.
UNFPA’s program for International Youth Day includes multiple activities dedicated to youth, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research, the National Youth Agency, and the National Youth Council of Moldova:
7-9 August: Summer School for Peer Educators in Life Skills Development.
12 August, Cahul - Youth Capital 2024: International Youth Day Celebration Event:
- Bodyright Quiz on digital violence.
- "Without Taboo" game organized by Youth Peer Educators in technical vocational education.
- The mobile clinic Youth Klinic will organize informational activities and offer rapid HIV testing.
- Interactive activities organized by Youth Centers.
13 August, Criuleni, Jevreni: Interactive workshop with youth on sexual and reproductive education in partnership with The Moldova Project.
16 August, Chișinău: International Youth Conference organized by the National Youth Council (CNTM):
- Panel: The Role of Youth in Societal Development.
17 August, Chișinău, Youth Festival:
- Q&A with Cătălin Lungu, content creator: Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces for Youth.
- "Withouth Taboo" Game organized by Youth Peer Educators in technical vocational education.
- Interactive activities organized by Youth Centers.
We look forward to seeing you at the Internationa Youth Day events!
The full agenda of events for August 12 and 17 can be consulted here:
12 August Ziua Internațională a Tineretului la Cahul 2024
17 August FestiValului Tineretului, Chisinau
