Cahul, 12 August 2018 - The second edition of the International Youth Day (IYD), organized as part of the national "Youth Capital" program, was held on August 12 in Cahul. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Research and UNFPA supports the event aiming to promote the rights and opportunities of young people in other localities than the city of Chisinau.

The IYD 2018 organized in the city of Cahul, this year's “Youth Capital” of Moldova, has gathered almost 2,000 people from several districts of the country, including adolescents and youth, families with children, elderly, and people with disabilities. They have enjoyed a diverse cultural and educational program with multiple interactive activities, quiz competitions, sports games, music and dance.

Radu Rebeja, Youth and Sports State Secretary, attended the official opening of the event.

“Young people represent one third of the population of the Republic of Moldova. They are the driving force of this country. Our young people fly the national flag in many countries of the world, bringing back home medals and glory. We are proud of them and trust that will be able to build a prosperous future for and with them at home,” he said.

The theme of the International Youth Day 2018 is “Safe Spaces for Youth”. Rita Columbia, UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund’s Representative, the strategic partner of the event, congratulated all young people on this celebration and called for investments in their education and health, as a prerequisite for country’s sustainable development.

“To support the development of young people in the Republic of Moldova, including those with fewer opportunities, UNFPA supports the creation of youth centers throughout the country. By 2022, we aim to have strong youth centers that will provide young people with useful resources and quality services for their development, in a safe and friendly environment, "she said.

The IYD 2018 Festival from Cahul included several areas for visitors, such as camping area, sports area and a special presentation by the Scouts Association. An outdoor exhibition, a fair of NGOs and folk crafts, have been arranged at the Festival. At the end, young people from Cahul Youth Rayonal Council organized the “Color Festival”, while the National Youth Orchestra, Catharsis, Alex Calancea Band, the “Wolves” and others had musical performances.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, the City Hall of Cahul, POT Music, “Perspectiva” NGO and UNFPA Moldova.

The first edition of the International Youth Day, organized as part of the national “Youth Capital” program, took place in 2017, in Varniţa.