International Youth Day (IYD) celebrates the potential of Moldovan youth to create innovative solutions for their communities. Today's youth, born in the digital era, are adept at leveraging technology to build a more inclusive present and future. UNFPA supports young people in harnessing their potential both online and offline. On International Youth Day, the organization highlighted the role of the younger generation in creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive digital space.
Together with the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, the National Youth Agency, the Municipality of Cahul, the National Youth Council of Moldova, and other partners, we organized a series of interactive activities in Cahul and Chișinău, attended by young people from across the country.
At the IYD 2024 celebration event, held in Cahul - the Youth Capital of 2024, around 50 young people participated in the "Click Without Violence" quiz - an intellectual game specifically designed to identify solutions to challenges that may arise in the online environment and is part of the #Bodyright campaign.
"At UNFPA, we believe in the power of youth to drive change, think critically, and use technology to expose injustices and combat misinformation. We are with you in schools, youth centers, online and offline – to provide safe and healthy development opportunities and to make a difference together," stated Natalia Plugaru, Assistant Representative of UNFPA Moldova, in her speech.
At the Youth Festival in Chișinău, organized by the National Youth Council, young people engaged in discussions with Cătălin Lungu, the ambassador of the #Bodyright campaign, on recognizing, preventing, and combating digital violence. Cătălin urged them to understand that violence is not "cool" and encouraged them to act against all forms of violence. He analyzed several cases of online harassment and shared his own experiences of dealing with hateful comments.
#Bodyright is a global UNFPA campaign against digital violence, launched in Moldova in November 2023 under the slogan "Without My Consent, It’s Not Your Content," supported by singer Dara and Cătălin Lungu.
At both events, the Peer Educators Network EduLIFE and the Youth Centers Network of Moldova were present alongside the young participants.
Around 300 young people joined the "No Taboo" game with EduLIFE educators, testing their knowledge on healthy behaviors, adolescent body development, hygiene, contraception methods, and more, with the brightest participants receiving awards.
The Youth Centers Network offered a range of interactive activities, providing opportunities for young people to learn about various programs.
In Moldova, one in three people is aged between 14-35 years. Investing in their empowerment and engagement will help build a generation capable of actively contributing to the country's sustainable development.
International Youth Day, celebrated on August 12, was established in 1999 by the UN General Assembly following the recommendation of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth. The day highlights the significant role young people play in creating a sustainable future.
