Sofia Triboi is a civically engaged teenager who dreams of living in a country that offers equal opportunities for young people. This year, Sofia voted for the first time and believes young people can make a difference in society by generating new solutions to their challenges.
"This year, I voted for the first time, and I believe it's important for us to do so. Young people must go to the polls to choose the country they want to live in, the education they want to receive, and the people they want by their side. After high school, I want to stay home, stay close to the people I love, and build something here," Sofia emphasizes.
The participation of young people in electoral processes is crucial to ensuring their voices are heard, their interests represented, and their future built on a solid democracy. This engagement also drives politicians to address the needs of the younger generation.
In recent national elections in the Republic of Moldova, youth voter turnout has increased. During the second round of the presidential elections on November 3, 2024, more than half of young people aged 18–25 (51.78%) and 26–35 (52.04%) cast their votes, maintaining the record turnout from the 2020 elections.
Promoting civic education and increasing trust in the electoral process is essential to encouraging youth involvement and fostering a more equitable and participatory society. The growing number of young voters results from sustained mobilization efforts and support through various opportunities and programs that encourage civic activism among youth. Young people are becoming more aware of their vote's power and ability to influence decision-making processes and actively participate in them.
UNFPA supports youth participation and civic engagement, with voting being one of the most impactful ways for young people to make their voices heard and contribute to the country's development.
In recent years, through the Network of Youth Centers, in collaboration with national partners and with the support of Switzerland, UNFPA has engaged tens of thousands of young people in activities such as participation, volunteering, and civic initiatives. These efforts have contributed to fostering critical thinking and increasing civic activism among young people.
From September to October 2024, UNFPA supported implementing the youth mobilization campaign "Drop Everything and Go Vote!”, organized by the Youth Centers under the National Youth Agency's guidance. This campaign was carried out with support from the United Nations Population Fund, Soros Foundation Moldova, and the Government of Switzerland, in partnership with Institutum Virtutes Civilis.
