Six young women, men and persons of diverse gender identities, belonging to marginalized groups received diplomas for the successful completion of their internship, as part of the sixth edition of the UN Moldova Diversity Internship Program. The interns completed a four-month lasting internship with a six United Nations agencies. OHCHR, UNDP, UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNFPA and UN Women participated in the program.

Dumitru Caraman, one of the UN interns, chose to complete his internship at UNFPA. Dumitru has visual impairments; however, during the six-month internship program, he had the opportunity to fulfill his job responsibilities according to his job description, as well as participate in various human rights training sessions, networking events, including Open Days organized by the Council for Equality and the Ombudsman’s Office.

"This experience has shown me that true inclusion is not just about access but also about the opportunity to genuinely contribute. I am proud to have been able to support important UNFPA projects, such as equipping perinatal centers across the country and promoting the mission of community social workers," said Dumitru Caraman, UNFPA intern.

Launched in March 2016, the UN Moldova Diversity Internship Program aimed to convey a message of non-discrimination and support to the inclusion of people belonging to marginalized groups. These groups still face discrimination and have less opportunities of equal participation in decision making processes, good quality education, employment, and professional development.

"Today, we proudly welcome six new ambassadors of diversity, equality, and inclusion—leaders in their own communities—graduates of the UN Diversity Internship Program. The United Nations in Moldova remains firmly committed to ending all forms of discrimination and ensuring that the country’s development is inclusive, just, and sustainable, leaving no one and no where behind," - mentioned Yesim Oruc, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Moldova.

"At UNFPA, we are guided by the values of inclusion, diversity, empowerment, and social cohesion, believing that every person deserves the opportunity to contribute and thrive. The UN interns have shown us through their talent and dedication that abilities do not define potential—opportunities do. Their experience has challenged us to be more inclusive and rethink accessibility. This program is just the beginning—true inclusion requires continuous effort to remove barriers and create opportunities for all," said Dr. Karina A. Nersesyan, UNFPA Representative in Moldova.

The UN Moldova Diversity Internship Program also serves as motivation for other organizations, institutions, and private sector in Moldova, to follow the UN example and provide more opportunities for engagement and employment to persons from marginalized groups.

International and national studies show that interaction with persons from marginalized groups contributes to an increase in social tolerance and acceptance.