Approximately 8,200 young people live in the Cantemir district, a significant decrease from 22,600 in 2019. Many young people migrate internally or abroad for educational and employment opportunities. "Most youth who leave are aged 20-30, as this is when they pursue studies or work, either in the capital or abroad. To motivate them to stay, it is essential to create development opportunities for them here in the community," stated Pavel Culicovschi, President of the Cantemir District Council.

Limited access to youth services and the lack of a Youth Center contribute to young people's low participation in decision-making processes and civic activities. As a result, young people have fewer opportunities to develop their skills, organize into initiative groups, and contribute to local development.

In 2024, Cantemir District participated in the support program for Level II local public authorities (LPAs) to plan youth-related budgets. The support program provides a detailed analysis of the district's youth situation and training for authorities, local youth organizations, and active youth in strategic planning and participatory budgeting for youth activities. Additionally, it offers tailored assistance in creating a results-oriented action plan adapted to local needs and available resources for the next calendar year.

The program has supported 27 district councils over its five years of existence. It is implemented by the PRO BONO Information and Resources Center within the Joint Fund for Strengthening Youth Participation and Developing Youth Centers in the Republic of Moldova, supported by the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, the National Youth Agency, the Government of Switzerland, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

President Pavel Culicovschi aims to leverage this opportunity alongside the district council team and local youth to analyze the district's youth situation, more effectively plan activities and the budget for 2025, meet the current needs of young people, and provide more development opportunities.

"When I took office as district president, Cantemir district lacked a socio-economic development strategy. Furthermore, the youth sector had no vision or development plan, and the district council did not have a specialist employed in this area," noted Mr. Culicovschi.

The President of the District Council considers the youth sector vital for the district and sought support from the National Youth Agency to launch initial initiatives to support young people's personal and professional development, encourage their involvement in community life, and prevent migration.

Participating in the support program has led to several commitments by Cantemir District's LPAs, including ensuring a budgetary planning process for youth, launching the District Youth Council, and developing and approving the Youth Strategy for 2025-2029.

"We aim to provide young people in Cantemir District with more opportunities, tools, and support for development tailored to their current needs. We now have a clearer vision of the youth situation in the district and have developed a youth action plan for 2025, which we are set to implement," reiterated the district president.

"I am confident that next year, we will initiate a series of processes related to the youth sector that will naturally lead to opening a Youth Center in the district. I know our youth desire this greatly. At the same time, we will work on developing the youth strategy to plan long-term activities and programs that will support youth participation throughout the district," added Mr. Culicovschi.

The Cantemir District President believes that participating in this program has benefited public officials and all local actors in organizing activities and projects for young people, who ultimately stand to benefit the most. "Our youth are a valuable asset, both for the district and the country, and investing in them is essentially an investment in the future and progress of our nation," stated Pavel Culicovschi confidently.

The support program for LPAs in developing youth strategies and budgets is implemented by the PRO BONO Information and Resources Center within the Joint Fund for Strengthening Youth Participation and Developing Youth Centers in the Republic of Moldova. It is supported by the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, the National Youth Agency, the Government of Switzerland, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).