Chisinau – On the occasion of International Youth Day, the National Youth Council of Moldova, in partnership with UNFPA Moldova, Ministry of Youth and Sport of the Republic, AIESEC and Rotaract Club, organized the second edition of the Youth Festival.

The Festival was opened by Paul Ianeţ, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Terence Carp, president of the National Youth Council of Moldova, and Eugenia Berzan UNFPA Moldova Programme Analyst on Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Youth.

"For us it is important that young people stay in Moldova, have the possibility to realise their dreams here, to find a job, to have a future, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports will do everything possible to ensure these opportunities for young people are created”, said Pavel Ianeţ, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports.

Eugenia Berzan UNFPA Moldova Programme Analyst underlined that "Young people in Moldova represent a huge potential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and identify innovative solutions for the country's prosperity. However, young people can contribute actively to change their future and societies only if they are informed, have access to education and quality health services, including sexual and reproductive health. UNFPA Moldova will continue to support the Government efforts to ensure the rights of youth are fulfilled and young people are actively involved as equal partners in achieving country sustainable development."

In the framework of the Festival, Igor Ciurea, the Secretary General of the National Youth Council of Moldova presented the "Report of Youth Mainstreaming into the Employment Strategy 2017-2021". This report was prepared based on the methodology of youth mainstreaming into the sectoral policies (Youth Mainstreaming), with the support of UNFPA Moldova.

Based on the report results, a panel discussion was held on the role of youth in implementing the Agenda 2030, with the participation of the representatives of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and Family, Ministry of Health and UNFPA Moldova. Special emphasis was put on creating the conditions for youth employment and guaranteeing the right to a decent job, as well as the right to health, including sexual and reproductive health.

The Youth Festival is organized in the context of International Youth Day, for the second time in Moldova. Young people have the possibility to discuss with decision makers to get to know the youth organizations of Moldova, to find out about employment and volunteering opportunities, as well as to participate in various workshops. Y-PEER Moldova organized a workshop on sexuality education and asked the young people if they want to have it as compulsory subject in the school curriculum.

Young people also enjoyed a rock concert with the participation of best bands from Moldova.