On 7 May 2025, the Alliance of Hometown Associations of Moldova (HTA Alliance) celebrated two years of impactful activity through the forum “HTA Alliance: Two years of action, change, and community impact” held in Chișinău. The event brought together over 100 participants, including representatives of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, civil society, local public authorities, and development partners.

In two years, the HTA Alliance has grown to encompass 89 member associations, each receiving support to strengthen their institutional capacities. The HTA Alliance has stimulated cooperation between local public authorities, local communities, and the diaspora. Through initiatives such as summer camps involving over 520 children, including refugees and diaspora children, the HTA Alliance has contributed significantly to strengthening social cohesion. Moreover, 60 women have been empowered and trained to become community leaders.

During the event, seven hometown associations selected through an open call were announced as recipients of grants up to US$9000 each to implement new community initiatives. These grants are provided under the UNDP project "Strengthening social cohesion through inclusive participation and empowered citizens", funded by the Government of Switzerland. Upcoming projects include the installation of traffic signs, the construction of playgrounds, and more.

“In just two years, the Alliance of Hometown Associations has showcased effective participatory local development by mentoring its members and local public authorities to strengthen governance and partnerships. As a result, 174 projects were conducted in the target communities, attracting investments worth 42 million MDL, including through 67 crowdfunding campaigns. All these efforts translate into improved services and livelihoods, as well as enhanced social cohesion. UNDP and Switzerland are proud to have supported since 2015 the engagement diaspora in local development,” said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

“We are proud to support this national effort to mobilize the diaspora in support of community development. Local structures and civil society hold tremendous potential, and the involvement of diaspora communities offers a valuable complementary perspective. Through the initiatives supported by the HTA Alliance, we are contributing to more inclusive governance and a more cohesive society,” said Genevieve Federspiel, Head of Governance and Social Cohesion at the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova.

The forum also marked the conclusion of a two-phase capacity-building programme that supported 30 hometown associations and 20 local public authorities. The programme provided guidance on developing internal policies, adopting good governance practices, updating local development strategies, and fostering partnerships.

“In just two years, the Alliance of Hometown Associations has become a catalyst for local change. With multiple community projects funded, hundreds of young people engaged through camps and educational initiatives, cooperation agreements signed, and dedicated programmes for women and youth conducted, the Alliance has transformed people’s longing for home into tangible actions with visible impact across the country,” stated Violeta Ciuperca, Executive Director of the HTA Alliance.

Since 2024, the HTA Alliance has been piloting a model for diaspora engagement in local development on both banks of the Nistru River. This initiative is supported by the EU-funded "Confidence Building Measures" programme, implemented by UNDP Moldova. As part of the effort, the HTA Alliance has provided expert guidance to local communities in establishing and developing six hometown associations, while also strengthening their visibility on social media. At the same time, it supports these communities in launching crowdfunding campaigns to enhance the financing of local development projects.

Founded in 2023, the HTA Alliance has evolved into a national platform, uniting 89 hometown associations. Its establishment marks a natural step in consolidating the 160 hometown associations created and developed since 2015, with the support of the UNDP project "Migration and local development", funded by the Government of Switzerland. These associations have since proven themselves as vital contributors to local community development.

With the support of UNDP and Switzerland, Moldova has transformed migration into a driving force for local development. Between 2015 and 2022, diaspora members and local communities jointly implemented around 200 local initiatives and projects in their communities, reaching over 500,000 beneficiaries. These projects included pedestrian infrastructure, waste management systems, water supply and sanitation services, as well as social, cultural, and tourism development.