Project Summary:

Over 36 months (2023-2026), the Joint Programme implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO), funded by the UN Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund Programme (MMPTF) aims to leverage the positive impact of migration on Moldova’s socio-economic development and minimize the negative effects of migration. 

To achieve this, first, the Programme will strengthen the capacities of relevant public authorities for ensuring effective migration policy design and management. 

Second, the Programme will employ innovative mechanisms to strengthen diaspora engagement, including the establishment of participatory platforms for outreach, consultation and capitalization of diaspora’s skills, knowledge, and expertise for development initiatives. 

The overall objective of the Programme will be further achieved by addressing the limitations in terms of opportunities for the diaspora to engage locally and countrywide through return or investment in home country. Highly qualified expatriated practitioners will engage in various priority areas of development at the national and local levels (including social and economic development, health, education, culture, digital transformation, urban planning, engineering, etc.) through short-term engagement/temporary return in Moldova. 
 

Objectives:

• Strengthening the capacities of relevant public authorities for ensuring an effective country’s migration policy design and management, and through employment of innovative instruments for better engagement of the highly skilled diaspora;
• Creating conditions for migrants and diaspora to fully contribute to sustainable homeland development;
• Fostering partnerships and initiatives at the national and local levels by engaging diaspora business leaders as development promoters and business ambassadors.

Expected results:

• National data systems will undergo enhancements to enable a systematic evaluation of the diaspora's impact, extending beyond remittances;
• A nationally owned and sustainable platform for diaspora engagement in public governance and development opportunities will be established to boost the acceleration of the national development agenda;
• A mechanism facilitating short-term engagement or temporary return to Moldova for 30 highly qualified practitioners in priority development areas, both at national and local levels, will be developed, tested, and recommended for institutionalization;
• At least 10 partnerships/initiatives will be established at national and local level as a result of the engagement of diaspora business leaders as development promoters and business ambassadors (in trade, tourism and investment attraction);
• At least 5 thematic events for diaspora and Moldovan business leaders will be organised to develop partnerships, promote investment opportunities and involve the diaspora in national and local economic development. 

Accomplisments:

• A mechanism for the temporary return and short-term engagement of diaspora experts was developed, tested, and institutionalized, enabling 20 highly qualified professionals to undertake assignments in key national and local institutions such as the Prime Minister’s Office, the Investment Agency, the National Financial Market Commission, the National Agency for Research and Development, universities in Moldova, etc., as well as at the local level;
• The Diaspora Engagement Platform (DEP) was conceptualized and piloted, establishing three thematic dialogue working groups between public authorities and diaspora representatives in the areas of education, economy and investment, and local governance;
• Two practical guides were developed to strengthen diaspora participation in decision-making processes and facilitate the mobilization of diaspora expertise for national development;
• More than 200 representatives of public institutions, the private sector, development partners, and the diaspora participated in the Diaspora Business Forum, strengthening investment and economic cooperation;
• More than 120 producers, diaspora representatives, and development partners participated in Trade Forum Moldova, promoting economic cooperation and expanding business linkages;
• Thirty business-to-business (B2B) meetings facilitated partnerships between diaspora entrepreneurs and local producers;
• Moldova’s investment opportunities were promoted among diaspora communities through support to the 10th and 11th editions of the Moldovan-American Convention;
• Three Diaspora Invest promotional events held in Verona, Düsseldorf, and London strengthened diaspora engagement and increased the visibility of investment opportunities in Moldova among diaspora entrepreneurs and professionals;
• 14 diaspora entrepreneurs were supported through the “Buy Diaspora” programme, implemented in partnership with the Investment Agency of Moldova, to promote Moldovan products and services in international markets;
• 10 business partnerships between diaspora entrepreneurs and Moldovan producers/exporters reached an advanced stage of formalization through the “Buy Moldova” programme, strengthening export opportunities and economic cooperation between diaspora businesses and local companies.