Project Summary:

The project responds to declining social cohesion in the Republic of Moldova, driven by low trust in institutions, polarization, demographic decline, intergenerational divides, regressive gender norms, and socio-economic disparities. Responses remain fragmented and weakly institutionalized, while local participatory mechanisms are often procedural rather than facilitation-based, and social cohesion data are rarely integrated into policymaking.

The intervention addresses these gaps by institutionalizing social cohesion as a governance function. It establishes structured intergenerational and intergroup dialogue platforms, strengthens mediation and facilitation capacities, embeds data driven monitoring tools, and supports inclusive participatory mechanisms. The project shifts the focus from reactive crisis management to preventive, locally anchored resilience.

Objectives:

• Horizontal & vertical social cohesion are strengthened;
• Communities across Moldova are more resilient, inclusive, and equitable, with strengthened social cohesion, participatory governance, and local leadership that supports sustainable development and peace;
• Public institutions in target communities are more responsive and inclusive in promoting social cohesion and participatory democratic governance;
• Targeted population, including marginalized groups, and community structures actively contribute to improved intergroup relations and interregional cooperation, and participate in building dialogue, cohesion and peace. 
   

Expected results:

• Public institutions enhance their capacity and knowledge in social cohesion; 
• Public institutions and communities apply data-driven tools for monitoring and reducing social tensions;
• Functional and inclusive participatory mechanisms are developed in communities to support community members participation in local decision making;
• Social cohesion platforms are established and fully operational, enabling structured dialogue, joint problem-solving and community-driven initiatives;
• Communities across different regions, including on the left bank of Nistru River, engage in local and/or cross-regional joint initiatives for peace and social cohesion;
• Women and girls strengthen their leadership and crisis response capacities to engage in intergroup dialogue and cross community cooperation.

Go to phase 1.