The UN in Moldova Magazine (Issue No. 2, 2016)

UN

IN MOLDOVA

DIASPORA INVESTS IN MOLDOVA October 2016, #2

POWERED

BY YOUTH, GREEN ENERGY ADVANCES IN MOLDOVA page 8

MOLDOVA IN 2030 THE FUTURE PEOPLE WANT page 4

SMOKE FREE MOLDOVA. NO MORE SMOKING ALLOWED IN ENCLOSED PUBLIC PLACES page 17

OCTOBER 2016

Photo credit: Victor Pictor UN Magazine | 1

Summary

UN Resident Coordinator

3

Moldova in 2030 the future people want

4

With Syslab, more than 800 unemployed Moldovans develop soft skills

6

The councillor who turned a landfill into a forest of acacias

7

Moldovan youth connects the country to green energy

8

"Together for Life", a campaign that celebrates the victory against drugs

10

Magazine: UN in Moldova The United Nations in Moldova October 2016 Magazine Nr. 2 "The UN in Moldova" is a quarterly magazine published by the United Nations in Moldova, 131, 31 August 1989 St., Chisinau, MD 2012, Moldova, tel.: (373-22) 22 00 45, fax: (373-22) 22 00 41; www.un.md, www.magazine.un.md

Rita Columbia: "UNFPA has clear focus in Moldova - to provide opportunities to young people, women and men to realize their reproductive rights"

11

Moldovans from abroad joined Diaspora Days 2016 to make their homeland a better place

12

Six organizations innovate to eliminate violence

15

A safe haven for child victims, with UNICEF support

16

Smoke Free Moldova.

No more smoking allowed in enclosed public places

17

Challenge for Diversity – a life changing experience at the UN agencies

18

The articles in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the United Nations or any of its Agencies. Articles may be freely reproduced for non commercial purposes, provided the source is acknowledged.

Cover: UN Moldova / Circulation: 200 copies If you want to receive a printed copy, write a message to moldova@one.un.org

O

n 13 September 2016 the United Nations General Assembly opened its 71st session with an emphasis on ensuring that implementation of the new global development goals, adopted by its 193 Member States last year, is well underway.

”

The 70th Session launched the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals], and for integrity’s sake the 71st must be the year we witness the wheels turning on the implementation of all 17 SDGs,” said the President of the General Assembly, Peter Thomson.

On 1 January 2016, the 17 SDGs of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development officially came into force. Over the next fifteen years, with the aim of achieving the SDGs, countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

The Republic of Moldova was represented at this high level event by Prime Minister Pavel Filip together with senior government officials. This is a token of the important role Moldova plays as a committed and proactive UN Member State, as well as of the high value the country places on the UN.

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n his opening address, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underscored the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change as a roadmap for a better future. The time has now come for words to be turned into deeds and it was therefore very encouraging to see a number of countries, among them China and the USA, formally joining the Paris Agreement in conjunction with the opening of the General Assembly.

China and the USA are the world’s two largest greenhouse gas emitters, representing nearly 38 percent of global emissions, and their ratifications of the Paris Agreement represented a major breakthrough. The EU followed suit and approved the agreement in early October. As both conditions for the entry into force of the agreement have now been met – ratification by at least 55 countries

OCTOBER 2016

accounting for 55 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions – it will enter into force on 4 November 2016.

Global momentum for the Paris Agreement has been extraordinary and the entry into force of the agreement is a remarkable accomplishment.

Climate change is a real and present danger to human lives, habitats, livelihoods and economies around the world. Therefore, one of the priority areas in the current UN Moldova development assistance program is supporting national capacities for low-emission and climate-resilient development. We are working with the Government to ensure that climate change adaptation and mitigation measures are integrated into national policies, strategies and planning. The UN is promoting energy efficient investments in public, private and residential sectors through an innovative business model, contributing to the development of a market for energy service companies. Moreover, small grants schemes have successfully been piloted in a number of communities to demonstrate the application of climate and disaster resilient practices and technologies in water management, energy efficiency and renewables, climate smart agriculture and forest management.

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limate change will continue to be one of the key priorities for programmatic interventions under the new 2018-2020 United Nations Development Assistance Framework for Moldova. At the recently held Strategic Prioritization Retreat, the UN and its partners from the Government, independent public institutions and civil society reviewed Moldova’s development challenges and agreed on the following areas of cooperation for the next programming period: (1) governance, human rights and gender equality; (2) sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth; (3) environmental sustainability and resilience; and (4) inclusive and equitable social development. Based on UN Moldova’s expertise, knowledge and comparative advantages, the UN family will further forge partnerships, build alliances and bring development and prosperity to the people of Moldova.

DAFINA GERCHEVA, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova UN Magazine | 3

Moldova in 2030 the future people want WHY IS IT NECESSARY FOR PEOPLE TO LIVE BETTER IN MOLDOVA IN THE LONG TERM? values are in percent

Investments in agriculture

Access to quality health services

Better and fairer pensions and social allowances

More decent jobs

A reliable justice system

A healthy lifestyle

More transparent guvernance (on a central and local levels)

National consultations on the development agenda after 2015, the deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, took place in November 2012 - February 2013. Over 7000 people, including vulnerable and marginalized ones, expressed their opinion about the future that they want.

Arguments and approaches generated by these consultations are summarized in a national report that will inform negotiations on the objectives of global development after 2015. More on post-2015: www.myworld2015.org

In 2015, over 9.7 million persons from 194 countries answered the question: "WHAT IS THE FUTURE YOU WANT BY 2030?" More than 7,000 Moldovans also answered this question.

People Stopping poverty and hunger and ensuring dignity and equality

Prosperity Planet Protecting natural resources and climate for future generations

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Peace Partnership Implementing the agenda through a strong partnership

4 | UN Magazine

Ensuring a better life, fulfilled in harmony with nature

Supporting peacefull, just and inclusive societies

OCTOBER 2016

When the leaves fall...

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n August 2016, four consultation workshops took place in the social, economic, human rights and governance, energy and environment fields. This stage will be followed by recommendations in order to align the objectives with the strategic framework and national and sectoral policy documents.

The third stage will imply defining a clear system of measuring the progress, budget and of identifying the stakeholders who will take part in this process.

Let's go to the market with

...market bags „decorate� Moldovan forests

AN

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES: NEW OBJECTIVES, "OLD" ASPIRATIONS The answers generated by the United Nations survey were the basis for the conceptualization of a new development agenda, Agenda 2030 that comes to succeed the 8 Millennium Development Goals.

ECO BAG We are responsible for the nature we live in LIFE ON LAND

A bag of burned leaves suffocate households over

500

Global goals, local actions

Campaign supported by Government of the Republic of Moldova and United Nations

Government of the Republic of Moldova

LOCAL ACTIONS, GLOBAL GOALS

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n order to make the objectives known throughout the country, an information campaign about Agenda 2030 shall be conducted, with debates, competitions and a lot of interaction. #ObiectiveleGlobale will aggregate online discussions on the new agenda that will help find synergies to make the world we live in more prosperous, clean, peaceful and safe.

Let's damp the burning garbage.

INVOLVEMENT, COOPERATION, COLLABORATION Moldova committed to implement the 2030 Agenda and established the Sustainable Development Council, chaired by the Prime Minister. It consists of rectors, heads of agencies, representatives of the civil society as well as the UN country team.

We are responsible for the air that we breathe GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

OCTOBER 2016

Global goals, local actions

Campaign supported by Government of the Republic of Moldova and United Nations

Government of the Republic of Moldova

UN Magazine | 5

With SYSLAB, more than 800 unemployed Moldovans develop soft skills

A

SYSLAB beneficiaries during a teambuilding activity

significant part of the Moldovan population has difficulty in getting a job.

A joint UNDP/Cognitive Edge analysis reveals that the main cause of unemployment is the lack of skills (40%), coupled with the lack of opportunities (30%) and resources (30%).

In addition, the global employment trend favours the presence of "soft skills", next to the technical requirements when pointing out to the successfulness of jobseekers.

Since 2013, UNDP Moldova is implementing the Network of SYSLAB Career Development Centers Project that provides free training and assistance for unemployed people with higher education, helping them to obtain a relevant job or launch a business at home, in Moldova.

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SYSLAB beneficiaries participating at an economic simulation session alongside with local entrepreneurs

he SYSLAB methodology simulates a full-time working day with professional training, team work and collaboration between employers and potential employees.

Beneficiaries learn to assess their strengths and weaknesses, overcome the fear of job interviews and the feeling of being not good enough. Case studies, role plays, simulations, analysis of non-verbal language are among the teaching methods introduced to the participants.

Irina Seghera, a young graduate, enrolled at Cahul SYSLAB Center in June 2016, was employed soon after finalizing the trainings’ period, at a non-governmental organization from Chisinau.

"At times when I thought I was underqualified for many of the jobs I was interested in, SYSLAB team uncovered skills and talents of mine that I never knew were there. The simulation of the work environment combined with an educational module that gradually made us competitive on the labor market had a life changing impact on me. The speed with which we were contacted by potential employers and invited to job interviews was the best indicator that I was on the right track", stated Irina.

S SYSLAB beneficiaries at a job interview simulation 6 | UN Magazine

ince the establishment of the first Center in Chisinau, preceding the Centers in Rezina, Cahul, Balti and Comrat, more than 800 beneficiaries received support in full-time groups by 31 July 2016, out of which 682 beneficiaries got employed, and 31 beneficiaries developed a detailed business plan and/or started their own business.

OCTOBER 2016

The councillor who turned a landfill into a forest of acacias

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fter joining the National Mentoring Program for women local councillors "INSPIR-O", Pelaghia developed her capacity to solve problems, to engage and empower the community and to make people appreciate better the benefits of joint efforts. After several consultations with her community, she suggested the project "Eco-Taraclia".

"This landfill near the houses was an ecological ticking bomb for human health", says Pelaghia Traci. Although the problem was known to all residents and was discussed at the local council, up to this year no clear actions were taken to solve it. "We encouraged the people to get together and to prove that it is not just the lack of financial resources that blocks the solution of the problem", pointed out the councillor.

Pelaghia Traci, the woman councillor from Taraclia village, who turned a landfill into a forest Credit: UN Programme “Women in Politics”/ Dorin Goian

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ne year ago, 4,000 people in the village of Taraclia, Causeni rayon, were suffering from an unauthorized landfill in the village. Now they enjoy a small forest of ash, locust and maple trees, as well as the fresh air. However, the path to a well-landscaped park was a long one.

The village of Taraclia is unique in Moldova and even in the world as it hosts one of the most important natural tourist attractions from Moldova – the protected area "Rapa lui Visan". This was a good reason for Pelaghia Traci, a first-term councillor, to get rid of the “ecological bomb" from the outskirts of the village.

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inally, the people evacuated the garbage piles. ”Approximately two hectares of land were leveled, and then fertile soil was brought to prepare the planting area of a forest plantation. In two months, a young forest of 2,000 trees was growing where the landfill used to be," stated the councillor.

Pelaghia’s work was appreciated by the mayor’s office as well as by the local people. Moreover, this initiative has led to the development of the waste disposal system in the commune.

The National Mentoring Program for Women Councillors at their first term "INSPIR-O", is conducted by the Center "Partnership for Development" within the UN Programme "Women in Politics", implemented by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with East Europe Foundation, and with the financial support of the Swedish Government.

In two months, a young forest of 2,000 trees was growing where the landfill used to be Credit: UN Programme “Women in Politics”/ Dorin Goian

OCTOBER 2016

UN Magazine | 7

Moldovan youth connects the country to green energy

Full of energy team at ENERGEL Summer Camp

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enis, a 14-year-old boy from the village Baurci, Gagauzia invented and built a mill which combines medieval and modern research technologies. The mill is powered by wind and produces no CO2, being both environmentally and economically friendly. It was built at ENERGEL Summer Camp, organized by the Energy and Biomass Project.

For 10 days, children participated in debates, masterclasses for reuse of waste, they built models of Eco technologies, and cleaned the nearby green spaces.

“

I built it from waste and available materials - polystyrene, cardboard, ice-cream sticks, caps... I will show this model to schoolmates so they can find out themselves how they can save the environment by using renewable energy�, explains DENIS, showing the invention.

Kids playing with a ball at the ENERGEL Summer Camp 8 | UN Magazine

OCTOBER 2016

“

Every year, the summer camp ENERGEL proves how important for the planet is the sustainable energy, but also how much fun it can be. Each of us can be part of the process to change the way we consume energy, giving the children a key role”,

said EU Ambassador to Moldova, PIRKKA TAPIOLA. The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Dafina Gercheva supported him.

“ I

I am impressed by the children's enthusiasm, their knowledge in renewable energy, but also the solutions that they come up with to use the renewable energy and keep the environment cleaner”,

The environment-friendly windmill made by Denis, 14 years old

said UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, DAFINA GERCHEVA.

n its five editions, the summer camp ENERGEL gathered over 330 children across the country.

They all studied the renewable energy course launched in schools in communities where Energy and Biomass Project biomass heating systems were installed. In 2013, the Ministry of Education introduced the subject of "Renewable Energy Sources" in the list of optional subjects for all schools in the country. Since then, the number of schools that have joined this educational initiative tripled. Over 22 thousand students from 370 schools in the country have become promoters of green energy.

330 children have attended ENERGEL Summer Camp since its launch in 2012

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he "Energy and Biomass" is a three-year project (20152017) funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. It is in its second stage being extended due to its success in the first mandate.

OCTOBER 2016

Kids enjoy their staying at ENERGEL Summer Camp UN Magazine | 9

"Together for Life", a campaign that celebrates the victory against drugs The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has launched a social campaign "Together for Life", celebrating the World Day against Drugs. The initiative was developed in cooperation with various Civil Society Organizations, including "Positive Initiative", the Union for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Harm Reduction in Moldova (UORN) and "Zdorovoe Budushee". The campaign included events directed at various focus groups in locations throughout the country.

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Social campaign "Together for life" celebrates life without drugs

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his spring, the UN General Assembly held a special session on the world drug problem. The main objective was to open a dialogue between the civil society and national authorities with regard to decreasing drug trafficking and promoting treatment and rehabilitation for drug users. The campaign has helped to generate a global sense of purpose against the real threatens that menaces millions.

he campaign aimed to increase awareness of the population on questions related to prevention, treatment, care and support in the context of drug use; raising public awareness and tolerance of discriminatory attitudes towards people who use drugs; increase the level of effective cooperation between authorities and stakeholders (including police, justice and medical-social ones). One of the main objective was involving the community of people who use drugs in tackling issues of consumption and illicit drug trafficking.

This campaign was special because it gathered representatives of civil society institutions, official bodies (including law enforcement and penitentiary authorities), UN Agencies and partner institutions in running a symbolic marathon. The race took place simultaneously in Chisinau, Balti, Cahul, Orhei, Bender, Ribnita and Tiraspol.

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urthermore a series of roundtables, trainings, working sessions were organized and conducted in major cities across the country, in order to facilitate the dialogue between the police, penitentiary system officials, NGOs and members of drugs users’ community. Participants discussed ways to increase the cooperation between the law enforcement authorities, non-governmental sector and medical institutions, causes of narcotic addiction; treatment options available and society reintegration of former drug users.

The target groups included events directed at various focus groups in locations throughout the country 10 | UN Magazine

OCTOBER 2016

RITA COLUMBIA:

"UNFPA has clear focus in Moldova - to provide opportunities to young people, women and men to realize their reproductive rights"

Dr. Rita Columbia has 20 years of experience in the area of health, population and development, programme management and advocacy, working in government, non-governmental sector and UNFPA. She began her professional career as a medical doctor. She holds a medical degree from Almaty State Medical University, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Kazakhstan Institute of Economy, Management and Planning, and a Master’s degree in Management from New York University.

In her first interview as UNFPA Representative to Moldova, Rita Columbia told UN Magazine how she fell in love with Moldova at the first sight, what are the most challenging and interesting things she wants to do during her mandate and shared her plans.

When have you arrived to Moldova and what are your first impressions?

I arrived in July and fell in love with Chisinau and its people immediately. I enjoy Chisinau a lot, but I’ve also visited Orhei and Soroca. I am impressed with Moldovan people – they are hardworking, very friendly and open minded – regardless of challenges that they face daily.

And Moldovan food is just amazing.

What do you think your focus would be during the next four years?

UNFPA has clear focus in Moldova. We are supporting the Government to provide opportunities to young people, women and men to realize their reproductive rights.

UNFPA will continue to work with the national partners in order to ensure efficient universal access to quality OCTOBER 2016

reproductive health services and youth-friendly reproductive health care. It is important for young people to have accurate information regarding their sexual and reproductive health. We will also focus on effective health system responses to gender-based violence.

Do you feel optimistic about achieving these goals?

I feel optimistic in empowering youth to avoid risky behaviour and to become strong advocates for reproductive rights, ensuring that women have an equal access to quality reproductive health services, and supporting the Government to address demographic challenges in most effective way. In long-term these results will bring us to achieving the common goal shared by all people of Moldova – the country prosperity.

Do you anticipate any challenges?

Yes. However, I believe that challenges can inspire us to be creative and innovative, to be pro-active and open-minded and to help us to stay focused on the goal.

UN Magazine | 11

Moldovans from abroad joined Diaspora Days 2016 to make their homeland a better place

Diaspora Business Forum brought together 181 delegates from 27 countries

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lmost 200 diaspora representatives visited Chisinau for the participation in the Diaspora Congress and Diaspora Business Forum at the end of August. The event brought together 181 delegates from 27 countries and 79 Government representatives, amongst them the Prime Minister Pavel Filip who gave very encouraging speeches to the diaspora asking it to "have faith in Moldova".

Diaspora representatives engaged in a dialogue with the government. The international community supporting the Government in the field of Migration and Development moderated some of the discussions. Ghenadie Cretu, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Programme Coordinator, moderated a session that touched on the topic of the diaspora role and hometown associations in the development of local communities. In the meantime, another session, moderated by Oxana Maciuca, UNDP / Migration and Local Development Project (MiDL) Migration Project Officer focused on creating a crowdfunding mechanism that diaspora could use in order to support local development in Moldova.

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ocal development in Moldova was one of the most discussed topics at Diaspora Business Forum, organized for the second time in Moldova. People from diaspora expressed their interest in investing in the country and exporting goods abroad. "I wish there would be more people from diaspora to speak up and tell their stories and their own

12 | UN Magazine

experience about investing in Moldova. And Government representatives should be there, taking notes," says Iurie Bivol, established in the UK. Government representatives assured them of facilitating some of the bureaucratic aspects of business in Moldova so this goal could be achieved.

The Diaspora Days ended with a seven-day summer programme called DOR where children from the diaspora had the chance to explore their national culture and tie friendships with local children.

Diaspora representatives engaged in a dialogue with the government OCTOBER 2016

Local development in Moldova was one of the most discussed topics at the Diaspora Business Forum OCTOBER 2016

UN Magazine | 13

Summer programme DOR offered a chance for children from the diaspora to explore their national culture and tie friendships with local children 14 | UN Magazine

OCTOBER 2016

Six organizations innovate to eliminate violence

The team of th Maternal Center "Ariadna" from Drochia​. Photo: Marina Vatav

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n Republic of Moldova, 63% of women have been subject to at least one form of domestic violence – sexual, physical, psychological or economic. Now six nongovernmental organizations, based in Chisinau, Drochia, Hancesti and Causeni are looking for the most efficient ways to eliminate domestic violence.

The Maternal Center "Ariadna" from Drochia works with victims of violence as well as aggressors to help them overcome violence. They practice the involvement of "positive champions" - women who have managed to overcome violence and are encouraged to share their experience with other abused women. One of them is Rodica Carpenco. "I've been married three times and each time I have been subject to violence. The Center specialists have worked with me for eight years. When I tell other women what I went through and how I managed to overcome problems, they trust me. Society still does not perceive domestic violence as a real problem," said Rodica Carpenco.

Rodica Carpenco, a "positive champion" that overcame violence and is helping other women. Photo: Marina Vatav OCTOBER 2016

FIRST COUNSELLING OFFICE FOR MINORS IN DROCHIA Still in Drochia, the first counselling office for minors who witnessed violence

has opened recently. While the child has a discussion with the psychologist-pedagogue, the prosecutor and judge monitor the hearing, which is recorded on camera and presents the evidence in court. In Drochia, the priest participates in combatting violence by having conversations with couples around the concept that both partners have the same rights in the family.

CAUSENI EXPERIENCE: YOUTH INVOLVEMENT Ana Schiopu represents the Psychological Association "Tighina" from Causeni.

Youth volunteers from the village try to eliminate violence by discussing with boys who have been victims or witnesses of domestic violence, to prevent them from repeating the behaviours they experienced.

There are innovations within the police as well. The association Promo-Lex works with police from Hincesti rayon to improve the assistance they offer to people facing cases of violence.

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hese innovative experiences were debated at a workshop organized

by UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women in August 2016.

UN Magazine | 15

PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

A safe haven for child victims, with UNICEF support

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ore Moldovan children will be safe now from human trafficking.

Local authorities and UNICEF Moldova created the wing for children in the shelter for the victims of trafficking. The shelter will offer placement in a safe and appropriate environment to the victims of violence, trafficking, exploitation and abuse.

Due to their young age, children can be unable to withstand the effects of poverty, abuse, exploitation, or harmful social norms. Many children are severely punished at home. UNICEF studies reveal that every second Moldovan child is a victim of physical disciplining methods.

Nune Mangasaryan, UNICEF Representative in Moldova, mentioned that significant work has been done to tackle the issue already.

“

Today we take another huge step in the realization of children's rights. The fact that every child has the opportunity to come to this shelter where she/he can get professional assistance is a great achievement both for the Government and development partners”, said NUNE MANGASARYAN, UNICEF Representative to Moldova.

“

Often children need protection and specialized assistance to overcome negative experiences.

Ensuring protection and personal dignity for every child is the responsibility of the state, but also is an obligation of each of us as parents and citizens of the country”, said STELA GRIGORAS, Minister of Labour, Social Protection and Family.

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Every second Moldovan child is a victim of physical disciplining methods 16 | UN Magazine

ven though the official data show a decrease in the number of trafficked children in 2015, traffickers are diversifying their deceiving techniques: living conditions become slightly better, victims receive small amounts of money, they are allowed to contact their family, and they may have partial freedom of movement. As the exploitation techniques change, it is more difficult for the victims to recognize exploitation and seek help.

From 2016, the shelter, as a highly specialized institution, will provide such protection by assisting in crisis situations the potential young victims of human trafficking, identified abroad and in the country. As an advocate of children’s rights, UNICEF in Moldova has contributed USD 70,000 for the new wing of the shelter for victims and potential victims of trafficking in human beings, which would accept up to 10 children.

Additionally, severe cases of child abuse and violence, which found no solution at the local level, can also be referred to the shelter.

OCTOBER 2016

SMOKE FREE MOLDOVA. No more smoking allowed in enclosed public places After almost 2 years of debates, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova endorsed the Tobacco Control Law on 29 May 2015. As a result, on 31 May 2016, a full ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces entered into force. This ban will be followed by prohibition of additives, menthol cigarettes and ban on display of tobacco products at the point of sale in 2020.

“

Young generation advocates for a smoke-free Moldova

It is a historic day to start to undertake concrete measures to take the health of the population to another level. The Republic of Moldova's annual costs for tobacco-related diseases are 880 million lei. The value of lost productivity due to premature death, disabilities, hospitalizations and outpatient treatment of diseases caused by smoking are about 1 billion Moldovan lei. These data should concern us all and make us accountable – to show respect for the law”, underlined, Minister of Health, RUXANDA GLAVAN.

This success was achieved after years of work by national and international experts on the national programme for tobacco control in line with the provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

“I am very happy that our country has adopted the Tobacco Control Law – now I can go with children in recreational places without checking if these are smoking or non-smoking places”, mentioned Svetlana Colibaba, mother of two children.

Nevertheless, a World Health Organization survey in 2013 reported that smokers comprise one quarter (25.3%) of the adult population of Moldova. The share of male smokers (43.6%) is much higher than that of female smokers (5.6%). Every fifth teenager (every tenth girl and one third of boys) has smoked at some time; 16.8% of 17-year-olds are smoking.

Tobacco smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causes many types of cancer, including cancers of the lung, oesophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, stomach and cervix. It also causes stroke and coronary heart disease, which are among the leading causes of death; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and increases risks for preterm delivery, stillbirth, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome.

SMOKING IS PROHIBITED  in all enclosed and semi-enclosed public places, including common areas at work, regardless of the type of property and means of access;

OCTOBER 2016

and air ventilation systems at places of work;  in parks and playgrounds for children;  in stadiums, arenas, squares and other public spaces open during public events or other entertainment;

 in all open public spaces managed by health-care institutions, educational institutions, and local and central public authorities, including adjacent managed territories;

 under the roof of public transport stations; and

 within 10 m of entrances to enclosed public places (including places of common use) and operable windows

 in public transport and in private transport carrying children under 18 years of age.

UN Magazine | 17

Challenge for Diversity -

PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

a life changing experience at the UN agencies

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his spring, 13 ambitious young men and women from underrepresented groups have started a first-ever internship within different UN Agencies in Moldova. These people were selected within a official public call for applications and each of them wanted more than a standard internship.

The Internship Programme for underrepresented groups came as a measure to increase the diversity among UN staff and empower interns for their future career.

“

I see communication as a precious gift completing me as professional prospective journalist and adding to my personal experience. I believe this challenge brings diversity in action when different people with various backgrounds can learn from each other. After my internship within UN, I had a unique experience within a wellknown Media Trust and I think, I am a lucky person. It seems that my life has changed for the better”,

Nune Mangasaryan, UNICEF representative in Moldova, talks about UN internship programme

said MAXIM MIFTAHOV, one of the UN interns.

Xenia Siminciuc, OHCHR Communications Associate, shares Maxim’s opinion.

“

We are not going to stop at this stage and our “Challenge for Diversity” will knock at the door of five other institutions by the end of this year. We really believe that about 20 changed lives today will be 100 tomorrow”,

Xenia Siminciuc (left): "We really believe that about 20 changed lives today will be 100 tomorrow"

said XENIA SIMINCIUC, OHCHR Communications Associate.

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he Internship Programme for underrepresented groups put in practice the UN message of non-discrimination and inclusion, and stimulated other organizations and institutions in Moldova to follow the example. In this context, recently seven public and private institutions signed an official agreement to create internship opportunities for people from vulnerable groups.

As a result, six young people now are gaining a precious professional experience mostly in communications and Human Rights areas.

18 | UN Magazine

Maxim Miftahov (right): "After my internship within UN, I had a unique experience within a well-known Media Trust" OCTOBER 2016

NO POVERTY

ZERO HUNGER

AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

CLIMATE ACTION

LIFE BELOW WATER

2 NOVEMBER International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

19 NOVEMBER

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

QUALITY EDUCATION

GENDER EQUALITY

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

REDUCED INEQUALITIES

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

LIFE ON LAND

PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

14 NOVEMBER

16 NOVEMBER

World Diabetes Day

International Day of Tolerance

20 NOVEMBER

21 NOVEMBER

World Toilet Day

Child Rights Day (Adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child)

World Television Day

22-23 NOVEMBER

25 NOVEMBER

26 NOVEMBER

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Social Theater Festival

International Conference on Universal Periodic Review of the Republic of Moldova, 2nd cycle

29 NOVEMBER

1 DECEMBER

Launch of UN Information Centre at the Moldova National Library

World AIDS Day

5 DECEMBER

8 DECEMBER

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development

UN Moldova Human Rights Gala of Awards

10 DECEMBER

3 DECEMBER International Day of People with Disabilities

9 DECEMBER Anti-Corruption Day

read online

Human Rights Day

18 DECEMBER International Migrant Day 20 | UN Magazine

http://magazine.un.md

OCTOBER 2016