With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova

With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova
© UNHCR

Chişinău- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency launched the Community Forum 2023. A platform aimed at building the capacity of the local grassroots initiatives led by the refugees and local communities, by providing them with the necessary tools to access funding opportunities and to create a platform for networking, experience exchange, and collaboration.

Representatives of refugee communities, host communities, Ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ+, youth, older persons, local authorities, and volunteers convened for two days in a collaborative environment to work on developing an understanding of the changing humanitarian space and needs, and to acquire the necessary skills to navigate the shifting demands of the people in need.

“The launch of the Community Forum 2023 signifies a significant step toward building stronger, more resilient communities.” Said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR representative in the Republic of Moldova “By fostering collaboration between refugee and host community organizations, we aim to create a space where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and solutions are co-created. This platform is not just a forum; it’s a movement towards a more connected, supportive, and sustainable future.”

The two-day presentations and discussions were led by refugee and Moldavan activists, humanitarians, and entrepreneurs who opted to participate amid an open call by UNHCR for interested entities and initiatives. The discussions included presentations of good practices in fundraising, project management, community engagement and mobilisation, and communication.

UNHCR prioritise building local capacities to encourage self-reliance to increase the cost-effectiveness of humanitarian programmes. And to prepare the humanitarian actors for the shift towards more durable solutions for refugees and the communities hosting them.