Twelve institutions join United Nations' initiative to promote diversity in Moldova

Chisinau, 17 March /MOLDPRES/ - Twelve public and private institutions have committed today to provide internship opportunities for people from underrepresented groups in the framework of the second edition of the UN Partnership for Diversity. They have signed a formal Commitment during a public event organized in Chisinau. 

In the beginning of the event, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova Dafina Gherceva said that during 25 years of working in Moldova, the UN in Moldova had been applying the principle of leaving no one behind. 

"We have realized that intolerance, discrimination and lack of celebration of diversity is an obstacle to Moldova’s development. We have therefore undertaken several transformative changes to become a more inclusive and diverse organization. We see this as a win-win undertaking – we provide opportunities to persons from underrepresented groups and suppliers that respect and promote human rights – and become a smarter and better organization at the same time," Dafina Gherceva noted. 

According to the official, the UN Partnership for Diversity has been launched in 2016 and is part of a broader UN initiative to encourage and promote the inclusion of people with fewer opportunities for participation in society. These include people with disabilities, living with HIV/AIDS, representatives of ethnic, linguistic, sexual and religious minorities.

The second edition of the UN Partnership involves several public and private institutions: Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, the Constitutional Court, the Council for preventing and combating discrimination and ensuring equality, the People’s Advocate Office, the Independent Journalism Center, the Journalistic Investigations Center, the Youth Media Centre, the Women's Law Center, etc. 

Through the signed Commitment, the institutions pledge to ensure respect for human rights and to offer opportunities to gain professional experience. For a period of 3 to 5 months, 13 interns will be involved in day to day activities of the institutions and will be equal members of the team. At the end of the internship, they will receive a certificate of recommendation which may facilitate employment. 

Ludmila Ababii benefited from an internship at Jurnal FM and she has gained valuable experience: “I experienced how is to be an air, live and overcame many barriers. My colleagues were very open and responsive and I am truly grateful for this opportunity”.

The first edition of the UN Partnership for Diversity involved 18 trainees, 12 of which within UN agencies, and 6 within other public and private institutions. 

(Reporter N. Roibu, editor L. Alcaza)