Project Summary:

The “Strengthen social cohesion through inclusive participation and empowered citizens” project is set to establish, through multi-dimensional partnerships and interventions, a model of efficient cooperation and strengthened social cohesion through empowered diaspora members, returning migrants and other citizens and responsive local governance.

Building upon the meaningful community cooperation and diaspora engagement framework established in previous SDC-UNDP interventions, the project will invest resources and efforts at local and national levels in supporting local communities to advance democratic practices and improving public participation in development outcomes. At the same time, the project includes components for advancing policy and institutional frameworks and to create an environment more conducive for resilient and democratic communities.

To complement the results already achieved, the project will also work on empowering local public authorities, community organizations (e.g. hometown associations) and local action groups to engage in community development and social cohesion initiatives.

Objectives:

• Enhancing institutional capacities of the Diaspora Relations Bureau as key executive agency in diaspora and migration policy;
• Continuing supporting the process of HTAs creation and their territorial diffusion;
• Providing the support for institutional development of the HTA Alliance as resource and knowledge center for HTAs;
• Improving skills, knowledge, attitude, training, and experience of relevant local stakeholders on integrated inclusive governance, local cooperation and outreach, and community development.

Expected results:

• 50,000 additional community members (of which 51% women, 49% men, and 10% vulnerable) will benefit from more democratic institutions, improved public services, increased social cohesion, better living conditions and human rights;
• 20 local initiatives dedicated to democratic and resilient communities will be implemented jointly by LPAs and HTAs, with participation of community members, civil society organizations, diaspora/migrants;
• 20 communities will improve their local democratic practices and increase public participation in development outcomes via a sustainable dialogue among citizens, the civil society and LPAs;
• 40 LPA representatives from 20 localities will benefit from improved skills, knowledge, attitude, training, and experience on integrated inclusive governance;
• 60 hometown associations and/or initiative groups (of which 20 new/emerging HTAs) will benefit from the assistance of the HTA Alliance to improve their skills, knowledge, attitude, training, and experience on fundraising, democratic governance, and integration of public participation;
• 1,000 community members (of which 52% women, 48% men and 15% vulnerable) and 150 diaspora representatives/migrants (of which 51% women and 49% men) will have participated in and influenced public service provision, decision-making, and budgeting in their localities;
• The capacities and program portfolio of the HTA Alliance will be consolidated to ensure the organization’s sustainability and capacities to further support Moldovan hometown associations.

Accomplishments:

• 13 hometown associations in partnership with local public authorities have implemented social cohesion initiatives that have contributed to strengthening local democratic practices. The projects focused on alternative social services, environmental sustainability, rural tourism and local infrastructure. Over $39,000 (representing 25% co-funding) was mobilized from diaspora and local partners, reflecting an increased level of community involvement and sustainability of interventions;
• 81 NGOs established an umbrella organization at the national level (the Alliance of Hometown Associations) to synergize efforts in community development with diaspora engagement. In this context:

1. The first Resolution of the 78 of hometown associations was adopted, which defines their priorities and role in the elaboration and promotion of local development policies, through advocacy actions aimed at accelerating sustainable progress at community and national level;
2. The strategic framework of the Alliance of Hometown Associations (AHTA) for 2023 - 2026 completed on the basis of participatory consultations and approved, thanks to which 81 representatives of the hometown associations in the country will increase the level of involvement and cooperation of the hometown associations, the natives, the diaspora and citizens for the local and national development of the country;
3. Local development and strategic cooperation are strengthened by the signing of national and international partnership agreements between the Alliance of Hometown Associations from Moldova and key actors: Diaspora Relations Burea, the National LEADER Network, the Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM), the Innovative Cluster of Biomass "Green Energy" from Romania and the Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Romanian Academy;
4. 17 editions of the AHTA Alliance School were supported, enabling hometown associations through capacity development to become active actors in the transformation of localities, facilitating joint initiatives and supporting the reintegration of returned migrants;
5. 60 leaders from 30 hometown associations members of the Alliance cooperate more effectively with local public authorities for sustainable local development, increasing social cohesion, attracting funding and implementing community projects within the "HTA Next Level" training program, editions I and II;
6. 20 collaboration agreements between hometown associations and local public authorities were signed and the cooperation mechanism established in order to stimulate the civic participation of local residents, support volunteer actions and attract projects and donors in the development of local projects;
7. 30 juniors from nine hometown associations participated in eight editions of the Junior Club "Youth Inspire #UniteForHome";
8. 60 active women from the country's communities, leaders of hometown associations, participated at three editions of the "altELE" motivation and support program to discover their true potential and develop their leadership skills.

• 522 children from the diaspora, community and refugees discovered local traditions during 22 summer camps organized in Moldovan communities thanks to the joint efforts of hometown associations, local public authorities, partners and other local actors;
• Three native associations from the country (Sireți, Lozova and Sărata Veche), members of the Alliance, took over good practices and experiences by participating in the DOR Camp - "Diaspora. Origins. Returns" for the organization of similar events at the local level.