The winners and finalists of the drawing competition for children dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy and reducing the impact on the climate were awarded by the European Union (EU) and UNDP at a ceremony conducted on 14 December. 12 drawings were included in a calendar for the year of 2023.

The drawing competition, conducted during EU Sustainable Energy Week, was organised by the "Addressing the impacts of the energy crisis in the Republic of Moldova" programme, financed by the European Union and implemented by UNDP.

“Saving energy is all about protecting the environment and saving money. I want to congratulate all the children who participated in the drawing competition and reassure them that they are the Ambassadors of a future Greener and Safer Planet. A greater energy efficiency may be achieved by each one of us separately and all together as a team. The European Union remains committed to support the Republic of Moldova in tackling the energy crisis and stimulating green transition through investments in renewable energy,” stated Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

More than 370 pupils from 56 schools aged between 10 and 16 participated in the competition, with works in oil, watercolor, pencil, pen, collage. The drawings were evaluated by a jury comprising of visual artists and representatives of the EU-funded programme.

"This drawing contest provided these children with a valuable opportunity to unleash their artistic expression in reflecting theirs views and getting actively involved in responding to the energy crisis and climate change concerns. These drawings represent a strong hope for the future via the creativity of the principal agents of change, the children. Their drawings reflect the future they aspire for, including a climate sensitive habit and lifestyle", said Dima Al-Khatib, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

“I was very nervous working on this drawing because it is a complicated and important subject and I am impressed by my colleagues’ works, with whom I competed. I want to thank my art teacher for the inspiration and the European Union for initiating this competition,” said Bianca Mateiciuc, 14, “Ginta Latină” high school in Chișinău.

With a budget of 10 million euros, the programme "Addressing the impacts of the energy crisis in the Republic of Moldova" contributes to the fight against climate change by reducing the impact of the energy crisis and alleviating the burden of energy poverty.

Download the press-release in Russian.