Project Summary:

The current project builds on the results of the first phase of the Transnistrian Dialogues project, implemented by UNDP during 2018-2019. The project established a Track 2 platform for regular engagement between 60 experts, influencers, journalists, civil activists, opinion makers and CSOs from both banks, which contributed to enhanced trust and cooperation and delivered innovative solutions to conflict-generated issues. One key result which is expected to sustain in the future is the nine practical partnerships established between project participants who have gained positive and successful experience in jointly conceiving CBM initiatives, drafting project proposals and their joint implementation.

The project’s idea is that, by bringing together, informing and training young professionals, representing various societal fields (civil society, journalists, bloggers, experts, grassroots activists, business people), they will promote cooperation, contribute to changing the public attitudes towards conflict resolution on both banks, generate and implement social innovation ideas that will benefit people on both sides and therefore spur positive cooperative dynamic. Funding is made available from the UNDP Funding Window for Governance for Inclusive and Peaceful Societies (GIPS), Conflict Prevention Sub-window.

Objectives: 

The project “Transnistrian dialogues: advancing Track 2 cooperation between society leaders to generate new solutions in the context of the protracted Transnistrian conflict” has as the main objective equipment and training of a group of 40 local conflict resolution champions to deliver innovative solutions to conflict-generated issues.

• Train and mobilize the group aiming at achieving the following specific objectives;
• Improved level of mutual understanding, especially among young people, about each other;
• Reduced tensions and lessen misperceptions about each other, debunk myths;
• Promote tolerance, dialogue and respect for differences in communities and media on both banks;
• Mobilise public opinion and exercise upwards pressure on the decision-makers to address key problems and have a voice in conflict settlement;
• Prepare and create a more benign and more informed domestic environment, including media environment, about each other and the compromises that a sustainable settlement of the conflict will require;
• Lay the ground for a more consensus-based settlement process.

Expected results:

• A functional mentorship platform for capacity building and empowerment of young activists in conflict resolution from left and right bank and autonomous region of Gagauzia established;
• Capacity building program in conflict resolution for young activists and community leaders developed;
• Improved understanding, capacity and the skills for dialogue of the participants in conducting constructive engagement, resolving disputes with counterparts on the other side, engaging in constructive communication and increasing trust between key actors;
• A more benign and more informed domestic environment, including media environment, across the conflict divide;
• Reduced misperceptions about each other, debunked myths.

Accomplishments:

• A functional mentoring platform for 32 young activists and 10 mentors that has strengthened capacity in conflict resolution and encouraged the cooperation among participants from both banks;
• A sustained capacity building program in conflict resolution, consisting of 3 informative seminars and practical skills trainings on media and communications, entrepreneurship, civil society cooperation, etc., one high-level event with diplomats, one international conference, as well as 2 guidance sessions in project writing;
• Improved level of mutual understanding and soft skills of the participants for engaging in constructive dialogue, managing conflict with counterparts on the other side, engaging in effective and trustworthy communication;
• Collaborative partnerships between youth organizations and four ideas for joint projects developed by participants from both banks;
• Improved knowledge of the national and regional context regarding conflict resolution; as well as a more benign and more informed domestic environment, including media environment;
• Reduced tensions and lessen misperceptions about each other.