Excellencies, Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honoured to participate, representing the acting Prime Minister, H.E. Aureliu Ciocoi, at this important launch event of the Joint Country Analysis, and also to discuss it from the UN for the Republic of Moldova (UN CCA).

The United Nations stands as a key development partner for the Republic of Moldova and the Government highly appreciates the role and contribution of the UN Country Team in advancing the development agenda.

Accordingly, under the Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development 2018–2022 (PFSD), we know that we are focusing on several thematic areas and we know that, the UN Country Team has indeed provided consistent support to the Republic of Moldova in adopting the Agenda. 2030 Development in the context of the country, so as to give us a new opportunity to come up with new development strategies for Moldova 2030 and also to provide support to implement the country's priorities in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals and also in in accordance with the EU-Republic of Moldova Association Agreement.

In the above connection with the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Moldova to achieve the SDGs we must mention that the Government's efforts in this process is always supported by various external consultations that are conducted by the State Chancellery on the 2030 Agenda and how we can implement it in the context local.

At the same time, while due to the good cooperation between the UN Country Team and the Government not only in terms of the progress made in implementing the SDGs and priority strategies, but I want to mention that we have really tried let's also look at some shortcomings together in certain areas.

Thus, further progress in strengthening government institutions, strengthening social cohesion, combating inequalities and also combating climate change, together are imperative.

All these areas are very important and indeed we have had references that have been provided to us for the achievements in the 2030 Agenda and on the basis of various policy works so as to ensure that no one is left behind this process and also to have: (1) a sustainable increase in revenue; (2) to try to deal with inequalities, to fight inequalities, discrimination; (3) ensuring work-life balance; and many other goals.

The 2030 Agenda is indeed based on sustainable global efforts and everything that happens resonates with what is being done by the Government of the Republic of Moldova to ensure a decent life and a sustainable future for the citizens at home. The COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating consequences are indeed a barrier to achieving the Sustainable Development Agenda, but we will try to move forward with this achievement.

A major role in this support comes from the UN CCA and we believe that indeed this process must be based on this analysis of the socio-economic situation and the political context in the country.

In the same vein, I would like to acknowledge that although this document is to show us what the future priorities and UN support for the country will be, to identify gaps and opportunities to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, which will serve as a basis for the framework for cooperation with the United Nations Team, so that we have a common work program.

It is our understandable that this analysis is based on available data (national statistics, survey-based data), and also on the analytical work of the various UN agencies, on recent evidence and findings.

In order to allow sufficient time for consultations and technical advice, we, as we know, did our best to rely on all possible contributions.

I want to say that I have really been involved during these years in developing several sectoral strategies from various Ministries and so this analysis is very important, because it really offers an unbiased view on the socio-economic situation in the Republic of Moldova and, in fact, it serves as evidence for development efforts not only for agencies working under the UN umbrella, but the other donors as well.

We know that we intend to identify the solution to accelerate the 2030 Agenda for the our state and so that we have some prioritized decisions within the Government of the Republic of Moldova and embark upon more evidence-based policy making. 

This important document will serve for the future cooperation framework between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) joint annual work programs, based on the principle of solidarity, common commitments and also providing a foundation for the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

As mentioned by the UN Resident Coordinator, that National Report on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda was prepared and also presented at a High-Level meeting in New York, really shows the situation in the country.

In the same vein, the launching of the CCA represents a stage in a long-term process for future cooperation for the period 2023-2027 between the UN and the Republic of Moldova. So, we will try to identify the challenges in achieving the objectives of sustainable development at the national level and so as to arrive with the best solutions.

Based on the principles - Leaving no one behind, Human rights based approach, gender equality, I think these are the most important in the process, especially during the COVID-19 crisis which generates new vulnerabilities and risks of social exclusion.

Not to go into too much detail, (I believe other speakers, including our colleagues from the State Chancellery will do that), but I just want to emphasize again that - The principle of inclusiveness and 'leaving no one behind' transcends the Moldova 2030 National Development Strategy. It will certainly lead to the achievement of the SDGs and we will try to reach the Government with sustainable efforts so as to ensure the country's progress in including the most marginalized and excluded groups of Moldova population.

The design of interventions, as a result of the Common country assessment, will address human rights concerns and will promote international norms, standards and principles, advising authorities how to steer away from policies that could potentially propagate or aggravate inequalities and exacerbate grievances among vulnerable groups. They will help strengthen inclusive dialogue between citizens and the state, rebuild trust, and enhance transparency.

Human rights based approach, gender equality - It is important to join forces and focus on the practical implementation of the human rights principles/Human rights base approach: Participation, Non-discrimination, Transparency and Accountability. As outcomes, HRBA aims for increased human rights empowerment for people and communities, social inclusion for vulnerable or marginalized groups, and aimed to ensure that, in development processes, equality of outcome and dignity for all are core results. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities, threatening to throw back all gender-related progress achieved by Moldova over the past decade. Hence, the crisis response and recovery measures must be designed using a gender lens, to level out the inequalities and the consequences which affect women and girls.

Building back greener - as Moldova is highly vulnerable to climate change and disasters, thus undermining the country’s efforts for sustainable and resilient development. the actual efforts of the government to mainstream climate change and disaster risk reduction needs to be strengthened. (Therefore, the COVID-19 crisis and the effort to relaunch the economy are an opportunity to transform the economy and build it back greener. (Even though in May 2017, the country ratified the Paris Agreement, and in March 2020, submitted the second Nationally Determined Contribution to the UNFCCC, committing to reduce its GHG emissions by at least 70% by 2030 compared to the 1990 level).

I am also acting in the best interests of our citizens and in order to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, I want to say that this is an opportunity for us, for our shared commitment.

The Republic of Moldova is now really facing this crisis of the consequences of the pandemic, of the threats facing the country to have a prosperous country, I believe that now we can not postpone all the actions that need to be taken in terms of conflict resolution, tackling climate change, the country's socio-economic development, we will indeed try to prioritize strategic decisions and have evidence-based policies.

We believe that the conclusions of the UN CCA will provide the opportunity to have valuable support of the United Nations to address inequalities and address those problems we have in the socio-economic development of the country. I want to say that indeed climate change has had a significant impact on the agriculture of the Republic of Moldova, so here is an area in which we must focus.

We will continue to find the levers so that we have a peaceful and sustainable development of the country. Indeed, we must call for action by the Government and working together with the United Nations, so as to ensure that national and international goals are complimented. We need to make sure that our recovery is on the right track. Sustainable development must be achieved, we must address these inequalities that affect the most vulnerable groups from a social, economic and environmental point of view.

The Government of the Republic of Moldova is committed to working with the United Nations to also contribute to development priorities, to the prioritization of human rights and to improve the living conditions of all people in the country, especially vulnerable groups.

In conclusion, I would like to mention that based on the results already achieved by the Government of the Republic of Moldova in cooperation with the UN country team, it will try to continue and help advance the 2030 Agenda, so as to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals even with human rights commitments in the country.

Thank you very much and I'm sorry I took so much of your time with this speech.