On 24 February 2025, CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation in partnership with the Faculty of International Relations, Political and Administrative Sciences (FRISPA) of the State University of Moldova held a seminar on ”Interethnic dialogue – a prerequisite for social cohesion”. The aim of the seminar was to discuss different views and practices on inter-ethnic dialogue and social cohesion in general. The seminar was organised within the framework of the FRISPA Student Days, which will take place from 24 to 28 February 2025 and during which 30 seminars will be held. The first launching conference was dedicated to the topic ”Priorities of the European Agenda of the Republic of Moldova”.
The workshop was attended by 65 master’s students and university professors who participated in discussions on the need for dialogue to maintain peace and stability and promote an inclusive society. The speakers, Natalia Djandjgava, CMI Country Manager, and Steve Young, CMI Senior Advisor, presented the opportunities of the interethnic dialogue, describing successful practices in different regions and highlighting the example of ATU Gagauzia, where dialogue has become an effective tool for finding compromises and resolving misunderstandings.
During the seminar, the invited experts presented the work of the organisation in the process of informal dialogue between Chisinau and Comrat. They stressed the importance of cooperation between institutions, civil society, and decision-makers in promoting a climate of mutual understanding concerning Moldova’s European path.
”The work done by CMI and the international community is extremely important for the development of the country, promoting peace and strengthening good governance. The role and contribution of CMI, providing international expertise since 2015, supports democratic governance by demonstrating that through dialogue and peaceful solutions, any conflict can be resolved.” – concluded Valentina Teosa, PhD, Professor at the Moldova State University.
MSU learns from Finland’s experience also through its participation in the PeaceEdu project. An initiative that works to address peace and security challenges in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia and promotes peace education at the university level stressed Mrs Teosa.
During the discussion, the students analysed how promoting an inclusive model of governance based on mutual respect and cultural diversity contributes to the democratic development of a country. They concluded that inter-ethnic dialogue should be an ongoing process with the active participation of all stakeholders.
The event was organised within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between CMI and the Moldova State University within the activities of the project ”Gagauzia Dialogue”, supported by Sweden and implemented by CMI.
