Distinguished colleagues, esteemed partners, and dedicated specialists in child protection,
It is my privilege and my pleasure to join you today for the First National Conference of Child Protection Specialists. This gathering is much more than a conference; it represents Moldova’s commitment to building stronger systems that protect every child. It comes at a pivotal moment as a testament to the progress we’ve achieved and a call to harness the vast potential that still lies ahead.
Let me begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to each of you in this room, as you are the backbone of the child protection system.
UNICEF firmly supports this initiative as it aligns with our shared vision of creating systems that go beyond temporary fixes. We focus on the critical need to move beyond "patchwork solutions"—that is, bright but disconnected fixes that, while effective in addressing immediate needs, cannot stand on their own. Our collective goal is to create a cohesive, durable framework that not only responds to crises but actively prevents them. True progress means addressing vulnerabilities before they become emergencies, building a system that is interconnected, resilient, and anticipates the needs of children and families.
Let us remember that prevention is the cornerstone of sustainability. Prevention is not just an abstract ideal—it is a practical, cost-effective cornerstone of sustainability. This proactive approach ensures that children are protected not only in moments of urgency but throughout their lives. By strengthening early detection systems, supporting community-based interventions, and addressing root causes—whether they stem from poverty, migration, discrimination or systemic gaps—we can create a protective environment that reduces risks before they materialize.
At UNICEF, we are proud to have been, and continue to be, a steadfast partner in the ambitious RESTART Reform of the social services system. This reform seeks to reimagine Moldova’s child protection framework, ensuring it is more inclusive, responsive, and effective, and standardized across the country.
Central to this reform is you, the creation of a dedicated network of Child Protection Specialists—a vision that UNICEF has championed from the outset. Together with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and other partners, we have ensured that these specialists are not only trained but also rapidly integrated into the system to address pressing needs on the ground.
It aligns with our goal of not only solving individual cases or responding to localized challenges. Our vision is to achieve results at scale across the country. By embedding child protection specialists within the national social assistance system, we are expanding the reach of protection services to every child in Moldova.
Scaling impact means transforming isolated successes into systemic change. It means creating a national child protection system that is not only robust but capable of sustaining and multiplying these results for years to come.
I need to take a moment to acknowledge and thank Minister Buzu and his team for their dedication to this vision that has seen the recruitment, training and now imminent absorption of over 100 child protection specialists into the system within one short year.
This conference is a powerful reminder of what collaboration can achieve. When government, civil society, and international partners unite, the result is a collective force for good. But let us not forget that the responsibility of child protection extends beyond institutions—it belongs to communities, families, and to children themselves.
When we ask ourselves: How can we each contribute to a system where every child in Moldova is truly protected and empowered?
The answers lie in our collective efforts to:
- Advocate for child-centered policies and programs;
- Strengthen the systems that ensure no child is left behind;
- Equip specialists with the tools, knowledge, and resilience they need;
- And most importantly, listen to children—letting their voices guide our actions and priorities.
In closing, I want to reiterate my deep appreciation for your dedication. You are not just participants in this conference; you are architects of a better future for children in Moldova.
I would also like to extend our gratitude to our invaluable partners—ECHO and UK’s FCDO—for their unwavering support in making this work possible. Their contributions have been instrumental in advancing Moldova’s child protection agenda and ensuring the sustainability of these efforts.
Together, we have the power to transform challenges into opportunities and create a Moldova where every child is safe, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Thank you, and I wish you a conference filled with impactful discussions, rich collaborations, and renewed purpose.
