Good morning, distinguished guests, colleagues, friends, and most importantly, the children and young people who have joined us today.
It is my great pleasure to be with you at this year’s National Child Rights Forum. This annual gathering has become a cornerstone event that serves as a vibrant platform for reflection on children’s rights in Moldova. Today, we come together to reaffirm our shared commitment to a fundamental principle that lies at the heart of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: the right of children to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
This principle is not only a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative. When we listen to children, we honor their agency and potential, and we promote the spirit of the CRC. We recognise that valuable change is a product of all our collective thoughts, and some of the most impactful historical movements that sought to make the world a better place were powered by young people. It is only right that we respect the capacities of children to contribute meaningfully as partners in shaping the world they will inherit.
And so today's forum is not just about discussing child rights; it is about listening to children and acting on what we hear.
As we are marking a significant birthday today—the 35th anniversary of the CRC, let me first say a few words to celebrate a few significant achievements in the area of children’s rights this year.
First, I am proud to highlight that, for the first time, Moldova has a representative serving on the Committee on the Rights of the Child, one of 18 people assessing and advising countries on their progress towards fulfilling children’s rights. This achievement underscores Moldova’s growing role in advocating for children’s rights.
Second, I am delighted to share that Moldova’s Child Rights Ombudsperson, Mr. Vasile Coroi, has been elected Chair of the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children for 2025. This recognition of Moldova’s leadership in advancing children’s rights on a regional level is a testament to all collective efforts and a reminder of the work we still have ahead.
Third, in Moldova, we take pride in already including children in decision-making processes, at least at planning and policy levels. At the recent European Child Guarantee Conference held here in Moldova, a group of adolescents provided insightful proposals for national plans in critical areas, including education, healthcare, protection, and opportunities for youth. Their contributions remind us that children and young people are experts in their own experiences. They called for equal access to quality education, including tailored support for children with disabilities, teacher training, and inclusive extracurricular opportunities. They advocated for robust child protection systems, highlighting the need for campaigns against violence, accessible reporting mechanisms, and psychological support in schools. They emphasized universal access to healthcare, from hygiene facilities in schools to adapted nutrition programs and expanded youth clinics. Lastly, they stressed the need for opportunities for youth, from scholarships and grants to mechanisms ensuring their active involvement in policymaking.
These areas align closely with the goals of ENOC and the European Child Guarantee, and they remind us that Moldova’s progress is part of a larger regional and global movement for children’s rights. As Moldova works towards EU accession, aligning with EU standards and practices in children’s rights presents new opportunities to bridge gaps, address inequalities, and build systems that uphold the dignity and potential of every child.
The commitments we make here today will contribute to shaping policies and practices that benefit not only children in Moldova but serve as a model for others. Children should not only be seen but also heard, and their voices should not only be heard but acted upon. This is not a slogan; it is a guiding principle for everything we do.
Before I conclude, I want to address the most important participants in this forum—the children and young people.
Among you, there may be a Malala Yousafzai, whose bravery and determination redefined the global fight for education. Or a Louis Braille, whose invention transformed the lives of millions living with visual impairment.
You may not yet know the impact you may have but let me assure you that the seeds of change are already within you. Your thoughts, your dreams, and your courage can challenge injustices, break down barriers, and create a more equitable and inclusive world.
To everyone here—policymakers, practitioners, educators, and advocates—thank you for your dedication to this cause. Together, we can transform principles into practices, commitments into actions, and ideas into impactful change.
So let’s get started!
Thank you.
