Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and partners,
Today, we recognize a critical investment in Moldova’s future—an investment that is modernizing social protection, making it more efficient, transparent, and accessible to those who need it most.
By supporting the RESTART reform, we are not simply introducing new technology; we are strengthening Moldova’s national systems to deliver long-term, large-scale impact. This progress has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Government of Germany, whose funding has provided Moldova’s social protection institutions with the digital tools necessary to serve its people better.
We also extend our appreciation to UNDP, our implementing partner in this area.
UNICEF has been at the forefront of social protection reform worldwide, working in over 150 countries to ensure that children and families have access to the support they need. Our experience has shown that the most effective way to create lasting change is by investing directly in national systems—not just in short-term programs, but in long-term infrastructure that delivers impact at scale. Effective social protection requires strong policies but also the right expertise to put them into action, and we are grateful for being trusted to bring Moldova’s social services into the digital age.
By equipping Moldova’s social protection system with digital tools, we are applying global best practices to make services:
- More efficient – so that families do not have to wait for essential support.
- More transparent – ensuring fair and equal access for everyone.
- and More resilient – ready to adapt and respond to future challenges.
And this is especially critical in times of crisis. As the lead of the Information and Communication Technology cluster in emergency response, UNICEF knows that strong digital systems are the backbone of rapid, effective, and equitable social protection. Whether responding to displacement, economic shocks, or social challenges, an efficient system ensures that no one is left behind.
No system can meet every individual need perfectly—but it must be accessible to all. A strong social protection system provides the foundation, the essential services that everyone should be able to rely on. While some specialized or highly specific services may be outsourced to NGOs or other partners, the state must remain the guarantor of basic social protection for every child, every family, and every citizen. The goal is not perfection, but reach—ensuring that no one is left without support, even as more tailored assistance is made available through complementary services.
With the support of Germany, we are ensuring that Moldova’s social protection system is not just modernized—it is built to last. The RESTART reform is more than a digital transformation; it is a commitment to ensuring that every child, every family, and every citizen has access to social protection with dignity and without unnecessary obstacles. And more importantly, that the services they receive empower them to come out of or stay out of poverty and vulnerability.
On behalf of UNICEF, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Government of Germany and the Ministry of Labour & Social Protection for this critical investment in Moldova’s future. Together, we are proving that strong national systems deliver results at scale—and that by investing in social protection, we are investing in a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Moldova.
Thank you.
