For the first time, UNICEF will collaborate with Youth Ambassadors to promote children's rights in Moldova

Chișinău, 6 March 2025 – Four distinguished youths who have excelled in advocating for children's rights in Moldova will partner with UNICEF to bolster the Youth Advocate Program. The adolescents were officially designated as Youth Ambassadors during an event attended by UNICEF's Country Representative in Moldova, Maha Damaj, and Education, Health, Child Protection, and Social Protection UNICEF teams.

The Youth Ambassadors play a critical role in amplifying children's and youth's voices, raising awareness, and promoting actions on issues that matter most to their generation. 

"It is an honor to open our doors, at UNICEF, to you, young people who refuse to accept the world as it is and dare to imagine something better. Each of you carries a unique story—a challenge overcome, a social norm defied, an innovative path taken. Through the campaigns and actions, we develop together, we will ensure that every child has the right to education, that inclusion is a reality, and that youth are heard and actively involved in decision-making. We support not just the future – we are creating it together," said Maha Damaj at the event.

Felicia Iordachi, Nicoli Streșnă, Emilia Teleucă, and Vasile Dragan have demonstrated deep commitment and leadership in promoting education, inclusion, and equality. Their work aligns with UNICEF's mission to uphold children's rights and empower young people to shape a future where everyone can reach their fullest potential. 

The youth shared their experiences and visions for projects that could impact children in Moldova during the event. They signed collaboration agreements with UNICEF, thus marking their commitment to promoting child rights and strengthening their partnership with UNICEF for the benefit of children. Together with the organization's team, they will develop a work plan for 2025-2026 to accelerate initiatives that empower youth and ensure that every child's rights are upheld. 

About the Youth Ambassadors: 

Nicoli Streșnă (17 years old) is passionate about IT, mentoring, and public speaking. She discovered her love for technology at the GirlsGoIT 2022 summer camp and has since moved from participant to mentor in the program, encouraging young women to explore STEM fields and combat stereotypes. Beyond IT, Nicoli actively engages in civic activism, promoting European values, human rights, and youth participation. Her contributions include mentoring in the "STEM on Wheels" program, representing Moldova at the Global Citizens Model United Nations 2023 in New York, receiving an honor diploma, and winning first place at the Moldovan-American schools' summit "Connected Through Science." Nicoli participated in "TEDxValeaTrandafirilor: Listen to The Future" with the speech "From Prejudices to Possibilities," urging young people and adults to challenge stereotypes and turn curiosity into innovation. 

Felicia Iordachi (19 years old) is an enthusiast of biomedical sciences. Felicia recently represented Moldova at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), where she placed fourth in biomedical sciences for her research on a cancer biomarker. She supports young people in STEM by organizing scientific experiments in schools across Moldova. Felicia highlighted the unique educational needs of young STEM enthusiasts at the UN General Assembly Science Summit. She also participated in "TEDxValeaTrandafirilor: Listen to The Future" with the speech "Why Am I Learning This?" encouraging young people to follow their passions, know their rights, and create opportunities. 

Vasile Dragan (20 years old) is a human rights activist who promotes inclusive education and equal opportunities for all children and youth. He has initiated strategic partnerships with youth organizations and participated in projects encouraging youth involvement in decision-making processes and advocating for positive changes within the community. As an active volunteer and member of the Rîșcani District Youth Council and the YouthBank Moldova network, Vasile has engaged in various community projects, human rights conferences, and other civic activities. As a UNICEF Youth Ambassador, he aims to use his voice to inspire positive changes within communities and contribute to initiatives that promote access to education, health, and protection for children and adolescents, especially within the Roma community in Moldova. 

Emilia Teleucă (19 years old) actively supports children's rights. Her commitment drives her to engage in school activities, advocating that every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and should have equal opportunities. Emilia firmly believes that child education and protection should be accessible to all, and that inclusion is essential. She conveyed her message to the Parliament Commission of the Republic of Moldova, sharing her personal experiences to emphasize the urgent need for inclusive education and fair treatment for children with disabilities. Through her efforts, she inspires others to recognize the rights of every child, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future. 

For more information about the Youth Advocate Programme and UNICEF Youth Ambassadors worldwide, visit this link.