UNICEF and Orange Foundation Moldova support civic engagement of youth in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine

Chișinău, 2 July 2025. UNICEF and Orange Foundation Moldova continue investing in youth development with the launch of the third edition of the summer camp Youth in Action, organized with the support of the United States Government (Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration - BPRM), in partnership with the Pro Bono Information and Resource Centre. The camp supports young people by providing opportunities for personal development and career guidance, all within an inclusive and inspirational environment.

This year’s camp, held in two sessions from 1 to 10 July, brings together 300 young people from Moldova and Ukraine, including youth from vulnerable backgrounds, persons with special needs, and refugees. The programme is designed to stimulate civic engagement, promote democratic and European values, and support the development of essential personal skills in an inclusive and modern society.

Participants take part in interactive sessions on diverse and timely topics: DJing and classical music, entrepreneurship and innovative thinking, digital education, sustainability and environmental protection, activism and democracy. The safe and friendly environment created within the camp encourages free expression, collaborative learning, and solidarity among young people from varied backgrounds.

Maha Damaj, UNICEF Country Representative in the Republic of Moldova:

“This camp is unique because Generation Z sees and shapes the world in a new way. They are digital natives - connected, creative, and aware of what’s happening globally. They value authenticity, inclusion, and the future of the planet. They ask tough questions, expect real answers, and don’t just follow trends - they create them.

What makes this camp valuable is not just the technologies or creative tools, but the fact that children from across Moldova are here - some from places where such opportunities are rare. This camp is a chance to try new things, meet people, and perhaps see the world - and themselves - a little differently.

We are deeply grateful to Orange Moldova and the Orange Foundation not only for funding this initiative but also for aligning with a generation that is redefining what leadership means. Moldova needs these children, not as a project for the future, but as a force for the present.”

The partnership between UNICEF and Orange Moldova reflects a shared commitment to support children’s development by providing them access to the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Olga Surugiu, CEO of Orange Moldova:

“Today’s youth need space to grow, trust, and people who believe in them. That is what we do through the ‘Youth in Action’ camp - we create a context where their potential and desire turn into ideas, initiatives, and, most importantly, the conviction that their voice matters.

At Orange Moldova, when we choose to invest, we do so for the people and the future of this country. Seeing dozens of young people working in teams, asking courageous questions, seeking solutions, and exploring technology with purpose makes it clear that change is already happening. That is why Orange Moldova, through the Orange Foundation, is here as a trusted partner.

We are glad to build this experience together with UNICEF Moldova and the Pro Bono Information and Resource Centre - a partnership that demonstrates that when resources, vision, and passion come together, inspiring results emerge.”

Simona-Patricia Savin, Executive Director of the Pro Bono Information and Resource Centre:

“We believe that education is the foundation of a strong and equitable state. Through the ‘Youth in Action’ camp, we provide young people with a safe space for learning, engagement, and free expression. We want every participant to leave with greater confidence, courage, and a desire to actively contribute to the well-being of their community. Investing in youth means investing in the democratic future of our country.

For four years, our partnership with UNICEF Moldova has provided the support needed to build sustainable initiatives dedicated to young people. We are grateful for the trust and ongoing collaboration that motivate us to innovate and stay close to the real needs of the new generation. The support of the Orange Foundation has significantly contributed to expanding the impact of our educational programmes. Together, we succeed in creating safe, inclusive, and relevant spaces for youth from Moldova and Ukraine. We appreciate every step taken in partnership towards a more democratic, participatory, and solidaric society.”

In the first edition of the Youth in Action camp, 600 young people were registered.

In 2024, UNICEF and Orange Moldova signed a Memorandum of Understanding aiming to contribute to the well-being of every child in both urban and rural areas. UNICEF and Orange Moldova are exploring the use of modern technologies and smart data to innovate interventions in education, youth, child protection, and social protection. Within this partnership, solutions in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) will also be identified and implemented to ensure digital inclusion, as well as the identification of other research and innovation partnerships with national impact.

The third edition of the Youth in Action summer camp is organized within the UNICEF project Promoting Student Participation Mechanisms in Decision-Making, implemented by the Pro Bono Information and Resource Centre, with financial support from the United States Government and the Orange Foundation.