On May 15, 2025, at Europe Café in Chisinau, the 6th and final thematic session of the Budget Academy “Citizen ACT” took place – an educational program launched and facilitated by the Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi).
Under the title “Community Partnerships in Local Development”, the event brought together approximately 20 active citizens and representatives of local public administrations from the 5 partner communities of the project.
The training session provided a participatory framework for reflection and learning on how authentic partnerships between the community and local authorities contribute to effective and inclusive local governance.
Representatives of the partner organization People in Need Moldova also participated in the event:
“The collaboration between local authorities and civil society organizations is key to an inclusive and resilient society.” – Nadejda Pascaru-Botnaru, program manager.
In turn, Nino Karanadze, head of Programs at PIN Moldova, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the importance of transparency in decision – making processes in a democratic state.
Within the training, the participants discussed what an authentic partnership between citizens and local authorities means, how it can be built and maintained in the long term, and what impact collaboration has on the local budget process. The session included interactive activities, an exchange of best practices, and reflections on lessons learned during the program.
“Honest and structured dialogue between authorities and citizens leads to real solutions and lasting partnerships.” – Valeriu Cartin, mayor of Mascauti, Criuleni district.
The Budget Academy “Citizen ACT” ran for five months and included six thematic sessions, with the aim of increasing citizens’ awareness and involvement in local public life, promoting transparency, and encouraging constructive dialogue between the community and the authorities.
The event is part of the project “Citizens ACT: Improving participatory governance and transparency at local level”, implemented by the Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi) in partnership with People in Need Moldova (PIN) with the financial support of the European Union.
For more photos from the event, please visit iRi’s Facebook page: