---
title: "UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova: European integration and sustainable development are mutually reinforcing goals"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/88048/un-resident-coordinator-in-moldova-european-integration-and-sustainable-development-are-mutually-reinforcing-goals
published: 2026-10-24T06:45:00Z
language: en
author: "Iulian Fanaru"
section: "Social"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova: European integration and sustainable development are mutually reinforcing goals

> The Republic of Moldova must reduce inequalities between rural and urban areas, ensure equitable access to services, and shift from crisis management to sustainable solutions amid challenges related to European integration and social development.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/a20eeb6c-7e97-47f2-83f8-5499fea6c364.jpg)

The Republic of Moldova must reduce inequalities between rural and urban areas, ensure equitable access to services, and shift from crisis management to sustainable solutions amid challenges related to European integration and social development.

The United Nations (UN) supports the Republic of Moldova in implementing reforms, strengthening social protection, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. However, polarization and global disparities remain among the main challenges, says Yesim Oruc, UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Moldova.

“The main message to everyone—to the people of the Republic of Moldova, to governments, and to all Member States—is to choose dialogue over division, cooperation over confrontation, [...] and solidarity over fear”, Yesim Oruc said during the "Bună Dimineața" show on Moldova 1 TV.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/8f825583-1ce2-4651-b437-cc72c449deaf.jpg)

**The UN: From its founding mission to new global challenges**

The UN Resident Coordinator recalled that the organization was founded in 1945, after World War II, with the mission of preventing further conflicts and helping maintain international peace and security. Over the decades, the institution’s responsibilities have expanded as new issues requiring cooperation between states have emerged.

In addition to preventing wars, the UN and its agencies have developed mechanisms for cooperation in areas such as agriculture, health, child protection, and human rights. Among the examples mentioned by the official were the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Asked whether the UN can still respond effectively to current crises amid wars and geopolitical tensions, Yesim Oruc acknowledged that the organization is going through a difficult period, marked in part by a crisis of trust in institutions. However, she distinguished between institutional difficulties and the need for an international organization capable of bringing countries together around common challenges.

The UN remains one of the few global forums where small and large states, regardless of their economic or political power, can come together to discuss international issues. In this regard, Yesim Oruc praised the Republic of Moldova’s participation in the UN General Assembly and the message conveyed by the country’s representatives regarding the role of small states within the organization.

**The Republic of Moldova contributes to the UN’s work and benefits from its support**

Speaking about the organization’s work in the Republic of Moldova, Yesim Oruc said she was proud of the cooperation with the country’s authorities and people. She also emphasized that the relationship between the UN and the Republic of Moldova should not be viewed solely in terms of the support provided by the organization, but also in light of the country’s contribution to the work of the international institution.

According to the official, the Republic of Moldova actively participates in the work of international bodies and assumes responsibilities within the UN system, including through its involvement in specialized organizations and councils.

In the Republic of Moldova, the UN country team works across a wide range of areas, from education and social protection to energy efficiency, preparations for the cold season, governance, reforms, and anti-corruption efforts. These initiatives are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve living conditions, reduce inequalities, and ensure opportunities for all.

One of the UN’s fundamental principles is to leave no one behind. In the Republic of Moldova, applying this principle requires particular attention to people and communities facing difficulties in accessing services and opportunities.

Asked what had impressed her most since beginning her work in the Republic of Moldova, Yesim Oruc spoke about people’s pride in their work and society’s ability to overcome difficulties. This attitude can be seen in the work of institutions and public authorities, as well as in everyday life, including in interactions with people at the market.

“Professionally, I have to say that it is about resilience. The resilience of people, institutions, and organizations in the Republic of Moldova. Every day, we face one crisis or another. And the Republic of Moldova continues to cope. That is what impresses me the most: pride and resilience,” Yesim Oruc said.

**Experience in managing the refugee crisis: An example of cooperation**

The UN Resident Coordinator also praised the way the organization’s country team worked with the Republic of Moldova’s authorities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the outbreak of the refugee crisis. According to her, the crisis response strengthened cooperation among UN agencies and demonstrated the importance of a coordinated approach in emergencies.

Yesim Oruc noted that as refugees’ needs change, the support provided must also be adapted. The focus should not remain exclusively on emergency interventions but should extend to integrating refugees into Moldovan society and the country’s economy. This process involves facilitating access to services, education, and economic opportunities, including the possibility of starting businesses and contributing to the national economy.

The official emphasized that the experience gained by the Republic of Moldova and the cooperation between national authorities and the UN family could serve as an example of the transition from crisis management to the long-term integration of refugees.

**European integration and the Sustainable Development Goals**

Regarding the Republic of Moldova’s European path, Yesim Oruc stated that European Union integration and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals are not two separate processes, but mutually reinforcing objectives.

Approximately 75% of the elements under consideration overlap, meaning that progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals can also contribute to meeting the requirements for EU accession.

“In my view, these are not two separate agendas. They are both parts of the same agenda,” Yesim Oruc said.

**Future priority: Equal opportunities for all citizens**

Regarding the priorities for the coming period, the UN Resident Coordinator highlighted inequalities and disparities in access to services between communities. The gap between rural and urban areas remains an issue that requires sustained action.

The country must also gradually move away from an approach focused on constantly managing crises and develop stable systems and mechanisms capable of ensuring equal opportunities for the entire population.

The long-term goal should be to build a society in which access to services, protection, and opportunities is guaranteed for all citizens, regardless of where they live or the vulnerabilities they face.

October 24 marks the 81st anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

[Video: https://trm.blob.core.windows.net/photos/7dff34ae-70f3-442a-84ad-637c8025ece5.jpg](https://original.trm.md/video/definst/MP4:2026/10/23/rolulONU.mp4/playlist.m3u8)