OSCE Mission supports annual Donors Forum for civil society organizations from both banks of Dniester/Nistru River

More than 100 representatives of civil society organizations and initiative groups from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River, and development partners gathered for the annual Donors Forum organized by the OSCE Mission to Moldova on 12 November. This year the Forum took place online and had a specific focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Forum, organized by the Mission since 2013, is a unique platform that connects donors and civil society organizations. Participants get to learn about each other’s experiences, needs and priorities to better address challenges faced by the people on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River. 

“The Donors Forum is a unique event in terms of format and importance, especially for organizations from Transdniestria. It is an opportunity to directly contact donors and speak about our achievements. At the same time, it was good to speak about the challenges we face in our daily work,” said Olga Purakhina, Executive Director of the VIALEX Informational Legal Centre located on the left bank.

During the first session, civil society organizations participants shared stories of solidarity and lessons learned as well as looked at the new opportunities that arose during the pandemic. During the second session, donors presented measures they are taking to support civil society in Moldova, including on the left bank, during the pandemic. The Forum also allowed civil society organizations to learn more about existing requirements for grant applications and the priorities of the donors and development partners for 2021.

“Civil society organizations play a vital role in the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. This Forum is our contribution to enhancing the ability of civil society organizations from both banks to realize their full potential,” said Antti Karttun, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova in his opening remarks.

This year’s event was held jointly with the CONTACT National Assistance and Information Centre as part of a project seeking to contribute to the overall development of civil society organizations in Transdniestria and to consolidate confidence among civil society organizations on both banks of the River.