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

On 25 November, the OSCE Mission to Moldova organized an annual Donors’ Forum online for more than 100 representatives of a wide range of initiative groups and civil society organizations (CSOs) from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River, and development partners.

“Civil society organizations play a vital role in the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Donors’ Forum, which the Mission has been organizing since 2013, is a unique platform bringing together civil society organizations from both banks of Dniester/Nistru River, donors and development partners to learn more about activities, funding opportunities, challenges and solutions, and to establish contacts and networks on an annual basis,” said Dr. Claus Neukirch, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. “The Donors’ Forum helps to bridge gaps between partners on both banks of the river. By empowering civil society organizations, we also promote greater respect for human rights which is a cornerstone for lasting peace and security.”

During the Forum, donors and development partners highlighted grant opportunities and priority areas for 2022. Civil society representatives had the opportunity to share their experiences, outline their priority areas of work and raise issues of concern. Participants also learned about the results of the research on co-operation between CSOs and donor organizations conducted with the support of the Mission.

“The Donors’ Forum became a platform for discussion of experience and perspective of interaction between donors and civil society. Today, we managed to tackle the problems encountered by civil society organizations in their interaction with donors, as well as to make proposals for their solution,” said Serghei Necovcin, head of CONTACT Centre.

The Mission conducted the Donors’ Forum within the framework of its project on building the capacities of civil society organizations on both banks of the river. As part of the project, the Mission produced a video highlighting its main achievements and showcasing project activities conducted during the past three years.

The Forum, organized by the Mission annually since 2013, is a unique platform that connects donors and civil society organizations. Participants 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.