The 3rd Edition of the National NGO Forum and 2nd Edition of the NGO Fair
November 15-16, 2001
Republican Palace, Chisinau

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Concept

It has become a tradition to organize a National NGO Forum and Fair in November, every two years. The 3rd edition of the National NGO Forum is an occasion for Moldovan non-governmental organizations to evaluate what have they achieved since the 2nd edition of the Forum in 1999 and discuss problems of major interest for the sector. This year edition of the forum will focus on the following issues:

I. Regional tendencies and their impact on the Moldovan civil society

Situated in South-Eastern Europe, Republic of Moldova is affected by the regional and international developments. What is the role of NGOs in the globalization process worldwide? What stage of development has the associative sector of the Republic of Moldova reached as compared to the neighborhood countries? Which is the role of CEE NGOs in European integration, including effective positioning of NGOs in public debates and negotiations?

It has been repeatedly recognized that the national laws regarding the non-for-profit sector in Moldova are among the best in the region. Quantitatively, the permissive democratic legal framework translates in the large number of NGOs currently registered in Moldova, which is over 2500. The question is whether the legal fiscal environment sustains the growth of organized giving for public benefit and facilitate the work of organized donors, this specifically refers to practically inoperative laws on sponsorship and philanthropy. What lessons could be learned from other CEE countries?

How Republic of Moldova adhesion to the Stability Pact for the South Eastern Europe might boost civil society in Moldova? How the Moldovan NGOs cooperate with NGOs from Stability Pact member countries?

II. NGO involvement in elaboration and implementation of public policies

Are there examples of NGOs working in partnership, either formally or informally, with local business, government, and the media to achieve a common objectives? Is there awareness among the various sectors of the possibilities for and advantages of such partnerships? What would have NGOs to offer to political parties, trade unions, local government?

Are Moldovan NGOs strong enough to participate in the development of policy at the local level? What is the role of NGOs in developing and implementing National Strategy on Poverty Eradication? Are the grassroots active in community development?

III. Coalition building and public image

Do NGOs actively seek to build constituencies for their initiatives? Do NGOs share information with each other? Do NGOs enjoy positive media coverage at the local and national level? Does the media provide positive analysis of the role NGOs play in civil society? Does the general public have a positive perception of NGOs? Do NGOs publicize their activities or promote their public image?

Are NGOs aware of the need for self-regulation? Are NGOs ready to adopt a code of ethics or try to demonstrate transparency in their activity? Do leading NGOs publish annual reports?

Concept / Declaration of the Participants