Ukrainian Day in Moldova — More Than a Festival: A Voice, a Presence, and a Vision for Inclusive Development in the North
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The National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova (NCUM) is a national-level public association established on May 6, 2021, with the purpose of representing the interests and consolidating the efforts of the Ukrainian community in the Republic of Moldova. The organization brings together ethnic Ukrainians, civil society actors, cultural organizations, community leaders, representatives of local public authorities, and networks of women and youth from across the country.NCUM functions as an umbrella platform for dialogue, coordination, and advocacy, aiming to ensure meaningful participation of Ukrainians in Moldova’s public, cultural, and socio-economic spheres. It engages with both governmental and international partners to address community needs and facilitate inclusive policy development.
NCUM’s mandate includes safeguarding the rights of persons belonging to the Ukrainian minority, supporting their social and civic integration, promoting Ukrainian language and culture, and strengthening institutional mechanisms for minority representation. NCUM actively participates in national consultative processes, contributes to the development of minority policy frameworks, and supports access to services, education, and employment for members of the Ukrainian community, including displaced persons from Ukraine.Since its establishment, NCUM has worked in coordination with national institutions, foreign embassies, international organizations, and civil society coalitions to support humanitarian assistance, cultural preservation, community mobilization, and refugee response in Moldova.
On July 26, the small commune of Iabloana in Moldova’s Glodeni district became a vibrant hub of culture and community during the regional festival Ukrainian Day in Moldova – Culture Unites, co-organized by the National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova (NCUM) and the Iabloana Mayor’s Office.
This gathering brought together over 1,500 participants, including ethnic Ukrainians from across the northern region, displaced families from Ukraine, Moldovan residents, and international partners — representatives of diplomatic missions, UN agencies, and humanitarian organizations. While rooted in cultural celebration, the event served a broader purpose: affirming the visibility, dignity, and development aspirations of Ukrainian communities across rural Moldova.
“Ukrainian Days in Moldova is not only a cultural celebration — it is a statement of presence. It affirms the visibility of Ukrainians in Moldova’s public life, our active role in local communities, and our voice in shaping the country’s future,” — stated Dmytro Lecartev, Head of NCUM.
Reframing the North: From Periphery to Strategic Priority
For years, NCUM has worked hand-in-hand with rural communities across Moldova — particularly in the North — preserving language and heritage, but also investing in development, social inclusion, and community leadership. The festival highlighted the rich potential of Moldova’s northern regions — areas that have historically contributed to the country’s multicultural fabric but often remain underrepresented in national and international development frameworks.
“We believe that Moldova’s inclusive future cannot be built without deliberate attention to its rural and northern communities. These are spaces of resilience, civic potential, and local leadership — and they deserve to be seen, heard, and supported,” — emphasized Lecartev.
Culture as a Platform for Dialogue and Inclusion
The festival featured traditional music and dance performances from Ukrainian and Moldovan ensembles, a crafts fair, children's activities, an interethnic courtyard, and shared culinary experiences — from Ukrainian borshch to Moldovan zama. But beyond celebration, the event became a platform for trust-building, intercultural dialogue, and exploring new avenues for partnership between communities, local authorities, and international actors.
Ukrainian Day in Moldova reinforced a clear message: investment in Moldova’s future must include its rural and ethnocultural communities. NCUM welcomes ongoing dialogue with partners to co-create long-term, community-driven initiatives that support inclusive growth, local capacity-building, and democratic resilience in the North.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the institutions and partners who made this event possible:
Agency for Interethnic Relations of the Republic of Moldova, the Embassy of Ukraine in Moldova, UNHCR, UNICEF, Nova Post Moldova, MAIB, Di&Trade Energy, the Mayor’s Office of Iabloana, as well as all diplomatic missions and international organizations who honored the event with their presence.
Together, let us continue transforming cultural spaces into shared platforms for solidarity, partnership, and sustainable progress — ensuring no region and no community is left behind.
