Thursday, September 11, 2025 – At the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău took place the launch conference of the project “Transfer of Best Practices and Strengthening Administrative Capacity in Regional Development Policy between Romania and the Republic of Moldova”, financed through the Interreg NEXT Romania – Republic of Moldova Program.

The event, organized in partnership between the Center for Analysis and Planning of Regional Development (CAPDR) and the Regional Development Agency of the Municipality of Chișinău (ADR Chișinău), brought together representatives of public administration, regional development experts, and decision-makers from both countries.

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Speaker:

Nina COSTIUC – Mayor of Budești, Chișinău; Republic of Moldova

“Everything begins with people”

At the beginning of her address, Nina Costiuc emphasized the importance of human resources in the development process.

“I would slightly change the order here: I would start with people, ideas, projects. Everything begins with people, people like you. I am firmly convinced that together we will enjoy the work carried out with heart and dedication. Only when you put love into it, you can harvest love in return.”

The mayor also highlighted the value of international meetings, sharing that past experiences, such as the one in Vatra Dornei, motivated and inspired her to seek new development models.

On the “fragrance of concrete and asphalt”

In a direct and vivid style, the mayor of Budești described the satisfaction of implementing tangible projects that bring visible results for citizens.

“I most prefer not the fragrance of Chanel, but of concrete and asphalt. It is a true satisfaction, because you can walk with your head held high and say: look, together with the Council and with important people, we managed to do something so that we could all live better.”

LIVE | Launch conference of the project “Best practices and knowledge transfer for strengthening administrative capacity between Romania and the Republic of Moldova”

Local projects with major impact

Nina Costiuc also presented several examples of projects implemented in Budești, showing how even modest resources can generate important change.

“Recently we implemented a project with the Budești NGO Casa Părintească, financed by the European Union. Starting with €20,000 through participatory budgeting, together with the Local Council we mobilized 3,600,000 lei and carried out several small but significant projects.”

The mayor also recalled lessons learned from study visits in Poland and the Baltic states, where she understood the importance of simple but essential infrastructure for communities.

“I saw a paved path crossing over a small bridge. Such a small project, yet so important, because it connected two sectors and made life easier for people. That is why durable paths and bridges are fundamental for development.”

Final message: hurry to do good

In closing her speech, Nina Costiuc appealed for unity, collaboration, and the urgency of doing good deeds for communities.

“Mihai Eminescu said that everything takes time. And time takes everything. Let us hurry, let us hurry to do good. May God bless everyone!”

Ion ȘTEFANOVICI – INVITATION to participate in the opening conference of the CAPDR – ADR Chișinău cross-border project

Conclusion

The speech delivered by Nina Costiuc at the CAPDR–ADR Chișinău conference successfully combined the practical experience of a mayor with a deeply human vision of regional development. Her message emphasized the idea that “everything begins with people, ideas, and projects,” highlighting that development cannot be reduced to numbers and budgets but must be built through the involvement, dedication, and collaboration of those who take on the role of local leaders.

The examples she presented – from modest yet essential projects in Budești to international experiences that inspired new approaches – show that progress can be built step by step, through smart investments and strong partnerships. Moreover, the metaphor of the “fragrance of concrete and asphalt” illustrates her attachment to tangible projects, those that change people’s daily lives and give meaning to the work of local administrations.