Ion ȘTEFANOVICI, President of CAPDR: “From the Carpathians to the Dniester: Investments in Children, Families, and Communities – the Foundation of Sustainable Regional Development”
Mesaje publice
In a world that rushes to measure everything in numbers, we at CAPDR choose to measure progress through people. Through children who grow well, through families that stay united, and through communities that gain courage.
But we also do not forget those children who do not have a family by their side – a sad reality, too often overlooked in a society that talks about development but forgets about vulnerability.
For them, for the children who bear the weight of the world alone, it is our duty to build real mechanisms of support, inclusion, and education.
It has been a tough week, with trips, meetings, and important decisions, but full of soulful satisfaction.
Because behind every project and every strategy remains a single truth: true development begins with children’s education, family balance, and community strength.
The CAPDR Network – 1,500 partners, a shared vision
The Center for Analysis and Planning of Regional Development (CAPDR) today coordinates one of the most extensive cooperation networks in the Moldova Region – over 1,500 organizations and individuals: public administrations, universities, companies, professional associations, experts, farmers, and consultants.
This network, organically expanded over the past years, represents the true strength of regional cooperation – a community of professionals who think strategically and act together for the development of Moldova from the Carpathians to the Dniester.
To coordinate this vast structure, CAPDR is developing the digital platform ro-md.capdr.ro, a tool designed to integrate, manage, and efficiently leverage the entire Romania–Republic of Moldova partner network.
Through this platform, the process of collaboration, planning, and monitoring will be digitalized and professionalized, in a way that surpasses the limits of traditional human management.
It is the natural step toward intelligent regional governance, a stage through which Moldova strengthens its position as an active player in the European territorial cooperation space.
European cooperation and preparation for the new 2028–2034 financial framework
CAPDR’s activities are carried out within a European logic, aligned with the principles of multiannual planning and integrated territorial development.
Our projects leverage opportunities provided by:
- The Interreg NEXT Romania – Republic of Moldova Program, focused on cross-border cooperation and public–private partnerships;
- Structural and Cohesion Funds 2021–2027, supporting investments in infrastructure, education, environment, and innovation;
- Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe Programs, through which universities and young people in the region access European training and research networks;
- Preparatory initiatives for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, where CAPDR is already participating in the consultation and formulation of priorities for the Moldova Region.
This new framework will be essential for defining regional interconnection projects, supporting digitalization, energy transition, and integrated rural development.
CAPDR is preparing to play an active role in this context, through harmonizing strategies between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, providing a coherent vision of how European funds can bring direct benefits to local communities.
Children, families, and communities – the moral center of development
In all our strategies, children, families, and local communities remain the foundation of any development.
Children are regarded as a distinct category, because not all have the chance of a family, and unfortunately, this often remains invisible.
CAPDR’s projects include educational support programs, community volunteer training, and the development of social and cultural centers in rural areas.
The family remains the root of social stability, and communities – the expression of a region’s maturity.
Between these three levels – child, family, community – the balance of a Moldova that grows from within is built.
Moldova – a shared destiny, built through people and deeds
From the Carpathians to the Dniester, Moldova is not just a geographical space, but a shared destiny.
CAPDR contributes to this construction through real projects, institutional cooperation, and technologies that put people at the center of decision-making.
True development is not measured in documents or infrastructure, but in the lives it changes.
And wherever a child smiles, a family finds peace, and a community gains courage —
there, Moldova has a future.
