Carmen NASTASĂ (Moderator of Panel 10 – Culture) at FERM 2025: “To develop economically, you need a solid foundation, which involves education, culture, and the soul.”

Present at the Moldova Regional Economic Forum 2025, held between July 9–13 in Vatra Dornei, Carmen Nastasă delivered an emotional and substantive intervention at the conclusion of Panel 10 – Culture.

Her message was a profound reflection on the role of culture and education in the development of a sustainable society, as well as on how the Moldova region can leverage its spiritual and identity resources.

Culture, the soul of development

In a warm and sincere tone, Carmen Nastasă emphasized that the panel discussions brought together people who were “invited and eager for positive change,” capable of highlighting best practices and exemplary models. Her recent experience in Chișinău was cited as a personal example of discovery and inspiration.

“For me, it was an extraordinary experience. We build, we build, but what do we become while we build? There [in Moldova] you still have cleanliness and purity, and you are so beautiful.”

Building on this observation, she pointed out that economic development cannot exist without a solid foundation.

“To be able to develop economically, you need a base and a solid foundation. That relates to education, culture, and ultimately, the soul.”

A subtle critique of the imbalance between infrastructure and culture

In her speech, Nastasă highlighted the danger of investing excessively in infrastructure and the economy while neglecting cultural and educational dimensions. She illustrated this through the contrast between major European capitals and everyday reality.

“We go to Paris, see how beautiful it is, and yet we get eaten by mice on the streets. We build beautiful roads, extraordinary highways, but we forget that education, culture, and care for the soul must be equally important.”

Thus, she advocated for integrating culture and cultural tourism into investment and infrastructure strategies.

“Next time, this aspect of culture and tourism must absolutely be integrated into economic development, investments, and infrastructure.”

A call for collaboration and dialogue

A central message of her intervention was the need for cooperation between actors from various fields – culture, tourism, economy, administration – to showcase what the region has to offer.

“I believe that such close cooperation can bring us to the light,” Carmen Nastasă stated, addressing both those present in the room and participants who joined the event at other times.

Conclusion

The closing speech of Carmen Nastasă at Panel 10 – Culture was more than a personal reflection: it represented a call to recognize the role that culture and education play in the evolution of a healthy society. While investments in infrastructure and economic development are indispensable, they become hollow if not accompanied by care for heritage, identity, and the soul of communities.

Her message highlighted the need for balance between the material and spiritual dimensions of regional development. Culture and cultural tourism should not be seen as marginal areas but as essential factors for social cohesion and attracting investments, giving value and meaning to any economic project.