Ion ȘTEFANOVICI (CAPDR) and Adrian PĂDURARU (“Matei Vișniec” Municipal Theatre, Suceava), in the context of FERM 2025: “We have a plan, a vision, and the energy needed. Together, we can build”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
The Moldova Regional Economic Forum 2025 opened in Vatra Dornei with a message of strength and collective responsibility, delivered by Ion Ștefanovici, President of the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning (CAPDR). At the conclusion of the opening day, he emphasized the importance of a shared vision, unity, and a real commitment to transforming the region.
Alongside him, Adrian Păduraru, manager of the “Matei Vișniec” Municipal Theatre in Suceava, delivered a memorable appeal: let us take care of culture, because without it, we are not true stewards.
Ion Ștefanovici: “No one from outside will help us. We will succeed only through our own efforts”
“I hope that what you heard this morning until noon was useful for you, insofar as I believe we all share the same aspirations, but also the same concerns,” said Ion Ștefanovici in his opening remarks.
The CAPDR leader stressed that the solutions for overcoming the impasse will not come from outside, but only through internal mobilization.
“No one from anywhere will help us, we all know that. If we succeed, we will do it solely through our own strength – through openness, wisdom, and, very importantly, unity.”
About those who destabilize and those who build
With a firm yet balanced tone, Ștefanovici also referred to the visible absence of some local leaders.
“There are certain people in this region who are not here today and will not be present again until they prove they love their region through the roles they hold, by doing their job, and by achieving the results that are expected of them.”
He symbolically pointed out the undermining efforts made in the past by such individuals.
“Some of these people believe that if they remove a brick from the construction we’re building, the whole thing will collapse. They can continue believing that. I thank them very much. In past years they used to pull out one brick in two, then one in five, one in seven, and now one in ten. The bricks they remove are those without consistency – weak and rotten. They’re actually doing us a big favor.”
A strategic document for the future of the region
The CAPDR President clearly announced that everything discussed during the Forum will be integrated into a significant strategic document.
“Everything is being recorded for transcripts. Everything we discuss – please give it value, because it will not be lost. It will be reflected in the multiannual strategic document of the Moldova Region for the years 2025–2030. This will be the reference document until December 31, 2025, and beyond, starting January 1, 2026.”
He concluded with a call for pragmatism and responsibility.
“Over the years, there has been a lot of talk. In my view, too little has been done. If we want a reference base, a progress report, there’s no other way.”
A gesture of respect towards culture
At the end of his speech, Ion Ștefanovici invited a special guest on stage, highlighting the cultural dimension of regional development.
Adrian Păduraru: “Take care of culture. When one doesn’t do what’s right, we say: ‘He has no culture’”
“I’ve attended conferences, forums… Congratulations! The people you brought and your speech made the opening remarks more than just formalities – they became real foundations for debate. That’s wonderful.”
Păduraru ended with a piece of folk wisdom:
“Because this is a debate, let me remind you of what my Moldavian grandfather used to say. When someone wasn’t a good steward, when he didn’t do what he should, he’d say: ‘Don’t even bother. He has no culture.’ Take care of culture. Thank you.”
Conclusion
The message delivered by Ion Ștefanovici at the end of the first day of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum 2025 was one of cohesion, responsibility, and confidence in the region’s ability to shape its own future. Without sugarcoating the realities, he outlined a clear path: Moldova’s development will not come from outside, but from the common effort of those who choose to build and remain grounded in responsibility.
At the same time, Adrian Păduraru reminded us that without culture, we cannot speak of genuine progress. Together, these two messages offer a moral and strategic foundation for everything to follow during the forum: real dialogue, concrete action, and care for what gives meaning to a community – identity, vision, and solidarity.
