Young Volunteers and Ion ȘTEFANOVICI (CAPDR) at FERM 2025: “The Future Belongs to the Youth – That’s Why We Give Them the Floor”

On the final day of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum 2025 (FERM), held from July 9 to 13 in Vatra Dornei, the closing words did not come from authorities or major investors, but from those for whom this collective effort is ultimately intended: the youth.

On the stage of the panel dedicated to regional and international cooperation, the main organizer of the event, Ion Ștefanovici, president of CAPDR, chose to give the final word to the volunteers who were actively involved in this edition.

“All our efforts are directed toward the youth. They are the ultimate beneficiaries”, said Ion Ștefanovici, before inviting Nicoleta, Ioana, Ana, and the other volunteers onto the stage, expressing gratitude for their exemplary involvement.

“We always say ‘youth, youth, youth’… let’s give them the floor as well”, he added.

Young voices, with clear messages

Andreea Nicolaevici, one of the volunteers, opened the series of speeches with emotion and gratitude.

“I have been volunteering at CAPDR for about a week, but I am very grateful to the entire team, as I have managed to learn so, so many things”, the young woman stated.

She expressed thanks to her colleagues, to the mentors who encouraged her to get involved, and especially for the opportunity to be part of such a high-profile event.

In turn, Ana Gâză, representative of a youth organization, emphasized the value of teamwork experience.

“I believe this forum will help us also to develop ourselves and work more in teams, because we faced multiple challenges… at each panel and location”, she said.

With maturity and calm, Ana spoke on behalf of a generation that understands that civic and social involvement is learned through practice and collaboration.

Alexandru Vascauțan, a student of Literature and a volunteer serving as a Romanian–Russian translator, highlighted the multicultural dimension of the event and the rare opportunity to test his skills.

“I helped connect people who did not know each other and did not speak the same language. It was a beautiful experience and an opportunity to test my limits”, he said, with emotion but also with clear confidence in his professional path.

Gratitude and solidarity from the organizers

Ion Ștefanovici complemented the moment with thanks to those who supported the Forum behind the scenes – a discreet but essential team.

“Mrs. Viorica handled everything related to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. She worked tirelessly”, he said, recalling the full involvement of a team mostly invisible to the general public.

This was followed by a short but symbolic moment with Nicoleta Ștefanovici, the team coordinator and vice-president of CAPDR, who thanked the participants and expressed hope that next year’s edition will be even better organized.

“We hope that next year we will no longer face issues with panels, energy, and everything from the morning”, she said, with honesty and self-irony, acknowledging the challenges taken on by the organizers.

A community in motion, looking to the future

The forum’s final words, spoken by the CAPDR leader, carried a special note of camaraderie and confidence in the journey undertaken.

“Back to work on Monday, let’s accomplish everything we set out to do. And next year, here again. Right? This is the path”, he concluded.

This edition of FERM demonstrated that regional development is not just about projects or funds, but about people – about the ability to unite diverse energies around a common goal. And the fact that the finale belonged to the youth was not merely a symbolic choice, but a statement of vision: the future of Moldova begins with them.