ICLEI Europe welcomes a new member to its network: Chisinau Municipality, the lively capital and largest city of Moldova.

Nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe, Chisinau is more than just Moldova’s political and economic hub - it is a city with vibrant and rich cultural heritage. In recent years, Chisinau has placed sustainability and accessibility at the core of its development agenda. For instance, 2024 has been designated as the year of accessibility, a significant initiative that has already led to the opening of 67 municipal facilities designed to meet the needs of people with special needs. These efforts underscore Chisinau’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and improving the quality of life for all its residents. 

"Joining ICLEI is an important step forward for Chisinau," explains Ion Ceban, Mayor of Chisinau. "It reflects our ambition to not only transform our city but to also contribute to global efforts in sustainability and inclusivity. By sharing experiences and learning from other cities, we can build a better future for our residents."

Chisinau’s values of resilience and solidarity align closely with its sustainability goals. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the city has offered support to over 2,000,000 refugees, representing more than 5 percent of its population. This effort showcases Chisinau’s ability to adapt and provide for vulnerable communities, a key aspect of social sustainability. Ceban affirms that "solidarity has always been at the heart of Chisinau’s identity, whether it is addressing climate challenges or supporting those in need, we are ready to act and cooperate."

Joining ICLEI, Chisinau reaffirms its commitment to become a forward-thinking, sustainable city. In partnership with ICLEI and its extensive network, the city aims to refine its strategies for climate action, green urban planning, and social inclusion.

"We believe that by working together with ICLEI and its members, we can accelerate progress toward our shared goals. This partnership empowers us to think globally while acting locally, to ensure a brighter future for Chisinau and its residents." - Ion CEBAN.

For those eager to learn more about this dynamic city, Chisinau’s cultural highlights and investment opportunities can be explored on Visit Chisinau and Invest Chisinau.