The event fostered experience sharing among representatives of partner organizations, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU), the Audiovisual Council, and members of the CCC Causeni, and Soroca, with focus on safety in the context of natural and man-made disasters, and the CCC Ungheni, which addressed the issue of the energy crisis.

At the opening of the event, Annalisa Giansanti, Communication Officer at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, highlighted the important role of communication with society in crisis situations. Dr. Verena Zell, Head of the Development Cooperation Department at the Embassy of Germany in Chisinau, emphasized the need for efforts to spark public interest in communication, particular in challenging situations. Also present at the event, Olena Ponomarenko, Program Director at DW Akademie, noted that credible information can protect citizens and, at time, even save lives. Petru Macovei, Executive Director of API, added that this event serves as a source of inspiration for CCC members to generate new initiatives and communication campaigns that can help communities become more resilient.

The event continued with a series of presentations showcasing the achievements of the CCC teams from Ungheni, Causeni, and Soroca. The Ungheni CCC developed and promoted informational materials on the energy crisis and energy saving, while also continuing to carry out awareness raising activities for citizens on the rational use of natural resources. Members of the Causeni and Soroca CCCs organised local information campaigns, distributed thematic leaflets, and organised awareness activities for youth, children and adults on safety in the context of natural disasters. Games, contests, workshops for librarians and social workers, as well as information activities for the Roma community and vulnerable groups, are just some of the outcomes achieved by the Soroca and Causeni teams.

The event also aimed to strengthen communication between local CCCs and relevant national authorities. As part of these efforts, three IGSU representatives, Tatiana Muntean, Senior Officer, Public Relations Directorate; Victor Chiralina, Deputy Head of DRSE Causeni; and Alexandr Cobizev, Senior Officer, DSE Soroca, participated in an interactive discussion with CCC members. This session, facilitated by expert Ludmila Andronic, focused on how local teams could further contribute to disseminating useful information for communities. 

Furthermore, under the guidance of facilitators Esther Körfgen (Germany) and Denis Rusu, participants improved their skills in delivering public statements and responding promptly to reporters’ questions. During a workshop moderated by Liana Khachatryan (Armenia), teams drafted CCC development and organizational growth plans. CCC members also had the opportunity to engage in discussions on fact-checking and disinformation during crises with expert Suzanne Moll (Denmark) and Nicoleta Lupu from the Audiovisual Council.

Referring to the benefits that CCCs could bring at the national level, Iuliana Zabulica, a member of CCC Soroca, said: “This project has shown us how valuable collaboration between teams from different regions can be. I strongly believe that a lasting partnership between CCCs would strengthen the bond between communities and make crisis communication more effective and humane.” Vladimir Bîrzoi, a member of CCC Ungheni, noted that the sessions he attended encouraged him to be prepared for any potential crisis situation and to respond promptly, in an organized and efficient manner within the Crisis Communication Cell. Iulia Velixar, a member of CCC Causeni, emphasized that the experience-sharing event was a valuable opportunity to meet other CCC members, learn about their activities, and lay the foundation for a partnership that, over time, will ensure the sustainability of the project.

TRIMEDIA – Trustworthy Reporting, Impactful Media, Engaged Communities – is a project of DW Akademie in partnership with the Association of Independent Press, supported by the European Union and co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).