Moldova SIF II Project is one of the winners of the World Bank Award “Improving the Lives of People in Europe and Central Asia” 2009 Event.

2009-02-19 08:34:46

WASHINGTON, February 18, 2009 – The Social Investment Fund II and Energy II projects in Moldova were named one of 13 winners Wednesday in the World Bank’s “Improving the Lives of People in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) 2009 – A Celebration of Learning and Innovation” competition.

“I am delighted that Moldova has two winners in this year’s contest,” highlighted Melanie Marlett, World Bank Moldova Country Manager. “Social Investment Fund II and Energy II projects have been successful examples of partnerships at the community level. Whether we talk about renovated schools and kindergartens, rehabilitated roads, warm houses or modern hospitals it is clear that the two projects have had an impact on the quality of life of many Moldovans across the country,” underlined Marlett.

The Moldova Social Investment Fund II project was launched in August 2004. It aims to empower communities and vulnerable population groups to manage their priority development needs, through funding for community development activities, social care services and capacity building at the local level. The project has assisted over 250 localities in addressing local development needs. It has provided access to natural gas and funded major improvements in roads, schools, kindergartens, cultural centers and other social institutions across Moldova.

“The ongoing global financial and economic crisis has affected all countries in the Europe and Central Asia Region in one way or another,”said Shigeo Katsu, Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, who handed out the awards at an event at the Bank’s Washington headquarters. “But these programs and projects that we have recognized today show how sustainable effort, innovation, and follow-up help produce concrete results that improve the daily lives of people in the Region. They also show what countries can achieve through a continuous partnership with the World Bank,” said Katsu.

The two-day “Improving the Lives of People in ECA” learning event, February 18 – 19, with the participation of external participants, aims to share knowledge, experiences, and information among World Bank staff and its counterparts. The event will showcase the cutting-edge work the World Bank is doing in the Europe and Central Asia countries.

The 13 winning submissions fit into four strategic pillars: International Development Association (IDA) at Work, Making a Difference in Middle-Income Countries, Addressing Global Challenges, and Innovation through Knowledge and Learning.

For more information, please visit http://www.worldbank.org/eca/results
to view winning submissions’ profiles, videos and slideshows