On October 25th, 2008, at the Labour Institute in Chisinau was held the first stage of the transnistrian Region NGO Forum.
The Forum is designed to identify the problems which impede the development and consolidation of the third sector in the transnistrian region; provide an assessment of the state of civil society in the transnistrian region; foster direct contact between transnistrian region NGOs and Donor Organizations; raise public awareness of the situation of the NGOs from the transnistrian region; promote cooperation between NGOs from both banks of the Nistru river.

In the first stage of the Forum, participants were divided into 4 groups, according to their field of activity (Ecology, Youth, Social and Human Rights) and discussed the problems, obstacles and prospects of development of the third sector in the Transnistrian region. The discussions were organized under the theme 4 Round Tables (MRT) which were held simultaneously in and were moderated by experts 4.

The event was attended by approximately 100 participants, 74 representatives of the transnistrian region NGOs and initiative groups, representatives of the donor organizations and mass-media. Round tables participants shared their opinion concerning the problems faced while unfolding their activities and made suggestions for improving the situation.
The basic issues addressed by the participants were:
Problems and obstacles (related to the registration process and activity) faced by the transnistrian region NGOs and initiative groups;
Strategic planning capacities; development opportunities and financial sustainability of NGOs / initiative groups from the transnistrian region;
Monitoring and evaluation as a mean for improving the programs and services of the regional NGOs;
Lobbying and advocacy capacities of the transnistrian region NGOs and initiative groups;
Recruiting and training of the staff and management of volunteers;
Financial management capacities and fund-raising strategies;
Partnership perspectives with other NGOs / initiative groups and other relevant actors;

The second stage of the project – “Transnistrian region NGO Forum” will be held on November, 15th 2008, at the “Prietenia” Centre in Cosnita village, Dubasari district.

At the event will be invited Transnistrian region NGOs and initiative groups representatives and donor organizations representatives. The participants will have the opportunity to communicate directly, to exchange their views and experience and to make a presentation of their organizations. Also, the experts will present the reports, which will include a comprehensive analysis of the transnistrian region non-governmental sector and recommendations for improving the situation.

The Forum is organized by “Promo-LEX” Association with the financial support of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.