Overview

The Voluntary National Review (VNR) of Moldova, presented in July 2020 at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), outlines the country’s progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development since its adoption in September 2015. The review reflects Moldova’s efforts to integrate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national development frameworks, particularly through the alignment of sectoral strategies during 2016–2018 and the strengthening of institutional coordination mechanisms. It highlights measurable progress in poverty reduction, health outcomes, and emissions reduction up to 2019, while also acknowledging structural challenges such as demographic decline, economic vulnerability, and governance reform. The VNR process was coordinated by the Government with support from UN agencies and development partners, incorporating consultations with civil society, academia and the private sector.

Recommendations

Invest in innovation and increase R&D spending: Raise research and development investment, currently under 0.3% of GDP, to drive new technologies.
Develop high-value industries and digital sectors: Promote sectors like tech and advanced manufacturing to reduce reliance on remittances.
Expand SME financing and export diversification: Support small businesses and broaden export markets for economic resilience.
Accelerate renewable energy deployment: Increase use of solar, wind, and other clean energy sources.
Modernise grid infrastructure and promote energy efficiency: Upgrade electricity networks and encourage energy-saving practices.
Expand climate adaptation measures for agriculture: Implement strategies to help farmers cope with climate change impacts.
Prioritise rural infrastructure investment: Improve water, sanitation, and broadband access in rural areas.
Expand vocational education and local employment programmes: Provide skills training and job opportunities close to communities.
Improve decentralised governance capacity: Strengthen local institutions to deliver services effectively.
Continue judicial reform and anti-corruption enforcement: Make legal systems more efficient and enforce anti-corruption measures.
Increase transparency and digital public services: Ensure open government and easier access to services online.
Build stronger SDG monitoring and statistical systems: Track progress accurately to inform policy decisions.
Address healthcare workforce shortages: Recruit and retain more medical professionals.
Improve teacher recruitment and retention: Ensure quality education through better teacher support.
Expand inclusive education and lifelong learning initiatives: Provide learning opportunities for all ages and abilities.

Conclusion

The 2020 VNR demonstrates that, between 2015 and 2019, Moldova achieved tangible progress in several SDGs, including reducing absolute poverty to 11.9% (2018), lowering tuberculosis incidence to 66.1 per 100,000 (2018), and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% compared to 1990 levels. However, the review underscores that sustainable development remains constrained by high energy import dependency (over 70% in 2019), persistent rural–urban disparities, demographic decline, and institutional reform challenges. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further exposed structural vulnerabilities and risks to previous gains. Moving forward, Moldova emphasises the need for strengthened governance, economic diversification, climate resilience, and enhanced partnerships to ensure that no one is left behind in achieving the SDGs by 2030.

Social Networks

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Mr. Rodion Bajureanu
Deputy Minister
Ministry for Environment
Chairman of the National Preparatory Committee
9, Cosmonautilor St., MD-2005
Chisinau

Mr. Dumitru Alaiba
Deputy Head of Policy
Strategic Planning and External Assistance Division, State Chancellery
Deputy Chairman of the National Preparatory Committee
Governmental House, MD-2033
Chisinau

Location

Governmental House, MD-2033 Chisinau, Chișinău, Moldova

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Region

No Poverty

Score: 3

Justification

The absolute poverty rate declined from 26.4% in 2010 to 11.9% in 2018.

Extreme poverty decreased to 0.3% in 2018.

Social protection expenditure increased steadily after 2015 reforms.

Remittances accounted for approximately 16% of GDP in 2019, supporting household incomes.

Challenges

Rural poverty remains nearly three times higher than urban poverty.

Older persons and households with three or more children are at greater risk.

Labour migration weakens long-term income stability.

Economic shocks and COVID-19 risk reversing progress.

Progress/

Solution

Ajutor Social programme improved targeting efficiency between 2016–2019.

Pension reform introduced in 2017 strengthened benefit adequacy.

Digitalisation of social assistance improved transparency.

National strategies aligned poverty reduction policies with the SDGs.

Unsolved Challenges

Persistent regional and rural–urban disparities.

High dependency on remittances.

Informal employment limits social insurance coverage.

Ageing population increases fiscal pressure on welfare systems.

Zero Hunger

Score: 3

Justification

Prevalence of undernourishment remained below 5% by 2018.

Agriculture contributed around 12% of GDP in 2019.

Child stunting rates declined compared to 2010 levels.

National Food Security and Agriculture Development policies were updated by 2018.

Challenges

Severe droughts in 2012 and 2015 reduced agricultural productivity.

Smallholder farmers face limited access to finance and markets.

Malnutrition persists in vulnerable rural households.

Agricultural productivity remains below EU averages.

Progress/

Solution

Agricultural subsidy reforms modernised production (2016–2019).

Irrigation infrastructure rehabilitation programmes were launched.

Trade agreements increased export opportunities.

School nutrition standards improved after 2017 reforms.

Unsolved Challenges

Climate vulnerability and soil degradation.

Limited diversification of agricultural production.

Post-harvest losses remain significant.

Rural poverty continues to affect food security.

Good Health

Score: 3

Justification

Life expectancy reached 71.9 years in 2019.

Infant mortality declined to 9.7 per 1,000 live births in 2018.

Tuberculosis incidence fell from 113 per 100,000 (2010) to 66.1 (2018).

Health insurance coverage exceeded 85% of the population.

Challenges

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death.

Rural–urban disparities in healthcare access persist.

High out-of-pocket payments burden households.

Medical staff emigration affects service quality.

Progress/

Solution

Primary healthcare reforms strengthened after 2016.

National TB Control Programme expanded screening and treatment.

E-Health systems were introduced.

Public health strategies aligned with SDG targets.

Unsolved Challenges

Financing gaps in rural healthcare infrastructure.

Ageing population increases chronic disease prevalence.

Mental health services remain limited.

COVID-19 created new systemic pressures in 2020.

Quality Education

Score: 3

Justification

Primary enrolment exceeded 90% in 2019.

Youth literacy rates remain above 99%.

PISA 2018 results showed improvement compared to 2015.

The Education Strategy 2014–2020 guided systemic reforms.

Challenges

Declining student numbers due to migration and demographic decline.

Infrastructure deficits in rural schools.

Teacher shortages and ageing teaching workforce.

Unequal access to digital tools before 2020.

Progress/

Solution

Curriculum modernisation introduced in 2018.

School network optimisation improved efficiency.

ICT integration expanded in secondary education.

Inclusive education policies strengthened support for children with disabilities.

Unsolved Challenges

Persistent rural–urban achievement gaps.

Limited vocational education attractiveness.

Funding constraints for modern equipment.

Digital divide highlighted during COVID-19.

Gender Equality

Score: 2

Justification

Women represented 25.7% of Parliament in 2019.

Gender equality legislation strengthened after 2016.

Female labour force participation remains significant.

Gender mainstreaming integrated into national planning.

Challenges

Gender pay gap persists.

Women underrepresented in senior decision-making.

Domestic violence remains prevalent.

Traditional gender norms affect employment opportunities.

Progress/

Solution

Gender quota mechanisms improved political representation.

National Strategy on Gender Equality implemented.

Support services for survivors of violence expanded.

Public awareness campaigns promoted equality.

Unsolved Challenges

Economic inequalities between men and women.

Limited childcare facilities in rural areas.

Underreporting of gender-based violence.

Occupational segregation remains entrenched.

Water & Sanitation

Score:3

Justification

Approximately 75% of rural population had access to improved water sources by 2018.

Urban water supply coverage remains significantly higher.

National Water Supply and Sanitation Strategy implemented.

Wastewater treatment infrastructure gradually expanded.

Challenges

Ageing infrastructure and leakage losses.

Limited rural sanitation coverage.

Water quality concerns in small settlements.

Financing constraints for large-scale upgrades.

Progress/

Solution

Regional water supply projects launched after 2017.

EU-funded programmes modernised treatment plants.

Legal framework aligned with EU water directives.

Public awareness on water conservation increased.

Unsolved Challenges

Persistent rural sanitation gaps.

Inadequate wastewater treatment in some areas.

Climate variability affecting water resources.

High infrastructure investment needs.

Clean Energy

Score: 2

Justification

Energy import dependency exceeded 70% in 2019.

Renewable energy shares gradually increased after 2016.

Energy efficiency legislation adopted.

Electricity market reforms initiated.

Challenges

High reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Energy price volatility affects households.

Limited domestic generation capacity.

Infrastructure ageing and inefficiencies.

Progress/

Solution

Feed-in tariffs promoted renewable energy investment.

Energy efficiency programmes in public buildings expanded.

Interconnection projects with neighbouring countries advanced.

Regulatory reforms strengthened market competitiveness.

Unsolved Challenges

Energy security vulnerabilities.

Insufficient renewable capacity growth.

Household energy poverty.

Need for grid modernisation.

Decent Work

Score: 2

Justification

GDP growth reached 3.6% in 2019.

Unemployment rate remained relatively low.

SME sector contributes significantly to employment.

Labour migration remains substantial.

Challenges

Informal employment persists.

Low productivity compared to EU levels.

Youth employment challenges.

External economic vulnerability.

Progress/

Solution

SME support programmes expanded.

Business climate reforms implemented.

Vocational training modernised.

Investment promotion initiatives strengthened.

Unsolved Challenges

Brain drain of skilled workers.

Wage disparities between regions.

Limited innovation-driven growth.

Economic shocks (COVID-19).

Industry & Infrastructure

Score: 2

Justification

R&D expenditure remained below 0.3% of GDP.

Industrial production gradually increased after 2016.

ICT sector showed rapid expansion.

Infrastructure modernisation strategies adopted.

Challenges

Low innovation investment.

Outdated transport infrastructure.

Limited private sector R&D.

Digital divide in rural regions.

Progress/

Solution

IT parks and innovation hubs established.

Road rehabilitation programmes implemented.

Public–private partnerships promoted.

Digitalisation strategy advanced e-governance.

Unsolved Challenges

Insufficient R&D funding.

Limited high-tech manufacturing base.

Infrastructure financing gaps.

Weak linkages between academia and industry.

Inequality

Score: 2

Justification

Gini coefficient around 0.34 in 2018.

Poverty reduction improved income distribution.

Social transfers reduce inequality impacts.

Regional disparities remain evident.

Challenges

Rural–urban income gaps.

Vulnerable groups face exclusion.

Migration influences demographic imbalances.

Limited employment for persons with disabilities.

Progress/

Solution

Inclusive social protection reforms.

Anti-discrimination legislation strengthened.

Regional development policies introduced.

Targeted support for vulnerable communities.

Unsolved Challenges

Persistent territorial disparities.

Social exclusion of marginalised groups.

Unequal access to services.

Long-term demographic decline.

Sustainable Cities

Score: 3

Justification

Urban waste management improved after 2017 reforms.

Urban planning strategies updated.

Public transport modernisation initiated.

Disaster risk reduction strategies implemented.

Challenges

Informal settlements and housing quality issues.

Limited green urban spaces.

Ageing municipal infrastructure.

Waste disposal capacity constraints.

Progress/

Solution

Regional waste management systems developed.

Energy-efficient housing initiatives launched.

Urban mobility projects expanded.

Strengthened local governance planning.

Unsolved Challenges

Financial capacity of municipalities.

Urban–rural service disparities.

Air pollution in cities.

Infrastructure resilience to climate risks.

Responsible Consumption

Score: 2

Justification

Waste recycling rates remain low.

Environmental legislation aligned with EU standards.

Industrial waste management gradually improving.

National waste strategy adopted.

Challenges

High landfill dependency.

Limited circular economy practices.

Low public awareness on sustainable consumption.

Weak enforcement mechanisms.

Progress/

Solution

Separate waste collection systems piloted.

Eco-labelling initiatives promoted.

Industrial compliance monitoring strengthened.

Awareness campaigns conducted nationwide.

Unsolved Challenges

Slow behavioural change.

Inadequate recycling infrastructure.

Insufficient private investment.

Persistent illegal dumping.

Climate Action

Score:3

Justification

Greenhouse gas emissions reduced by over 60% compared to 1990 levels.

National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy adopted.

Renewable energy share increasing gradually.

Disaster risk management framework strengthened.

Challenges

Climate-related droughts and floods increasing.

Agriculture highly climate-sensitive.

Limited climate finance resources.

Energy dependency increases vulnerability.

Progress/

Solution

Nationally Determined Contribution updated.

Afforestation and reforestation programmes expanded.

Energy efficiency measures promoted.

International climate partnerships strengthened.

Unsolved Challenges

Adaptation capacity gaps.

Rural vulnerability to extreme weather.

Need for low-carbon transition investments.

Institutional coordination challenges.

Life Below Water

Score: 2

Justification

Landlocked country with no marine coastline.

Focus on river basin management.

Participation in international environmental conventions.

Measures to reduce water pollution.

Challenges

River pollution affecting downstream ecosystems.

Limited monitoring capacity.

Agricultural runoff impacts water quality.

Transboundary water management complexity.

Progress/

Solution

Alignment with EU Water Framework Directive.

Strengthened cross-border water cooperation.

Pollution control measures introduced.

Wastewater treatment upgrades initiated.

Unsolved Challenges

Nutrient runoff from agriculture.

Incomplete wastewater coverage.

Financing needs for river restoration.

Climate-induced hydrological risks.

Life on Land

Score: 3

Justification

Forest coverage approximately 11–12% of land area.

Biodiversity strategies adopted.

Protected areas expanded gradually.

Reforestation programmes implemented.

Challenges

Deforestation and illegal logging.

Soil erosion and land degradation.

Limited biodiversity monitoring.

Habitat fragmentation.

Progress/

Solution

National Forestry Development Strategy implemented.

Afforestation programmes expanded.

Protected area management improved.

Environmental awareness initiatives strengthened.

Unsolved Challenges

Low forest coverage compared to EU average.

Climate-related ecosystem stress.

Funding gaps for conservation.

Weak enforcement in remote areas.

Peace & Justice

Score: 3

Justification

Justice Reform Strategy adopted in 2016.

Anti-corruption framework strengthened.

Public administration reforms initiated.

E-governance services expanded.

Challenges

Corruption perception remains high.

Judicial independence concerns.

Limited public trust in institutions.

Capacity constraints in law enforcement.

Progress/

Solution

Institutional integrity reforms implemented.

Digital public services expanded.

Transparency measures strengthened.

Civil society engagement increased.

Unsolved Challenges

Sustaining reform momentum.

Ensuring judicial accountability.

Strengthening rule of law.

Combating systemic corruption.

Partnerships

Score: 4

Justification

EU Association Agreement implemented after 2014.

Official Development Assistance supports reforms.

SDGs integrated into national planning frameworks.

Strong cooperation with UN agencies.

Challenges

Limited domestic fiscal space.

High dependency on external funding.

Coordination across ministries.

Data gaps for SDG monitoring.

Progress/

Solution

National SDG coordination mechanisms established.

Strengthened statistical capacity for SDG indicators.

Public–private partnerships promoted.

International donor engagement sustained.

Unsolved Challenges

Ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

Enhancing data disaggregation.

Strengthening local-level implementation capacity.

Reducing reliance on external assistance.

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Off-Track

Country Challenges

High dependence on remittances (16% of GDP in 2019): A significant share of national income is derived from citizens working abroad, making the economy vulnerable to external shocks and fluctuations in foreign labour markets.
Labour migration and shrinking workforce: Continuous outward migration has reduced the working-age population, weakening domestic productivity and accelerating demographic imbalance.
Persistent rural poverty (nearly three times higher than urban areas in 2018): Rural communities experience limited employment opportunities, lower incomes, and reduced access to services, reinforcing structural inequalities.
Exposure to economic shocks, including COVID-19 (2020): The pandemic highlighted structural fragility in employment, public finance and social protection systems, threatening previous development gains.
Ongoing population decrease: Low birth rates combined with migration have resulted in a sustained population decline, affecting long-term economic sustainability.
Growing proportion of elderly citizens: An ageing population increases pressure on pension systems, healthcare expenditure and social services.
Declining school enrolment (2014–2020): Reduced student numbers have led to consolidation and closure of rural schools, impacting community cohesion and access to education.
Public sector workforce shortages: Emigration of skilled professionals has created gaps in essential services, particularly in healthcare and education.
Justice Reform Strategy (2016) with limited public trust gains: Although reforms were initiated to strengthen the rule of law, public confidence in institutions remains relatively low.
Perceived corruption affecting investment: Corruption concerns continue to undermine investor confidence and weaken institutional credibility.
Administrative capacity constraints: Limited technical and institutional capacity slows effective SDG implementation at national and local levels.
Insufficient inter-ministerial coordination: Stronger cooperation across government departments is required to ensure coherent and integrated SDG delivery.
Energy import dependency above 70% (2019): Heavy reliance on imported energy exposes the country to international price volatility and supply risks.
Limited renewable energy share: Although increasing gradually, renewable energy remains a relatively small component of the total energy mix.
Low forest coverage (11–12% of land area): Forest resources remain below European averages, limiting carbon sequestration capacity and biodiversity protection.
Rising climate-related risks: More frequent droughts and floods increasingly affect agriculture, rural livelihoods and food security.
Water access improvements with sanitation gaps (75% rural access in 2018): While access to improved water sources has expanded, adequate sanitation services remain insufficient in many rural areas.
Ageing water and wastewater infrastructure: Outdated systems require substantial capital investment to ensure safety, efficiency and environmental protection.
Uneven transport and digital connectivity: Infrastructure development remains concentrated in urban areas, limiting rural economic opportunities.
Persistent regional economic inequalities: Despite targeted policies, disparities between regions continue to hinder balanced national development.

Country Lessons Learned

Integrating SDGs into National Planning: Aligning the SDGs with national development strategies avoids duplication and ensures policy coherence. When SDG targets are embedded into existing plans, implementation becomes more efficient and coordinated across government sectors.
Targeted Social Protection Reduces Poverty Rapidly: Well-targeted social assistance and pension reforms can quickly reduce poverty when benefits reach the most vulnerable groups. Digital systems improve transparency and ensure fair distribution of resources.
Emissions Reduction Does Not Automatically Equal Green Growth: A fall in emissions does not necessarily mean sustainable green development. Long-term progress requires active investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly industries.
Migration Has Dual Effects: Remittances help reduce poverty and support household income. However, large-scale migration weakens the domestic workforce and contributes to demographic decline.
Institutional Reform Requires Sustained Commitment: Governance reforms take time and require continuous political commitment. Building public trust depends on transparency, accountability and consistent enforcement of laws.

Country Contribution

2010–2018: Absolute poverty declined from 4% (2010) to 11.9% (2018), reflecting sustained economic growth and strengthened social protection measures.
2018: Extreme poverty decreased to 3%, indicating significant improvement in living standards among the most vulnerable groups.
2016 onwards: Social assistance reforms, particularly improvements to the Ajutor Social programme, enhanced targeting efficiency and ensured better allocation of benefits to low-income households.
2019: Life expectancy increased to 9 years, demonstrating gradual improvements in healthcare access and disease prevention.
2018: Infant mortality declined to 7 per 1,000 live births, reflecting progress in maternal and child healthcare services.
2010–2018: Tuberculosis incidence fell from 113 per 100,000 (2010) to 1 per 100,000 (2018), supported by expanded screening and treatment programmes.
1990–2019: Greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by over 60% compared to 1990 levels, indicating structural changes in the economy and energy use.
Pre-2020: The National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy was adopted to strengthen resilience against climate-related risks.
Updated before 2020: The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) was revised to align with commitments under the Paris Agreement and reinforce long-term mitigation targets.
Ongoing (up to 2019): Youth literacy rates remained above 99%, maintaining strong foundational education outcomes.
2014–2020: The Education Strategy modernised curricula, introduced competency-based learning, and optimised the school network to improve efficiency.
2018: Improved performance in PISA assessments compared to 2015 results indicated gradual enhancement in learning quality.
Since 2014: Implementation of the EU Association Agreement strengthened legislative and policy alignment with European standards.
2017–2018: The Sustainable Development Goals were integrated into national development planning frameworks, ensuring coherence across sectors.
Up to 2020: Cooperation with UN agencies and international development partners expanded, supporting institutional reforms and SDG implementation.

Moldova

Overview

Social Networks

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Location

Region

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Water & Sanitation

Clean Energy

Decent Work

Industry & Infrastructure

Inequality

Sustainable Cities

Responsible Consumption

Climate Action

Life Below Water

Life on Land

Peace & Justice

Partnerships

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Off-Track

Country Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

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