As Moldova prepares for crucial parliamentary elections this summer, the threat of foreign information manipulation—particularly from Russia—continues to loom over its democratic processes.

To counter this, IWPR and its local partner, the Independent Countering Disinformation Centre (ICDC), brought together regional experts, media professionals, and civil society actors from countries including Ukraine, Georgia, Romania, Latvia, and the UK for a landmark conference in Chișinău. The event focused on building strategic partnerships and sharing best practices to combat disinformation and safeguard democratic values.

Speakers emphasized the need for:

• Empowered local media capable of resisting external interference.
• Proactive strategic communication to shape national narratives and reinforce Moldova’s European path.
• Continuous vigilance, likened to cybersecurity, in the face of evolving digital threats, including AI-powered disinformation.

The conference served as a powerful reminder that Moldova is not alone. Insights gathered will guide ongoing efforts to bolster media literacy, support independent journalism, and reinforce democratic resilience across the region.

“Strategic communication is not just about responding to disinformation; it’s about shaping the conversation before malign actors do.” – Mark Laity, STRATCOM Academy

IWPR has been active in Moldova since 2018, with continued support from the UK and Norwegian governments. Its mission remains clear: to ensure that Moldovans can make informed decisions in an environment free from manipulation.

For more information and interviews with key speakers, read the full newsletter here:
https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=97459a2629e3b0aa5a20e9c9d&id=d954557e24 (clickable link)