World Bank and United Nations Inaugurate Joint Documentation Center in Southern Moldova

Comrat might not be the financial center of Eastern Europe, but when it comes to capitals it’s got its well-deserved spot on the map. The little capital of the Autonomous Region of Gagauzia, which is home to around 150 thousand predominantly Gagauz ethnics – a migrant group of Turkic people – is where the World Bank and the United Nations inaugurated a joint documentation center on October 23, 2009.

We were greeted by the Bashkan (Governor) of Gagauzia on our arrival. The Governor’s assistant, used to visiting delegations and proud of local hospitality, was quickly flagged out of the room as she tried to serve us some filtered coffee. Clearly, with a Turkish coffee machine by his office desk, Bashkan Formuzal doesn’t tolerate a drop of dilettantism! He runs to his desk to prepare the coffee himself. It’s delicious! We reflect on the importance of local autonomy!

Comrat is not only the administrative center of Gagauzia. It is home to one of the largest Universities in Moldova, as well as a distinct regional culture when it comes to matters of arts, music, painting and folklore. Gagauz speak their own language and cherish a unique taste for cuisine and local specialties.

The World Bank, jointly with the United Nations, inaugurated a new documentation center in the local public library. This is the third such center the Bank opens in Moldova and the first one in partnership with the United Nations. As we move on to become a more transparent institution and strive to consult the public in what we do and how we do things, Comrat is yet another hub for knowledge sharing and consultation with the local population.

"This is a new milestone in our partnership with the Gagauzian authorities", said Melanie Marlett, World Bank Moldova Country Manager. "In the summer of 2008 we have supported social care institutions in the region fight the consequences of global food price increases. More recently, we’ve provided food packages to single and lactating mothers to ease the brunt of the crisis on vulnerable families. We are looking forward to working with the authorities of the region in helping Gagauzia weather the impact of the current socio-economic crisis and become a stronger, more prosperous region."

The joint World Bank-UN documentation center in Comrat will become a resource for local students, as well as the general public, in learning more about the work of the World Bank and UN in Moldova and around the world. It will be an important platform for accessing data, documents, knowledge and funding opportunities for local beneficiaries. Bringing information and knowledge to local communities is a key ingredient to a sustained and long-term engagement!