Moldova is severely affected by the repercussions of Russia's invasion of Ukraine –higher energy prices, economic turmoil and refugees. A nexus approach is required to balance the immediate response to the crises with longer-term development needs. ​

The poverty rate remains relatively high, with a quarter of population below the national poverty line, and inequalities are widespread. The government prioritizes poverty alleviation, specifically addressing energy and food insecurity.​

Appropriate social protection systems and policies are also important for the provision of public care infrastructure and services (5.4), enabling women to more actively participate in the labour market (5.5). Investments in this area are closely linked to advancements in decent employment, including addressing informality in the Moldova context (Targets 8.3, 8.5, 8.6, 10.3). ​

Effective social protection is a driver of progress poverty reduction and food security (1, 2), narrowing inequalities (5, 10) and helping to tackle energy poverty (7.1). Through integrated policy choices, it reinforces health and education outcomes (Goals 3 and 4).  Social protection reform ('RESTART') is envisaged as a driver for inclusive development, reducing urban-rural disparities and human development losses. ​

In Moldova, foucs on SDG Target 4.3 aims to ensure equal access to quality technical, vocational and tertiary education as a crucial accelerator for the whole EU accession and SDG agenda. In OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018 Moldova lagged OECD averages in reading literacy (424 vs 487), mathematics (421 vs 489) and in science (428 vs 489). Inequalities hold progress back– the reading gap is 102 points (OECD average 89) and socio-economic status explains 17% of the variance in reading performance in Moldova (OECD average 12%). Progress towards this target also improves outcomes in Target 4.4. on Skills formation, digitalization of education and ensuring future proof skills. ​

​This target is an important accelerator for SDG 8, particularly in reducing the skills mismatch and ensuring the future readiness of the workforce (Target 8.2). Achieving Target 4.3. also positively benefits levelling access to the labour market for women/girls, including by enhancing their access to STEM and ICT education (Targets 5.5, 5.b).  ​

Ultimately, equal access to technical education in combination with the above policy choices is an effective pathway to reduce inequalities, empower marginalized groups and promote social inclusion in Moldova (SDG 10).​

Access to affordable and sustainable energy is crucial for Moldova's development and a driver of progress - reducing income poverty, expanding health and education access, driving growth and sustainable industrialization in combination with a transition to a low carbon economy. ​

​Energy security has become a high priority issue for Moldova, recognizing Moldova’s population has universal access to electricity and clean fuel (Target 7.1) and a medium share of renewables (close to 25% in the past decade), especially after the successful introduction of biomass solutions in 2010 (Targets 7.2, 7.3). However, only 20% of Moldova's energy demand is covered by domestic production, with hydro potential is limited by small rivers, transboundary issues and climate change.​

​In response to skyrocketing energy prices, the GoM introduced the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund (EVRF) to support the most affected households (advancing through joint investments in targets 1.3, 10.3). Four out of five household were in the highest vulnerability bracket, spending 90% available income on energy. The EVRF helped to reduce poverty in the short-term, but its financial sustainability remains problematic. Investments in energy efficiency (Targets 7.3, 9.2), recalibrating the energy mix (7.2), expanding  renewable energy sources and promoting behavioral change are required to address energy security, which could generate new jobs and income sources. ​

Moldova is highly vulnerable to climate hazards, particularly droughts that impact vulnerable populations and exacerbate poverty and food insecurity (SDG 1 and SDG 2). To address this, resilience-building is crucial, as are promoting stable food production (SDG 2) and access to clean water (SDG 6), while also advancing sustainable energy solutions and ecosystem preservation (SDGs 7, 12, 13 and 15), and women’s empowerment (5), including through ensuring women’s participation in decision-making mechanisms (5.5). Resilience building involves effective governance (SDG 16) – anticipatory risk-informed decision-  making and policymaking processes by institutions underpinned by evidence and public participation.​

Given climate change, Target 2.1 holds significant importance for Moldova, aiming to improve food security and nutrition, by emphasizing sustainable consumption and production and by promoting sustainable food systems and waste reduction. By building resilient agricultural practices, Moldova can mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and support climate action. Achieving this target is crucial to reduce food poverty and malnutrition, benefitting both rural and urban areas. Moreover, it contributes to advancements in SDGs 8 and 12, fostering economic growth and sustainable food systems while supporting climate action (SDG 13). ​

Access to affordable and sustainable energy is essential for Moldova's development (7.1) and to address climate change. In combination, a focus on resilience, food security and sustainable energy can accelerate sustainable development and improve social well-being,  aligning with various SDGs to address interconnected challenges.​

Achieving target 16.6 and 16.7 is crucial for Moldova's deeper integration into the EU. Policies for achieving the SDGs also require strong and inclusive  institutions. Effective institutions are crucial for a nexus approach to balance an immediate response to crises with longer-term development needs. ​

Well-functioning institutions reduce poverty and ensure equitable access to resources (Target 1.4). They improve education quality (Target 4.4), promote gender equality, in particular by ensuring women’s participation in decision-making (Target 5.5), and by reducing and redistributing unpaid care work (Target 5.4), by supporting infrastructure development (Goal 9), and contributing to economic growth (Goal 8). ​

Effective and inclusive institutions have a broad acceleration effect through improving equality of opportunities thus economic inclusion (Targets 10.1, 10.3) and by reducing territorial inequalities (Target 11.2). Institutions are vital for protecting the rights of ethnic minorities and the most vulnerable groups, such as Roma, children and LGBTIQ (Targets 10.3, 1.5). Transparent institutions enhance urban planning and governance, improving citizens' overall quality of life. Strengthening institutions also facilitates industrial modernization and connectivity, agricultural development and closer ties with EU partners, all factors contributing  to the country’s aspiration for European integration. ​

Achieving target 16.6 and 16.7 is crucial for Moldova's deeper integration into the EU. Policies for achieving the SDGs also require strong and inclusive  institutions. Effective institutions are crucial for a nexus approach to balance an immediate response to crises with longer-term development needs. ​

Well-functioning institutions reduce poverty and ensure equitable access to resources (Target 1.4). They improve education quality (Target 4.4), promote gender equality, in particular by ensuring women’s participation in decision-making (Target 5.5), and by reducing and redistributing unpaid care work (Target 5.4), by supporting infrastructure development (Goal 9), and contributing to economic growth (Goal 8). ​

Effective and inclusive institutions have a broad acceleration effect through improving equality of opportunities thus economic inclusion (Targets 10.1, 10.3) and by reducing territorial inequalities (Target 11.2). Institutions are vital for protecting the rights of ethnic minorities and the most vulnerable groups, such as Roma, children and LGBTIQ (Targets 10.3, 1.5). Transparent institutions enhance urban planning and governance, improving citizens' overall quality of life. Strengthening institutions also facilitates industrial modernization and connectivity, agricultural development and closer ties with EU partners, all factors contributing  to the country’s aspiration for European integration. ​