During 18-20 August 2017, in Chisinau were held the Diaspora Days 2017. The Days started with the Open Doors Day at the Government – an event attended by representatives of the Moldovan Government, international organizations in Moldova and the diaspora.
With an opening speech came the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova – Mr Octavian Calmic, Minister of Education, Culture and Research – Mrs Monica Babuc, Head of the Diaspora Relations Bureau – Mrs Olga Coptu, Program Manager of the Swiss Cooperation Office Matthias Leicht and the Chief of the International Organization for Migration, Mission to Moldova – Mr Antonio Polosa.
Mr Polosa said: "We see this event as a means to support the authorities of the Republic of Moldova in the process of developing a policy that will ensure stronger, multidimensional and long-term relations between the diaspora of the Republic of Moldova and its homeland."
Mr Polosa continued: "There is no alternative to dialogue – and we are glad that we can contribute to its deployment in these days. Words and good intentions must be followed by actions and deeds: we believe that this will be possible thanks to the contribution and collaboration with each one in the spirit of a dedicated partnership!".
At the same time, the Diaspora mapping from six countries (Italy, Russia, Great Britain, Germany, Israel, Portugal) as well as the Republic of Moldova was presented during the Day of Open Doors to the Government. In addition, for the first time, the Diaspora Excellence Groups was presented – a new governmental program involving highly qualified diaspora experts. Later, the participants of the Diaspora Days met with Ambassadors and Consuls of the Republic of Moldova abroad for a constructive bilateral dialogue.
During the second part of the Open Doors Day, thematic seminars that focused on several topics: from rehabilitation programs to tourism and involvement in the development of hometowns were held.
 
The Diaspora Days continued on 19 August at the Gustar International Festival, which this year was organized in partnership with BRD. Diaspora, BRD and partner organizations, including IOM, organized an informational exhibition "Moldova de oriunde" (from Romanian: Moldova from around the world) and gastronomy, culture and tourism of the destination countries of Moldovan migrants.
On Sunday, 20 August, was held the first edition of the Diaspora Cup of mini-football. Four teams competed for the Cup , representing the Government, the sports media, the diaspora itself with the representatives of the Specialized Football Sports School No. 1 in Chisinau. The results of the competition can be viewed here.
The Diaspora Days 2017 were organized with IOM’s support and within the thanks to the Joint Global Program “Integration of Migration in National Development Strategies” implemented by the IOM and the United Nations Development Program in the Republic of Moldova, financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and thanks to the “Supporting the implementation of the migration and development component of the EU-Moldova Mobility partnership and harnessing its benefits for the residents of the Transnistria Region of the Republic of Moldova” project, implemented by IOM Moldova and funded by the European Union.