Chisinau, July 10, 2009 – The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (AoC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM),  United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), invite young people from Moldova to participate in the 2009 PLURAL + Video Festival on the theme of Migration and Diversity.

Recognizing youth as catalysts for social change in a world that is often characterized by segregation, intolerance, ethnic and religious divisions, the PLURAL + Video Festival aims at promoting youth in addressing the issues of integration, identity, diversity, human rights and social cohesiveness around the globe.

There are very few outlets or ways of processing the emotional impact of large-scale migration, and addressing this issue in a way that appeals to the youth is extremely important. Taking into account mass migration flows affecting Moldova in the recent years, the practical contributions from the youth in not just identifying constraints, both positive and negative consequences for our society, but also in promoting a climate of respect and appreciation for each other that can help to pave the way forward in creating a more enlightened public and world.

The Youth of Moldova are invited to submit a short video (1 to 5 minutes), of any style or genre (animation, documentary, drama etc.), on their thoughts, experiences, opinions, questions and suggestions on these issues, and on promoting agreeable and beneficial coexistence in diverse cultural and religious contexts.

The PLURAL+ Video Festival will have three age-based categories: 9-12 years old, 13-17 years old and 18-25 years old and will give participants two ways to enter: Internationally and Nationally.
Submissions open till 30 September 2009 for the International video contest PLURAL + , and for the National Video Contest PLURAL + MOLDOVA – till 15 November.

For more information on possibilities of participation, rules and regulations, entry forms, please visit www.un.md.