Today, May 13, the Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) had the honor of hosting a public lecture delivered by His Excellency Mr. Fred Duijn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Moldova, an event organized as part of the week dedicated to Europe Days at ULIM.
The ambassador’s visit to ULIM marks his first official appearance at the university and represents a new step in strengthening the academic and diplomatic dialogue between ULIM and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Republic of Moldova.
The event was opened by Ms. Valentina Ciumacenco, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Vice Rector for International Relations at ULIM, who highlighted the importance of international cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and European values promoted within the ULIM academic community.
In his speech, His Excellency Fred Duijn addressed the topic “Narratives on human rights issues written by Moldovans, about Moldovans, for Moldovans,” emphasizing the importance of local perspectives in promoting human rights, civic responsibility, and social inclusion.
Participants—students majoring in International Relations, Foreign Languages, Journalism, and Law, as well as faculty members and guests—had the opportunity to take part in an interactive question-and-answer session addressing topics related to human rights, European integration, diplomacy, and youth engagement in democratic processes.
During the discussions, Ambassador Fred Duijn presented the projects through which the Kingdom of the Netherlands supports the modernization of the Republic of Moldova, the development of economic cooperation, and the promotion of our country’s European integration agenda. ULIM students showed particular interest in the youth-focused initiatives launched by the Dutch diplomatic mission.
In this context, the role of the Tulip Youth Academy program was highlighted—an educational and civic development platform designed for young people who wish to actively contribute to strengthening civil society in the Republic of Moldova. At the same time, a photography exhibition dedicated to projects carried out by the program’s beneficiaries was made available to the EU Information Center at ULIM by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and it will remain open to the general public throughout this week.
The program offers opportunities for learning, interaction, and the development of community initiatives, supporting the potential, creativity, and civic spirit of the new generation. Through these initiatives, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands encourages young people’s involvement in promoting democratic values and in developing a modern and inclusive society.
During the event, ULIM leadership expressed its appreciation for the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ contribution to supporting democratic development, education, and initiatives dedicated to young people in the Republic of Moldova, including through the Tulip Youth Ambassadors, Tulip Youth Academy, and Inspire Leadership Academy programs, in which ULIM students also participated.
At the conclusion of the event, His Excellency Mr. Fred Duijn was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his contribution as a guest speaker at ULIM and for promoting international dialogue, European values, and cooperative relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Moldova.
Also today, H.E. Fred Duijn met with representatives of ULIM’s management team, during which they discussed prospects for expanding academic cooperation between the Free International University of Moldova and universities in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as well as potential projects for ULIM students.
The ambassador expressed interest in ULIM’s history and the functioning of the academic environment in the Republic of Moldova, expressing openness to developing more active bilateral relations between ULIM and academic institutions in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
At the end of the meeting, the parties noted the importance of strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation, as well as the need to continue the dialogue to identify new opportunities for collaboration. The projects discussed and the agreed-upon areas of cooperation will be monitored through future meetings and initiatives.
