In a recent communication, the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania has urged Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to prioritize the involvement of younger citizens in the formulation of educational, economic, and regional development policies. The foundation's letter, which was addressed to the prime minister, highlighted the proposals put forth by young participants in the national contest "Solutions for the Development of Romania," which was conducted as part of the Forum of Romanian Students Abroad.
The letter underscores the pivotal position Romania currently occupies and asserts that supporting gifted young individuals is imperative for the country's future. In this context, the significant outmigration of young people is identified as a significant challenge, and Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania endorses tangible measures to halt the emigration of talent and foster conditions that encourage them to remain and flourish in Romania. Among the solutions proposed by the younger generation are:
- Ina Nimerenco, the PhD candidate at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest puts forth a National Program for Augmenting the Absorption Capacity of Non-reimbursable Funds. This program entails the training of local experts in each administrative-territorial unit, who would then coordinate long-term regional development projects, irrespective of political changes.
- Ștefania Fleancu, a master's student at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies - Security and Diplomacy proposes the establishment of a National Educational Ecosystem based on the integration of technology and informal education. This would facilitate an interactive and personalised learning process, fostering creativity and collaboration and providing access to internship and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Cristian-Alexandru Ghiurcă, a master's student at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, advocates the establishment of a National Programme of "Smart Villages". This initiative aims to modernise Romanian villages through digitalisation and the provision of modern infrastructure, thereby reducing the economic and social disparities between rural and urban areas and curbing school dropout rates.
- Elena-Daiana Bălănică, a student in the Faculty of Chemistry at the "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iași, emphasizes the need for educational reform that emphasizes STEM education and digital skills, preparing young people for the challenges of the global economy and encouraging entrepreneurship.
- Ștefan Beniamin Dîlbea, a student at the "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology in Târgu Mureș and the Faculty of Science and Letters - Security Studies, proposes to turn Romania into a European hub for technology and innovation by investing in technology parks and stimulating collaboration between universities, the private sector and the state. This would help Romania attract international talent and become a regional technology leader.
Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania urges Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to integrate these solutions into public policies with the objective of halting the brain drain and establishing a Romania where young people can identify prospects for professional advancement.
