Cahul and Ungheni city halls are the first two local public authorities in the Republic of Moldova to receive ISO certificates for the Integrated Quality Management System and Anti-Bribery Management, according to ISO 9001 and ISO 37001. The certification process was supported by the "EU4Moldova: Focal regions" programme, financed by the EU and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.

Issued by the International Organization for Standardization, the ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management certificate confirms that local public authorities have a management system that includes corruption prevention tools, establishing a culture of integrity and transparency for the implementation of internal controls. This will enhance the chances of preventing bribery and reducing its incidence. Meanwhile, the ISO 9001 Integrated Quality Management System confirms that local public authorities have a quality management system in the organization and delivery of public services is certified, improving overall performance.

"The most important dimension of an administration is the trust of citizens have in it, and this is due to its integrity and attitude and relationship with citizens. This requires a lot of effort, sacrifice and dedication. We thank the EU and the EU4Moldova: Focal regions programme for the support in carrying out actions capable of increasing the transparency and recognition by other state institutions of these efforts," declared the mayor of Cahul, Nicolae Dandiș.

"For the Ungheni City Hall, it was and is a priority to respect all legal regulations, rules and norms applicable in its field of activity. Fulfilling the duties in good faith, loyalty and in the interest of the community, without compromising one's own interests or those of third parties is an obligation and an honor for the staff. The fact that we have obtained the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system and ISO 37001:2016 anti-bribery management system certificates makes us happy, but also makes us equally responsible, because there is always room for better. We would like to thank the EU4Moldova: Focal regions programme for the support given in increasing the staff's capacities, in developing the necessary documentation, which helped us enormously in obtaining the two Certificates," noted the deputy mayor of Ungheni, Maria Ciolacu,

During the 2020-2023 period, the City Halls of Cahul and Ungheni benefited from "EU4Moldova: Focal Regions" programme support in the implementation of local anti-corruption action plans and the implementation of the principles of internal managerial control. All these help to integrate good practices and principles of good governance into the administration of local communities.

 "The journey toward good governance, transparency, and a corruption-free society is a continuous endeavour. It requires collaboration, commitment, and constant improvement from all stakeholders—government entities, civil society, business and citizens alike. The certifications received today are not merely symbols of accomplishment but catalysts for further advancement in our shared goal of more transparent and accountable local governance," declared Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

"As we move forward, the European Union remains committed to supporting the Republic of Moldova in its efforts to strengthen good governance, transparency, and anti-corruption at all levels, including at the level of local communities and citizens of Cahul and Ungheni. We are confident that together, we can build a future where these principles are deeply embedded in the fabric of Moldovan society," mentioned Jan Demidovits-Mekelainen, Programme Manager, EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova

The handover of the ISO certificates took place on 5 December during the national conference "Good Governance, Transparency and Anti-Corruption at the Local Level", an event that brought together over 45 guests: development partners, central and local government officials, international and local experts, and representatives of the academic environment.