27/01/2026 Women@PACE
The Women@PACE group welcomed Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, for an exchange of views on protecting the freedom of young minds and strengthening democratic resilience, during the 2026 winter session of PACE.
In her address, President Sandu underlined the fundamental principle that “no child should lose their rights when they go online”, stressing that children’s rights must be fully respected and protected in the digital environment.
She warned that “content that triggers outrage or fear spreads faster than content that explains or informs”, with young people particularly exposed to manipulation, polarisation and harassment.
Drawing on Moldova’s experience as a democracy facing hybrid threats and disinformation, President Sandu highlighted the long-term impact of these pressures, stating that “manipulation targets trust first and institutions later”.
President Sandu also stressed the link between democracy and mental health, calling for a broader policy approach and affirming that “we must treat mental well-being as a core element of democratic infrastructure”.
Concluding her remarks, she highlighted the stakes for Europe’s democratic future, stating that “only if we protect the freedom of young minds can we protect the future of democratic resilience”.
The newly elected PACE President Petra Bayr also participated in the conversation, during which participants had the opportunity to ask questions and share their views.
Created in 2022 on the initiative of PACE Secretary General Despina Chatzivassiliou, the Women@PACE group is a non-political, cross-party, informal platform open to all women members of the Assembly. It continues to serve as a space for dialogue, mentoring, and collective action in defence of equality.
