What is Social Mapping and Evidence-Based Policy Making, and how its implementation can bring benefits to the local communities the local level?

Answers to these questions were provided during the launch event of the online course “Social Mapping – Leave No One Behind (LNOB) and Evidence-Based Policy Making”, organised in Chișinău on March 31, 2026.

The e-learning course, initially developed by the Network of Associations of Local Authorities in South-Eastern Europe (NALAS) was adapted for the Republic of Moldova by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe to support the work of the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM). The self-learning course is now available on CALM’s E-Platform for Local Governance.

The purpose of the course is to provide professionals within local public authorities with the knowledge and tools necessary to coordinate the processes of planning, developing, and implementing Social Mapping under the principle “Leave No One Behind.” The course emphasizes the identification and understanding of the needs of disadvantaged groups so that the results obtained can be used in drafting local public policies, making evidence-based decisions, and providing social services without discrimination.

The launch event brought together representatives of central and local authorities, social workers, as well as members of civil society active in the field, who emphasised the importance of social mapping as an effective tool for creating public policies based on real data, facilitating a better understanding of community needs and existing inequalities. Concrete examples and practical methods were presented, highlighting the impact of data use for identifying vulnerable groups and developing inclusive public policies.

“The course on social mapping and evidence-based policy making, already implemented in six Western Balkan countries, was designed to help local public authorities draft better policies that meet the needs of vulnerable groups in their communities,” stated Mr. Boran Ivanoski, NALAS Program Director.

The event also marked the beginning of the first edition of the training program, which will take place over four weeks (March 31–May 5, 2026). After each module, an online webinar will follow allowing participants to share opinions, discuss challenges, and exchange experiences. The launch of the course marks an important stage in building the capacities of local public authorities in the Republic of Moldova, and in strengthening the quality of dialogue at both local and central levels, developing communities that respect and value every member.

“I enrolled in this online course as a participant, since the social field is my number one priority as mayor of Selemet village. With the help of this course, we aim to improve the quality of social services in our village and strengthen our dialogue with central authorities when addressing social issues in our community,” mentioned Ms. Tatiana Badan, CALM President and Mayor of Selemet.

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe remain an active partner of the Republic of Moldova, offering expertise, good practices, and support to help local authorities become active promoters of human rights, good governance, and inclusion.

The official launch event of the online course and the first edition of the facilitated training program was organised by the project “Promoting multi-level dialogue, open government and human rights at the local level in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, in collaboration with NALAS and CALM.