Data-driven communities: how Moldova’s Local Authorities are using demographic insights and civic participation to build a better future

As Moldova advances on its path toward European integration, communities across the country are embracing a transformative shift: governing with reliable demographic data, engaging citizens meaningfully, and ensuring that no one is left behind. From Nisporeni to Sipoteni, from Puhăceni to Sărata Veche, local authorities, hometown associations, and diaspora networks are working hand in hand to redesign public services, strengthen social cohesion, and create opportunities at home with UNDP and UNFPA support through projects implemented as part of the Swiss Cooperation Office Programme "Moldova - Making the most of Migration" in partnership with the State Chancellery and Bureau  for Diaspora Relations of the Republic of Moldova. 

Turning statistics into real solutions 

In late 2024, ten local public authorities were selected through a competitive process to participate in an ambitious UNFPA supported program focused on effective public policies and transparent budgeting. Each locality received a $15,000 grant as well as access to training, and technical, including AI-driven tools needed to turn population data into sustainable, people-centered and needs-based solutions and policies. 

This effort builds on a national breakthrough achieved in 2024: with UNFPA support, the Government of Moldova institutionalized demographic forecasting at both national and local levels. As a result, population forecasts are prepared annually at the national level and every three years at the territorial level, providing authorities with essential data for strategic planning and sustainable development.  

Nisporeni: building services where they are needed most 

One of the selected localities, the city of Nisporeni, faces challenges familiar to many Moldovan communities: declining birth rates, youth migration, and an aging population. Until now, development planning often relied on estimations rather than disaggregated data. 

Following consultations with residents, the municipality chose to transform the long-abandoned Kindergarten No. 4 into a multifunctional center. The need was clear: families reported insufficient access to modern social and educational services, particularly for children with special educational needs (SEN). While Nisporeni lacks its own data on children with SEN, regional figures show 309 children with special needs enrolled in schools and preschools across the district. 

The grant will finance the feasibility study and technical documentation needed to unlock national and European funding for services such as speech therapy, psychology, neurology, an inclusive kindergarten, and a “Respiro” center for parents of children with disabilities.  

By May 2026, Nisporeni and the other 14 selected municipalities aim to expand these models to sectors such as health, education, and urban planning. In the long run, the city aims to develop a demographic monitoring system integrating administrative, participatory, and digital tools — including GIS maps and AI-powered analysis — to better target investments and justify decisions to the Local Council and citizens. 

Communities mobilizing for change 

Nisporeni is part of a broader landscape of local transformation. Across the Republic of Moldova, another 20 communities are implementing inclusive development initiatives with support from UNDP. Twenty hometown associations (HTA) received a $9,000 grant each to work with local authorities on community-led solutions. And the results are already visible: 

• In Cotiujenii Mari, a new day center now supports older residents.
• In Sărata Veche, children with special education needs benefit from expanded therapy and educational services.
• In Nimoreni, 400 new waste containers improved community sanitation.
• In Sipoteni and Puhăceni, newly installed accessibility ramps allow persons with disabilities, parents with strollers, and older adults to participate equally in community life. 

These achievements build on many years of cooperation and partnership that led to improved living conditions in over 120 communities, benefiting more than 500,000 people. 

Strengthening local leaders for long-term impact 

Another key intervention implemented by UNDP focuses on strengthening the organizational and community-mobilization capacities of hometown associations nationwide. Through “Next Level” capacity-building programme conducted by the CSO Alliance of Hometown Associations with UNDP and Switzerland support, during 2024-2025, 30 HTAs and 20 representatives of local public authorities have been trained and mentored to enhance their competencies in project management, good governance, fundraising, community mobilization, and diaspora engagement. The programme has already generated compelling success stories in communities such as Sireți, Cărbuna, Puhăceni, Scoreni, Pelinia, and Sipoteni. 

Complementing these community-focused initiatives UNDP is working with the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM) and the State Chancellery aiming to reinforce the essential role of local migration focal points, ensuring that returnees, migrants, and diaspora partners remain connected to local development. The results of a comprehensive assessment carried out in 80 communities on evaluating the functionality of existing migration focal points is informing now the updated profiles and Terms of Reference for migration focal points, capacity-development modules, and improved coordination mechanisms. 

From demographic forecasting to inclusive playgrounds, from data-driven investments in Nisporeni to community-led projects in dozens of villages, one message is clear: local development works best when it is grounded in facts, shaped by citizens, and supported by strong partnerships.