New Digital Tool to Help Social Workers Identify and Support Vulnerable Groups

A specialized four-day workshop has commenced to equip Maldivian social workers with a new digital tool designed to enhance the identification and support of the country's most vulnerable populations. The training focuses on the "Social Protection to Leave No One Behind" application, a resource developed through collaborative efforts between 2024 and 2025. The initiative is being conducted from August 9 to 12 in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). According to the ministry, the primary objective is to strengthen the technical capacity of public institutions and social workers. By utilizing national statistics and modern analytical tools, participants are learning how to formulate more effective policies and create a more inclusive social protection system. The application serves as a critical assessment tool, allowing officials to track progress across key pillars of human development, including employment opportunities, healthcare access, education, and overall quality of life. These metrics are closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators, ensuring that national efforts meet international benchmarks for social welfare. Twenty key stakeholders are participating in the sessions, representing a cross-section of the state's social infrastructure. This includes officials from the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), the Maldives Pension Administration Office, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the National Planning agency. By integrating data-driven insights into daily social work, the government aims to move toward a more proactive welfare model, ensuring that marginalized individuals are not overlooked in the delivery of essential state services.