06 February 2024, Vientiane, Lao PDR - The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) jointly organized a consultation meeting prior to the Round Table Implementation Meeting on the 13th of February to mobilize and reinforce partnerships and resources for the timely implementation of 5th Population and Housing Census set to generate quality data for development.
This important event was organized by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, including the Ministry’s Department of International Cooperation and Lao Statistics Bureau in partnership with UNFPA to engage and update development partners on one of the key priorities of the Government of Lao PDR, which is 5th Population and Housing Census, and the strategies and resources required to implement this massive exercise on time and with high standards of quality.
In his opening remarks H.E. Khamjane Vongphosy, Minister of Planning and Investment said “The meeting today serves as a platform to work together to secure the necessary funding for the 2025 Population and Housing Census for its timely and quality implementation. This is considering a financial gap of 30% equivalent to more than US$ 7 million, with 70% of the total Census budget funded by the Government and other donors, including World Bank, UNFPA, USAID, the Government of Australia and the Government of China”.
Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, UNFPA Representative said “From now till March 2025, we must ensure that all resources, human and financial are deployed, that tools and infrastructures are ready, and that every citizen in Lao PDR is aware of the census and is counted. It takes concerted efforts of development partners and the value-added role and collaborative advantage of various sectors in terms of substantive, technical and financial support to make the Census a success.
Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov further noted that the upcoming Population and Housing Census in 2025 represents more than just a statistical exercise; it is a transformative opportunity to illuminate the path towards a truly inclusive and sustainable future for all Lao citizens.
The meeting took note that the 2025 Population and Housing Census is crucial for monitoring progress on SDGs, national development targets and informing the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan. As Laos moves toward middle-income status in 2026, data and evidence will be even more crucial for the government, the market, and public services to make evidence-based decisions on the path to bringing about economic growth and impact while leaving no one behind
In conclusion, the meeting referred to one of the recommendations of the National Conference on Population and Development in October 2023, delivered by H.E. Professor Dr. Kikeo Khaikhamphithoune, Deputy Prime Minister of Lao PDR, which encourages all development partners and national stakeholders to invest in strengthening population data governance systems and national monitoring frameworks for socio-economic development by prioritizing the Census and Lao Social Indicator Survey to inform the 10th NSEDP for 2026-2030.
The meeting brought together representatives from various government agencies, embassies, development partners, and the private sector to discuss the progress of the implementation of the 9th NSEDP, the preparation of the 10th NSEDP, and the data gaps that need to be addressed. The discussion also highlighted the importance of a harmonized approach for financing and resource allocation for data generation through the upcoming population and housing census in Lao PDR scheduled for March 2025, as well as effective coordination mechanisms among different stakeholders.
The 5th census in Lao PDR- as the first ever digital census- aims to collect data from circa 1.4 million households in 18 provinces within three weeks, using handheld devices, Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI), and Geographic Information System (Satellite imagery) technologies. The number of field personnel undertaking this massive task is estimated at 13,150 enumerators.
The meeting concluded with a fruitful discussion that helped identify potential challenges and innovative solutions for financing and fundraising initiatives and with a consensus on the next steps and actions to be taken by all parties to ensure the successful implementation of the 2025 Census in Lao PDR.
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UNFPA, the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency, works in over 150 countries, including Lao PDR, to achieve zero maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning and zero gender-based violence.
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