Political commitment and coordination were highlighted as key to achieving universal and responsive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems in all Asian and Pacific countries by 2024, at the closing of the first Regional Steering Group on CRVS today.
Convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the meeting held in Bangkok from 28 to 30 July agreed on how the Regional Steering Group will support countries in implementing the Regional Action Framework on CRVS in Asia and the Pacific. The Framework, which was adopted in November 2014, sets goals and targets for countries to achieve during the CRVS Decade for Asia and the Pacific 2015-2024.
Over the past two days, policymakers from 20 countries and partners proposed a detailed work programme to support CRVS systems in the region, identifying opportunities for enhanced knowledge-sharing, regional cooperation and collaboration. Development partners included UNICEF-ROSA, UNICEF- EAPRO, UNDP Asia-Pacific Regional Centre, UNHCR Regional Office in Thailand, WHO-SEARO, WHO-EMRO, IOM Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Brisbane Accord Group, World Vision International, Plan International and the UN Foundation.
“CRVS systems are critical to achieving inclusive, resilient and prosperous societies,” the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar emphasized in her welcome address. “They provide people with legal identity - a first and necessary step for them to exercise their rights and duties as members of society, and to making the most of their opportunities.”
Dr. Akhtar also highlighted the importance of CRVS systems in order to effectively monitor the implementation of the new development agenda. “Many of the proposed new sustainable development goals will rely heavily on data generated from CRVS systems, including Goal three on maternal health, Goal four on education, Goal five on gender equality, and Goal 17 on data for development,” said Dr. Akhtar.
Newly appointed chair of the Regional Steering Group, Honourable Mr. Jone Usamate, Minister for Health and Medical Service, Fiji acknowledged the importance of regional knowledge-sharing to advance CRVS systems: “Knowledge exchange and sharing lessons learnt is an integral part of strengthening CRVS in countries,” he said. “Strong political support, innovative ideas and integrating existing information systems lead to developing country-led doable action items through collaborative development partners’ assistance.”
The first Regional Steering Group meeting built on the Ministerial Conference on CRVS in Asia and the Pacific convened by ESCAP under theme of ‘Get Everyone in the Picture,” in November 2014, where a Ministerial Declaration was adopted to proclaim the ‘Asian and Pacific CRVS Decade, 2015-2024.’
For more information, please visit: www.getinthepicture.org.