The Regional Steering Group (RSG) meeting for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in Asia and the Pacific convened for a full day online meeting in February 2025 to assess progress, discuss priorities, and prepare for the upcoming Third Ministerial Conference on CRVS in Bangkok. 

The meeting, opened by RSG Chair Trita Sharma, emphasized significant advancements in CRVS systems and set the stage for discussions on national assessments, sub-regional initiatives, and strategic coordination. Updates included the status of the regional questionnaire, ministerial conference preparations, and planned virtual consultations. A key focus was the draft Ministerial Declaration, which sparked debate on issues such as inclusivity, data quality, and digital infrastructure.

Presentations showcased national legislative and technological developments, with India highlighting amendments to the RBD Act (1969) enabling digital registration and electronic birth certificates, while Malaysia detailed advancements in birth and death registration, data integration, and cause-of-death reporting. Sub-regional initiatives also took center stage, with discussions on the role of CRVS in combating human trafficking, improving death registration through health sector contributions, and strengthening digital public infrastructure. The meeting underscored the need for accelerated implementation of the Regional Action Framework as the 2030 deadline approaches.

Looking ahead, RSG members committed to engaging in a series of virtual consultations in the coming months and reconvening at a Sub-Regional Forum prior to the Ministerial Conference in June. Discussions reinforced the collective effort to refine CRVS policies, align strategies, and advocate for key changes in the Ministerial Declaration. The meeting reaffirmed the region’s commitment to strengthening CRVS systems, with the upcoming Ministerial Conference serving as a pivotal opportunity to drive further progress towards universal and inclusive civil registration.