Civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems are more than administrative tools. They are powerful enablers of dignity, protection, and inclusion. A new podcast episode, Documenting Dignity: The Power of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, produced by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), highlights the importance of CRVS systems in ensuring that no one is left behind.

Behind every birth, marriage, and death lies a story, one that must be counted and recognized. This episode explores how CRVS systems are improving lives across Asia and the Pacific, and the collective effort to build systems that are universal, inclusive, and resilient.

The podcast includes reflections on the regional journey over the past decade, the achievements of governments and partners, and the continuing challenges in reaching the most vulnerable. From legal identity to health equity, the episode illustrates how timely and reliable vital statistics can help shape policy and protect rights.

The episode is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the role of CRVS in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Listen to the full episode: Documenting dignity: The power of civil registration and vital statistics