Governments commit to ensuring every birth is registered and every death in Asia and the Pacific is recorded by 2030
Outcomes of the Third Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Asia and the Pacific
The Third Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in Asia and the Pacific concluded today in Bangkok, marking a major milestone in the region’s journey toward achieving universal and inclusive CRVS systems.
At the closing of the conference, Governments across Asia and the Pacific made a landmark pledge to ensure that every birth and death is recorded by 2030. The commitment marks a major step toward realizing universal, inclusive, and resilient CRVS systems across the region.
It also highlights the importance of marriage registration, the role of civil registration in advancing gender equality, and the need for data sharing across ministries and agencies—while upholding privacy protections—as essential foundations for stronger governance, public health, and sustainable development.
The Declaration places people at the center, calling for inclusive, resilient, and digitally enabled CRVS systems that can withstand crises and reach the most marginalized populations. It also emphasizes the importance of marriage registration, the role of civil registration in advancing gender equality and the need for data sharing across ministries and agencies, whilst upholding privacy protections - all essential foundations for stronger governance, public health and sustainable development.
Progress over the decade
The number of unregistered children under the age of five has dropped by 62%, from 135 million in 2012 to 51 million in 2024.
Despite this progress, 14 million babies each year still go unregistered by their first birthday.
An estimated 6.9 million deaths go unregistered annually across Asia and the Pacific.
A quarter of countries and territories do not medically certify deaths, leaving major gaps in mortality data and evidence for public health planning.
A Call to Action: Getting Every One in the Picture
“This week has been a powerful call to action,” said Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.
“Together, let us move forward with renewed determination toward a future where every birth is registered, every death is recorded, and every person is seen.”
Stay connected
Thank you for being part of this transformative week.
Access the Ministerial Declaration here.
For updates, resources, and outcomes from the conference:
Let’s keep working together to Get Every One in the Picture and ensure that no one is left behind
