This two-day event, held in Ottawa, Canada, explored new and emerging opportunities for CRVS systems strengthening, and gave space for policy and practice experts from around the world to find solutions to real, practical challenges.
Co-organized by the Centre of Excellence for CRVS Systems, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the event encouraged experts to share innovative ideas for strengthening CRVS systems, and to identify critical research and capacity needs to address pressing challenges. Conference discussions will culminate in a global work plan that prioritizes areas for investment over the next three to five years. The outcomes of the conference were presented at the 49th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission, held 6-9 March 2018 in New York.
Why was this event so important?
This conference convened participants from across sectors, disciplines, and regions to identify how best to harness the global momentum for strengthening CRVS systems to meet commitments to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Achieving the global agenda includes reaching target 16.9 to provide legal identity for all, including birth registration. However, it also requires accountability for the rights of women and children built on a robust foundation of data and evidence. Strong CRVS systems are at the heart of this requirement. The interoperability between CRVS systems and other national data systems (such as health information, social welfare, and identity management systems) presents opportunities for building stronger foundations for inclusive development and social protection.
Read the conference report and watch the proceedings
The conference plenary and panel sessions were recorded live in English and French. We invite you to:
- Read the conference report,
- Watch the conference proceedings, or
- Visit the conference website.