The meeting brought key partners together to review preliminary findings and indicators from the census, an important step towards transforming demographic data into actionable national policy.
The preparation of the thematic reports is supported financially and technically by UNFPA and development partners, including the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Government of Luxembourg, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Four priority thematic reports – Fertility and Nuptiality, Mortality, Migration and Urbanization, and Population Projections – are being prioritized for 2026–2027. They form part of a broader series of 12 thematic reports planned to analyze key data from the 2025 Population and Housing Census.
The consultation brought together national line ministries, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Lao Women’s Union. Representatives of leading national academic and research institutions, international development partners, and core census donors also took part.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Vilaysook Sisoulath, Deputy Director General of the Department of Economic and Social Statistics, Ministry of Finance, emphasized the transition from national baseline statistics to targeted policy design.
“While the main census report gives us a high-level picture of our population, these deeper thematic studies help us understand changing trends across key sectors. The feedback gathered today will ensure these reports become practical guides for shaping our 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and directing government resources to where they are needed most in every province.”

During the technical sessions in the morning, international experts presented preliminary findings on core demographic indicators for Fertility, Nuptiality and Mortality in Lao PDR. Technical experts Mr. Ralph Hakkert and Mr. Ben Jarabi detailed key indicators, including fertility rates, marriage patterns, and adolescent birth trends. They were followed by baseline findings on infant, child, and maternal mortality, which are essential for assessing social service delivery and health equity across the country.
Participants provided comments and recommendations on the preliminary findings, indicators, and analytical approach. The session concluded with technical discussions on linking census data directly to digital mapping tools, so that results can be visualized and used at the provincial and district levels.
Feedback from the consultation will be incorporated into the draft reports. The thematic reports will be finalized and officially launched in 2027. The findings will strengthen national data systems and support efforts to improve health, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to expand opportunities for women, girls, and young people across Lao PDR.