A successful census will require “broad and effective partnership” involving various government sectors, parliamentarians, civil society, the private sector and international organizations, Khin Yi, the chairperson of the National Population and Development Commission, told the forum.
The event was the first gathering of the newly established Parliamentary Committee on Population and Social Development. Committee chairperson Maung Maung Swe said: “Data obtained from the census will be linked to the national planning.”
UNFPA representative Mohamed Abdel-Ahad said: “ Censuses generate accurate information on population growth and help to estimate current and future needs, including needs for schools, teachers, hospitals, doctors, nurses and employment opportunities, housing, and social security and safety nets.”
A wide-ranging exchange followed with the members of the National Commission and the Parliamentary Committee. They discussed:
- The content of the census questionnaire
- Inclusiveness of the census of all the territories of Burma including coverage of remote areas
- The need to mobilize local authorities and constituencies to support the census at state, region, township and lower administrative levels.
- Communications activities using various channels—including the media, local leaders, faith-based organizations and community volunteers—needed to create public awareness about the census.
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