Vientiane: Ms. Phetsamone Sone, Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau and standing member of the National Steering Committee for the 5th Population and Housing Census (PHC), along with Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, UNFPA Representative, co-chaired the closing ceremony of a two-week-long data processing training. This training, held from 16-26 June 2026, was supported technically by UNFPA and development partners.
According to Lao News Agency, the training aimed to bolster the capacity of LSB staff in data editing and processing methodologies using AI. The methodologies included editing, imputation, coding, and validation of the extensive datasets collected during the nationwide field enumeration in late 2025 and the Post Enumeration Survey (PES) conducted in March 2026. Ms. Phetsamone highlighted that further training on data analysis is scheduled for July under the LSB-UNFPA work plan. The completion of these trainings will facilitate the preparation of a comprehensive report on the 2025 PHC findings, expected to be released in the coming months.
The Lao PDR embarked on its first-ever digital census from 3 November to 28 December 2025, following extensive planning and logistical preparations over four years. The census received technical support from UNFPA and financial and technical contributions from key development partners, including the Australian Government through DFAT, China Aid, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Luxembourg Development Cooperation, the United States of America, and GIZ.
The 2025 PHC aims to deliver a comprehensive and current snapshot of Lao PDR's population, demographic trends, and housing conditions. This data will serve as a foundation for evidence-based policymaking, development planning, resource allocation, and monitoring progress towards national development priorities and Sustainable Development Goals.
On 30 April 2026, the National Steering Committee for the 2025 PHC convened to review the census implementation progress. The committee urged the LSB and its partners to maintain momentum in data processing and analysis to ensure the timely release of high-quality census results.
Mr. Lienthong Souphany, Director General of the Economic-Social Statistic Department at the Lao Statistics Bureau, stated that following the completion of nationwide field data collection and PES, the 2025 PHC has entered its final phase. The data collected during this phase will be used for analysis and the development of the census findings report, which is expected to be disseminated soon.
"The 2025 Population and Housing Census has progressed in line with international standards despite various challenges throughout its implementation. The successful completion of each phase reflects the strong commitment, partnership, and collaboration among the Government of the Lao PDR, UNFPA, development partners, and all stakeholders involved," said Mr. Lienthong, who also serves as Head of the Census Central Office.
Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, UNFPA Representative, acknowledged the significant progress achieved and reaffirmed UNFPA's commitment to supporting the Government of the Lao PDR throughout the census process. He emphasized that the census is ultimately about people and provides critical evidence to inform policies and guide investments to improve the lives of all people in Lao PDR, particularly marginalized groups.
"As we move closer to completing the 2025 Population and Housing Census, we are reminded that a census is ultimately about people. Behind every data point is a person, a family, and a community," he said.