The 2030 census round is anticipated to see further advancements in methodology and technology, emphasizing digital-first, multi-mode approaches (CAWI, CAPI, and CATI) and increased use of administrative data to supplement field operations. Geospatial information and tools will play a greater role in all census phases, including georeferencing and disseminating geocoded results. Further integration of population data systems with censuses is also anticipated. Additionally, COVID-19 lessons, particularly regarding emergency preparedness and contingency planning, will enhance census resilience. Finally, balancing cost efficiency, data quality, and privacy concerns will remain crucial, especially given funding limitations and evolving data demands; adaptability and stakeholder collaboration will also be essential for successful implementation.

To prepare for the 2030 round, the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) has revised its primary international standards on censuses: the Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses (Revision 4). This revision updates the previous version (Revision 3) to reflect current best practices in census planning, organization, conduct, and utilization. This revision addresses key areas including use of administrative data, geospatial integration, contingency planning, and quality assurance. The Principles and Recommendations will be submitted to the 56th session of Statistical Commission (UNSC) for endorsement. Accompanying handbooks and technical reports will also be updated later on, and UNSD, in collaboration with partners, will provide capacity building and technical support to countries through regional training workshops, direct technical assistance, and South-South cooperation.

The UNSC, as part of its Road to the Commission webinar series leading to its 56th session, is organizing a series of side events. This High-level Webinar will include Andres Vikat, Chief of the Social and Demographic Statistics Section (UNECE), Geoff Bowlby, Assistant Chief Statistician, Census, Regional Services and Operations (Statistics Canada), Federico Segui, Deputy Director General (National Statistical Institute of Uruguay) and Sharthi Lalprasad, Chief Director: Analytical Studies. (Statistics South Africa). The objectives are to:

• Promote the adoption and implementation of the revised Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses (Revision 4): Highlight the key updates, such as the use of administrative data, geospatial integration, contingency planning, and quality assurance.
• Facilitate the launch and implementation of the 2030 World Population and Housing Census Programme: Introduce the resolution on the 2030 census round, which urges Member States to conduct censuses or produce equivalent small-area statistics, and emphasize the importance of modern practices (including georeferencing and administrative data), quality standards, and timely data dissemination.
• Share lessons learned from the 2020 census round and prepare for census-taking in the 2030 round: Discuss and address challenges encountered in the 2020 round including those related to resource constraints, technological dependencies, and evolving data demands. Also highlight the anticipated advancements in the 2030 round, such as multi-mode approaches, increased use of administrative data and geospatial tools, and the development of integrated population data systems.

Register at: https://forms.office.com/e/pwQ4yvVYpY.