Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau, Ms Phetsamone Sone, and UNFPA Representative Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov co-chair the closing ceremony of a training course on data editing and processing. The training session was part of preparations for the report on the 2025 PHC findings, which are expected to be released over the next few months.

2025 census nears reporting phase with data analysis underway

The Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB), part of the Ministry of Finance, last Friday concluded a training session on data editing and processing, marking a major step forward in the final stage of the 5th Population and Housing Census (PHC).
Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau, Ms Phetsamone Sone, and standing member of the National Steering Committee for the 5th PHC and UNFPA Representative, Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, co-chaired the closing ceremony of the two-week-long data processing training, which took place from June 16-26 with technical support from UNFPA and other development partners.
Ms Phetsamone said “The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of LSB staff in methodologies and practices for data editing and processing using AI through hands-on opportunities with an international expert.”
“These methodologies included data editing, imputation, coding, and validation of the extensive datasets collected during the nationwide field enumeration at the end of 2025 and the Post Enumeration Survey conducted in March 2026. Trainees also learned how to use AI in data editing and processing.”
Training in data analysis will be conducted in July under the LSB-UNFPA work plan, she added.
The training sessions pave the way for the preparation of a comprehensive report on the 2025 Population and Housing Census findings, which are expected to be released over the next few months.
The government carried out nationwide field data collection for the first digitally-conducted census from November 3 to December 28, 2025, following four years of extensive planning and logistical preparations.
The census was implemented with technical support from UNFPA and financial and technical contributions from 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 census aimed to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date snapshot of Laos’ population, demographic trends, and housing conditions.
The data will serve as an important foundation for evidence-based policymaking, development planning, resource allocation, and the monitoring of progress towards national development priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals, and other development commitments.
On April 30, the National Steering Committee for the 2025 PHC convened to review progress in the implementation of the census. The committee called on the Lao Statistics Bureau and its partners to maintain momentum in data processing and analysis to ensure timely release of high quality census results to the public.
Director General of the Economic and Social Statistics Department at the Lao Statistics Bureau, Mr Lienthong Souphany, said that following the completion of nationwide field data collection at the end of 2025 and the Post Enumeration Survey in 2026, the 2025 census has reached its final phase.
During this period, the data collected will be used for analysis and the development of the census findings report, which is expected to be disseminated in the near future.
“The 2025 Population and Housing Census has progressed in line with international standards and objectives outlined despite various challenges encountered throughout its implementation,” said Mr Lienthong, who is also Head of the Census Central Office.
“The successful completion of each phase reflects the strong commitment, partnership and collaboration between the Lao government, UNFPA, other development partners, and all stakeholders involved. The census results will provide critical evidence to inform national development planning, policymaking, and resource allocation,” he added.
The UNFPA Representative, Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, welcomed the significant progress achieved over the past several years and reaffirmed UNFPA’s continued commitment to supporting the government throughout the census process.
He said UNFPA remains a long-standing partner in ensuring the successful completion of the census and the timely dissemination and use of high-quality census data to inform evidence-based policies and development planning.
“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. The census provides critical evidence to inform policies and guide investments, and support development decisions that improve the lives of all people in Laos, particularly women, girls, young people, older persons, and those who are often left behind,” Dr Kadyrov said.
“By ensuring that everyone is counted, we can better ensure that everyone is seen, heard, and included in the development journey,” he added.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 1, 2026)