Vang vieng: The Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB), under the Ministry of Finance, has initiated a nationwide training program aimed at preparing enumerators and supervisors for the upcoming Census Post-Enumeration Survey (PES), which is scheduled for early February. The training, which commenced on January 26, is taking place over three days in Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province. It is designed to equip 277 field staff with the necessary skills to gather PES data from 184 Enumeration Areas (EAs) covering nearly 55,200 households.

According to Lao News Agency, the Head of the LSB, Ms. Phetsamone Sone, emphasized the importance of the PES in assessing the quality of the Population and Housing Census. She stated, "Its objective is to verify and evaluate data collected during the main field data collection of the 5th Population and Housing Census."

The PES employs an internationally recognized methodology to assess the coverage and quality of census data. This is critical in preparing the official census results, which are anticipated to be released in mid-2026. The nationwide field data collection for the first-ever digital census in Lao PDR officially began on November 3, 2025, after four years of preparation and extensive technical support from various international agencies.

UNFPA Representative Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov expressed pride in UNFPA's role as a key partner in the 2025 Population and Housing Census, highlighting its strategic significance for shaping an inclusive and evidence-based future in Lao PDR. He remarked, "The 2025 Census of Lao PDR is more than a population count; it is a commitment to leaving no one behind. The Post-Enumeration Survey is a vital tool for assessing the quality, accuracy and integrity of the data that will guide national development over the next decade."

The large-scale operation has been facilitated by strong cooperation between the Government of Lao PDR, UN agencies, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders.