New momentum for civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) is building, driven by the confl uence of growing
demands for accountability and results in health, improved equity, and rights-based approaches to development
challenges, and by the immense potential of innovation and new technologies to accelerate CRVS improvement.
Examples of country successes in strengthening of hitherto weak systems are emerging. The key to success has
been to build collaborative partnerships involving local ownership by several sectors that span registration, justice,
health, statistics, and civil society. Regional partners can be important to raise awareness, set regional goals and
targets, foster country-to-country exchange and mutual learning, and build high-level political commitment. These
regional partners continue to provide a platform through which country stakeholders, development partners, and
technical experts can share experiences, develop and document good practices, and propose innovative approaches
to tackle CRVS challenges. This country and regional momentum would benefi t from global leadership,
commitment, and support.