A global expert workshop on operationalizing holistic approaches to CRVS system strengthening was held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 9-14 June.  The workshop, which was co-organized by the Government of Rwanda, Vital Strategies and ECA, in partnership with GFF, UNFPA, the CDC Foundation and UNICEF, brought together 105 CRVS experts, representing 37 countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America. The hands-on and case-based learning opportunity of this workshop, focused on aligning CRVS system strengthening strategies to the UN Principles and Recommendations for a Vital Statistics System and the UN Legal Identity Agenda, drawing on real-world experiences in strengthening CRVS systems across diverse countries.  The workshop further provided a platform to delve into the practical application of the process-centric approach to CRVS system strengthening which is outlined in the CRVS Systems Improvement Framework.  Participants also gained first-hand knowledge of the processes underlying the strengthening of the Rwandan CRVS system, through field visits to hospitals and health facilities in Kigali.

The workshop provided a basis for the potential establishment of a CRVS-strengthening community of practice among CRVS experts from around the world.