HelpAge network members gathered to learn more about CRVS and brainstorm together on the critical role of CRVS for old-age income security. The virtual event took place on 10 April 2025 in the framework of the HelpAge-facilitated income security learning group. Around 30 organisations attended the event, including the Foundation for Ageing and Inclusive Development (FAID, Pakistan), India’s Centre of People's Science for Rural Development (GRAVIS) and Resource Integration Centre (RIC) from Bangladesh. Presenters included Dr. Kala Peiries (Sri Lanka Centre for Development), Mr. Muhammad Bilal (FAID) and Dr. Sylvia Szabo (HelpAge International).

Key issues highlighted during the discussion focused on the barriers to strengthening CRVS systems including financial constraints, inadequate policies and legislative frameworks regarding administrative data, and poor physical and/or digital infrastructure. It also reviewed the implications of weak CRVS systems on the income security and wellbeing of older people.

Key negative implications emphasised included the barriers older people face to accessing social protection or a deceased spouse's pension, and to registering Older People’s Associations or micro credit/businesses, and accessing inheritance.

Mr. Bilal from FAID said: “Many older Pakistanis remain excluded from essential services due to missing documentation, including birth certificates. Strengthening our CRVS system is critical to accessing social protection programmes and medical services. At FAID, we are committed to a truly inclusive system that upholds the rights and dignity of older people.”

Learn more about HelpAge’s work to improve older people’s income security.